Who is he?

Awang Adek Hussin is Malaysia’s new ambassador-designate to the United States. Awang previously served as deputy finance minister from 2006 to 2008 and again from 2009 to 2013. Before that he spent nearly a decade at the central bank, Bank Negara Malaysia, where he worked as director of economics (1992-1994), director of bank regulations (1994-1996), and assistant governor (1996-2001). Awang holds a PhD in economics from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.

Why is he in the news?

Prime Minister Najib Razak has appointed Awang to be Malaysia’s next ambassador to the United States, a post that has been vacant since Ambassador Othman Hashim left Washington in August 2013.

What can we expect?

Awang will be a much needed link between Washington and Kuala Lumpur. Relations have improved significantly under the governments of President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Najib, but the absence of an ambassador in Washington slows further progress. Former ambassador Jamaluddin Jarjis has been the main contact between the two capitals, splitting his time between Kuala Lumpur and Washington as Malaysia’s interim special envoy to the United States.

Awang will be an excellent resource for the Washington policy community, and his appointment ahead of Obama’s long-awaited visit in April is timely. Awang’s economic background will be useful as both governments work to finalize the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, and his experience on both sides of the Pacific will help further the burgeoning U.S.-Malaysia partnership.