Matthew J. Matthews

Matthew John Matthews is an American diplomat who has served as the United States Ambassador to Brunei since 2019.

Early life and education

Matthews earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oregon and a Master of Arts from Johns Hopkins University. He studied at Fu Jen Catholic University, the Inter-University Program, and the Foreign Service Institute in Taipei, Taiwan.

Career

Matthews is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor. He has served as an American diplomat since 1986. He served as Ambassador for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

He spent much of his Foreign Service career in the Asia-Pacific region with senior assignments in Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, and the Department of Defense Pacific Command. Additionally, he has served as Chief of the Internal Unit, Economic Section, Embassy of the United States, Beijing (2001-04), Deputy Chief of the Economic Office, American Institute in Taiwan (1998-2001), and Economic Officer in Embassy of the United States, Islamabad (1995-97).

On August 23, 2018, President Trump announced his intention to nominate Matthews as the next Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam. On January 2, 2019, his nomination was confirmed by voice vote.

Awards

Matthews is the recipient of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joint Distinguished Civilian Service Award.

Personal life

Matthews speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese.