Washington, DC; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | May 8, 2025– The Asia Group (TAG) is pleased to announce that Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria has joined the firm as a Senior Advisor based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Sta Maria’s appointment reflects TAG’s conviction that Malaysia is an important driver of Southeast Asia’s digital economy and resilient supply chains through its robust semiconductor and electronics sectors, expansion of data centers, extensive energy production, and innovative adoption of AI.
“Rebecca’s distinguished career leading key Malaysian trade policy and guiding institutions like the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is unparalleled,” said Jim Loi, Managing Partner at TAG. “Her experience driving meaningful progress in regional economic reform, digital transformation, and clean energy transitions will enable TAG’s clients to navigate today’s heightened policy uncertainty in both East Asia and Washington with smart, effective strategies.”
Sta Maria brings over 40 years of distinguished service as a top-level Malaysian civil servant and key trade negotiator. Prior to joining The Asia Group, she was the first woman to serve as Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat based in Singapore from 2019 through 2024. Previously, Sta Maria served as Secretary-General of the Malaysian Ministry of International Trade and Industry from 2010 to 2016, overseeing the formulation of Malaysia’s international trade policies and negotiations, including as chief negotiator for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Sta Maria played an integral role in multilateral forums, where she often represented Malaysia during the APEC Ministers’ Responsible for Trade Meetings and the Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meetings. Sta Maria also chaired the ASEAN body responsible for the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprints for 2015 and 2025.
TAG’s Southeast Asia Practice advises clients across key sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare, energy, defense, telecoms, and manufacturing markets. With a deeply integrated team of partners, senior advisors, and local partnerships in Hanoi, Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila, TAG delivers strategic guidance and business solutions across all major Southeast Asian markets.
For more information, please visit www.theasiagroup.com or contact David Edwards at (202) 771-5222 or dedwards@keybridge.biz.
About The Asia Group
The Asia Group is the premier strategic advisory firm to the world’s leading companies seeking to excel across the Indo-Pacific. With a team of dynamic and experienced professionals – from consultants and former senior government officials to lawyers and investment bankers – The Asia Group supports companies with end-to-end integrated strategies for market entry and expansion.