Senior Director, Public Affairs

Oracle

Running for:  Governor

 

Campaign Statement

Getting the US-China relationship right is one of the greatest challenges our generation faces. It impacts our economies, societies, environment and global institutions, particularly with trade and technology shortening distances and blurring borders. The economic component of the relationship is critical, affecting all facets of the complicated and increasingly strained ties between our two countries. Fortunately, commercial engagement, as embodied in the partnerships and ongoing day-to-day dealings of US companies in the China market, and Chinese companies in the US market, provides a strong foundation that has enabled the relationship to weather many a storm.

It certainly seems there's no shortage of storm clouds, though, particularly with regards to information communications technology, as we work to sort out complex issues like cyber security, data policy, privacy policy, IP protection and innovation policy. At the end of the day, though, technical jargon aside, it comes down to people – face-to-face interactions and personal connections, finding ways to work together despite differences, to solve common challenges, and to chart together a common future.

AmCham China is therefore uniquely placed to have a huge impact. As our members fully appreciate, bridging the gap of understanding between regulators, policy-makers and business executives on both sides of the ocean is a huge challenge, one that goes beyond differences in language, culture, history and time zones, one that cuts to the heart of building trust and credibility. This is AmCham's sweet spot. Driven by a vibrant community of experienced, thoughtful professionals, representing some of the world’s most dynamic and innovative companies, AmCham China has a proud history of providing a platform for honest dialogue and substantive cooperation.

To address the challenges in the US-China relationship, we need AmCham to effectively amplify and project the voice of the US business community in China. And that requires active participation and support from AmCham’s community of business leaders.

AmCham has been a huge part of my career in China these past twenty-some years. I’ve been very fortunate over the years to be able to work with some amazing people in the AmCham community, contributing to AmCham’s advocacy work through forums, committees, and multiple annual white paper cycles. I’ve also had the opportunity during my recent tenure at the U.S. Information Technology Office to partner closely with AmCham on policy advocacy in difficult areas in the technology sector. It would be an honor for me to contribute more by serving on the AmCham Board of Governors.


Biography

Matt Roberts has been working in China for more than 20 years in leadership roles in business strategy, government relations and policy, with a focus on new media and information communications technology.

Matt joined Oracle in May 2017 as Senior Director, Public Affairs, responsible for working with public policy makers in China and South East Asia to develop beneficial policies that support the healthy growth of information communications technology.

From 2011 through early 2016, Matt spearheaded policy advocacy in China for the US information communications technology (ICT) sector as managing director of the U.S. Information Technology Office (USITO), an independent, non-profit, membership-based trade association representing 50 of the leading U.S. ICT companies and four U.S.-headquartered ICT trade associations. Key initiatives included developing consensus-based advocacy strategy and leading engagement with government offices, think tanks, and academic institutions in diverse policy areas, including cyber security, telecommunications and cloud computing policy, Internet governance, standards, intellectual property protection, and industrial policy.

Prior to joining USITO, Matt served as general manager of the launch team for the About.com China site.  In that role, Matt worked with top management at About.com and its parent company The New York Times Company in formulating business strategy, driving revenue growth, building the team, and cultivating the initial community of 300+ grassroots expert contributors.

Prior to that, Matt served as an investment consultant, assisting multinational online media companies with China entry strategy and providing Chinese online media companies with strategic advisory services.  He led business development and operations for Dow Jones in China from 2000 to 2005. Matt has been an active contributor to the American Chamber of Commerce’s public policy advocacy.

Matt is a native of Pennsylvania, USA, and holds a BA degree in Asian Studies from Dartmouth College.