2025 U.S. Ambassadors' Tour Strengthens U.S.-ASEAN Ties
Washington, D.C. – This week, the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) took two current U.S. ambassadors—the Honorable MaryKay Carlson, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines; and the Honorable Marc E. Knapper, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam—on the annual U.S. Ambassadors’ Tour. Led by USABC’s Regional Managing Director, Senior Vice President, and incoming interim President and CEO Amb. Brian McFeeters (ret.), the delegation toured San Francisco on June 16-17, San Diego on June 17-19, and Washington, D.C. on June 20. The tour featured engagements with the private sector, the City of San Diego, and non-profit organizations. This year’s tour focused on promoting greater collaboration among U.S. and Southeast Asian stakeholders in California and Washington.
In San Francisco, the delegation visited Atmo, Astranis, NASA’s Ames Research Center, Lyten, and the Defense Innovation Unit. Supported by U.S. Commercial Service San Francisco, the delegation held in-depth discussions on business opportunities and innovative applications of artificial intelligence with key business leaders from U.S. tech companies and venture capital firms. The delegation also toured the Asian Art Museum, which included a walkthrough of the Southeast Asian galleries.
In San Diego, the delegation met with Mayor Todd Gloria to explore ways to strengthen cooperation between San Diego and cities in the Philippines and Vietnam. This was followed by site visits to USABC member companies General Atomics and Illumina, a reception hosted by San Diego World Affairs Council, and a business roundtable in partnership with the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Commercial Service San Diego. The San Diego leg concluded with a visit to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance to highlight the fight against wildlife trafficking, preserving biodiversity, and promoting sustainable conservation practices across the region.
In Washington, the tour continued with a meeting at USABC member Roblox’s Washington office. The ambassadors also joined a lunch reception and roundtable discussion with leaders in the Southeast Asian policy community. Senior Bureau Official Sean O’Neill from the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs and Acting Bureau Head Jennifer Bachus from the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy delivered keynote remarks underscoring the United States’ commitment to strengthening U.S.-ASEAN relations. This was followed by a discussion on digital economy opportunities in Southeast Asia, with many reports projecting that the region’s digital economy could reach $1 trillion in value by 2030. His Excellency Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, Ambassador of Thailand to the United States, also joined the panel with the U.S. ambassadors.
“This year’s U.S. Ambassadors Tour included visits to San Francisco, San Diego, and Washington, D.C.—three cities that reflect the strength and diversity of U.S. industry and policy,” said Ambassador McFeeters. “In San Francisco, discussions focused on satellite technology, AI, and innovative technologies. San Diego highlighted collaboration opportunities in biotech and energy research. In Washington, D.C., the tour centered on digital policy and economic engagement.” He concluded, “These engagements offer a clear picture of where U.S.-ASEAN cooperation can grow. By connecting regional ambassadors with leaders in these key sectors, we’re laying the groundwork for stronger, more strategic partnerships in the years ahead.”
Member companies participating in the 2025 U.S. Ambassadors’ Tour included Atmo, General Atomics, Illumina, and Roblox.