A Diplomat's Guide to Building Global Relationships
With Enterprise Singapore's Mike Ang
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Mike Ang, a seasoned diplomat and the Regional Director of Enterprise Singapore in North America, joins Tuesdays with Morrisey to explore the art of building lasting global relationships. With a diverse background that includes postings in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the U.S., Mike shares his journey in fostering economic diplomacy and understanding the human element at the heart of international affairs.
Episode Highlights (~60 seconds, Full Episode Linked Above)
Top Takeaways:
The Core of Diplomacy: Mike explains that diplomacy is about building trust and long-term relationships, whether for gathering unfiltered information in foreign markets or representing Singapore’s interests globally. He emphasizes that success often lies in understanding the cultural and political nuances of a country beyond the surface level.
Economic Diplomacy in Action: As a representative of Singapore, Mike's role involves opening doors for Singaporean companies to expand into international markets. He shares insights on the complexities of doing business in regions like the Middle East, where trust and personal relationships are critical to success.
Adapting to Cultural Norms: Mike reflects on his experiences across different countries, highlighting the importance of adaptability. From navigating the austere environment of Saudi Arabia to understanding American business culture, he explains how building connections requires flexibility, patience, and cultural sensitivity.
The Power of Soft Diplomacy: We discuss influence of soft power—how Singapore leverages its culture, cuisine, and reputation for safety and business efficiency to build a strong global presence.
Maintaining Long-Term Relationships: Mike underscores the importance of "playing the long game" in diplomacy. Even after leaving a posting, keeping in touch with key contacts and nurturing those relationships over time is essential for sustained success in global affairs.
Resources:
Full List of Topics Covered:
Mike's role in economic diplomacy and how he helps Singaporean companies navigate foreign markets.
The importance of understanding cultural nuances and how diplomats build trust in opaque environments.
Experiences from Mike’s postings in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the U.S., and how these shaped his approach to diplomacy.
The role of soft power in shaping perceptions of Singapore around the world, from food to business opportunities.
The evolving nature of diplomacy in the digital age and the impact of social media on global relationships.
Insights on maintaining long-term relationships in international affairs and how these connections are vital for personal and national success.
Hope you enjoy this insightful conversation! Feel free to share your thoughts and let me know what resonates with you.
- Adam