NATIONAL
Outgoing U.S. envoy says Malaysia ties stronger, urges continuity on trade, education
A veteran diplomat, Kagan previously served on the U.S. National Security Council and as deputy chief of mission in India and Malaysia before returning to Kuala Lumpur as ambassador in December 2023. -BERNAMA
KUALA LUMPUR: Outgoing United States Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan said he will leave Kuala Lumpur confident that bilateral ties are stronger and more resilient than when he arrived, citing expanded trade, investment, security and people-to-people cooperation during his tenure.
Speaking briefly at the launch of the U.S. “Freedom 250” celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, Kagan said cooperation between the two countries had deepened and that “when the United States and Malaysia work together, we are incredibly effective.”
Kagan, who will depart Malaysia in mid-February, said the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) signed during his tenure would bolster bilateral commerce, despite criticism from some quarters.
He noted rising trade flows, with Malaysian exports to the United States up about 14% in the first 11 months of last year, while U.S. exports to Malaysia increased by around 7.5% to 8%.
Having just returned from Sabah and Sarawak, Kagan highlighted the growing U.S. economic footprint in East Malaysia, with oil and gas as a longstanding pillar of investment, alongside opportunities in tourism, technology, and data centres.
“The biggest investments announced by American companies in the last five years were from companies already operating in Malaysia,” Kagan said. “It shows they are willing to double down.”
He added that sectors such as offshore energy services, consumer goods and digital infrastructure will likely shape future U.S.-Malaysia economic ties.
Looking ahead, Kagan said efforts to promote Malaysia as a destination for American students are underway but would require continued work by his successor, with tangible results expected over the next year.
When asked what he would miss most about Malaysia, Kagan said, “Malaysians”.
“Malaysians have been so welcoming, so kind, so warm.There's such incredible dynamism, such diversity.”
A veteran diplomat, Kagan previously served on the U.S. National Security Council and as deputy chief of mission in India and Malaysia before returning to Kuala Lumpur as ambassador in December 2023.
He said his departure was a personal decision following more than three decades in the U.S. State Department. He plans to join a Washington-based think tank focusing on Asia, where he hopes to continue contributing to U.S.-Malaysia and broader Indo-Pacific relations.
U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Australian-American political commentator Nick Adams to succeed Kagan, pending U.S. Senate confirmation.
Speaking briefly at the launch of the U.S. “Freedom 250” celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, Kagan said cooperation between the two countries had deepened and that “when the United States and Malaysia work together, we are incredibly effective.”
Kagan, who will depart Malaysia in mid-February, said the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) signed during his tenure would bolster bilateral commerce, despite criticism from some quarters.
He noted rising trade flows, with Malaysian exports to the United States up about 14% in the first 11 months of last year, while U.S. exports to Malaysia increased by around 7.5% to 8%.
Having just returned from Sabah and Sarawak, Kagan highlighted the growing U.S. economic footprint in East Malaysia, with oil and gas as a longstanding pillar of investment, alongside opportunities in tourism, technology, and data centres.
“The biggest investments announced by American companies in the last five years were from companies already operating in Malaysia,” Kagan said. “It shows they are willing to double down.”
He added that sectors such as offshore energy services, consumer goods and digital infrastructure will likely shape future U.S.-Malaysia economic ties.
Looking ahead, Kagan said efforts to promote Malaysia as a destination for American students are underway but would require continued work by his successor, with tangible results expected over the next year.
When asked what he would miss most about Malaysia, Kagan said, “Malaysians”.
“Malaysians have been so welcoming, so kind, so warm.There's such incredible dynamism, such diversity.”
A veteran diplomat, Kagan previously served on the U.S. National Security Council and as deputy chief of mission in India and Malaysia before returning to Kuala Lumpur as ambassador in December 2023.
He said his departure was a personal decision following more than three decades in the U.S. State Department. He plans to join a Washington-based think tank focusing on Asia, where he hopes to continue contributing to U.S.-Malaysia and broader Indo-Pacific relations.
U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Australian-American political commentator Nick Adams to succeed Kagan, pending U.S. Senate confirmation.