Dr Kenneth Chern
Kenneth Chern took up his duties as United States Consul General
in Perth, Australia in August 2007. 
His immediate prior assignment was as Deputy Consul General in
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; before that, he served as Deputy
Director of the Office of Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and
Singapore Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.
Focusing on East Asian and Pacific affairs, he has also been
posted to Beijing, Taipei, Hong Kong, Manila, and Cebu.
In earlier Washington assignments, he worked at the State
Department’s China Desk, the Japan Desk, and the Australia/New
Zealand Desk.
He served in the White House as Director of Asian Affairs at the
National Security Council, helping to organise the first APEC
leaders meeting in Seattle.
He has won three individual Superior Honor Awards for his work
in counterterrorism, human rights, and public diplomacy, and has
been cited in several group awards.
He has an extensive background in political affairs, and is
experienced in trade, science and technology issues.
About the Consul General
The Consul General is the post’s Principal Officer and
coordinates all functions of the US Government in the Perth
consular district.
The Consul General maintains contact with senior Australian
officials, both state and federal, within the consular district and
keeps the Embassy and Washington informed of important political,
economic and other developments affecting US interests.
The Consul General often represents the United States at public
functions and addresses various groups and organisations on issues
affecting Australian-American relations.
Briefing visiting US officials and American business
representatives is also an important responsibility.
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