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Embassy Kuala Lumpur's new Deputy Chief of Mission, Rob Rapson, arrived on Friday, July 25, 2008 and has assumed his duties.
Mr. Rapson is a career U.S. diplomat who joined the U.S. Department of State in 1983. He was formerly the Director of the
Office of Mainland Southeast Asia (MLS), which has lead responsibilities in the Department of State for issues related to Burma,
Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. From August 2005 to July 2006 he was the MLS Deputy Director.
Mr. Rapson's previous postings include U.S. Embassy New Delhi, where he was the Economic Minister Counselor, two separate
tours at our Embassy in Seoul, Korea, and overseas postings in Japan and Indonesia. Immediately prior to his arrival in the Office
of Mainland Southeast Asia Affairs, he was the Division Chief for Bilateral Trade Affairs for Asia, Near East and Africa in the
Department's Economic Bureau. Mr. Rapson's other Washington assignments include tours on the Japan Desk and as a Watch Officer in
the Department's Operations Center.
Mr. Rapson holds a BA from Pennsylvania State University and is a graduate of the Singapore American School. He is married
with two children.
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
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Deputy Chief of Mission Rapson