Offices & Departments
Deputy Chief of Mission
Robert G. Rapson
Biography
Mr. Rapson, a career U.S. diplomat who joined the U.S. Department of State in 1983, is currently assigned as Deputy Chief of Mission to the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Immediately prior to coming to Malaysia in July 2008, he was the Director of the Office of Mainland Southeast Asia (MLS), which has lead responsibilities in the Department of State for policy issues concerning Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. From August 2005 to July 2006 he was the Deputy Director of that office.
Mr. Rapson's previous overseas assignments include U.S. Embassy New Delhi, where he was the Economic Minister Counselor, two separate tours at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, Korea, and postings in Japan and Indonesia. Mr. Rapson's assignments in Washington include Division Chief for Bilateral Trade Affairs for Asia, Near East and Africa in the State Department's Economic Bureau, Desk Officer in the Office of Japanese Affairs, and Watch Officer in the Department's 24-hour Operations Center.
Mr. Rapson holds a BA from Pennsylvania State University and is a graduate of the Singapore American School. His wife and two children reside with him in Kuala Lumpur. He enjoys tennis and golf in his spare time.
The Deputy Chief of Mission (or DCM) is the second-ranking official of the United States Government in Malaysia. He serves as the "Chief Operating Officer" of the U.S. Embassy and is responsible for the management of the Embassy's day-to-day activities. As the Ambassador's deputy, he can substitute for him, and speak for him, in all matters. During the Ambassador's absence from post, he officially replaces him as the senior official of the U.S. Government in Malaysia, serving formally as Charge d'affaires ad interim of the Embassy.