To lead the UK's technology partnerships with Malaysia, delivering UK priorities across Semiconductors, AI, Digital, Life Sciences, Education and advanced technologies in support of the High Commission's new 3-year Country Business Plan.
Driving economic growth is the UK Government's number one priority, and Malaysia is a key growth market for the UK. This role will play a central part in delivering that objective by providing leadership and vision to a newly configured tech team of 3 x HEOs in order to unlock technology-driven trade, investment and partnership opportunities for the UK & Malaysia.
Through the team, and reporting to the Economic Counsellor, the jobholder will develop strong partnerships to position the UK as Malaysia's trusted, values-aligned partner for responsible technology and digital transformation, while embedding UK expertise, R&D, standards and companies in Malaysia's digital economy.
The role will bring a strategic approach to the High Commission's priorities on Semiconductors, AI, Digital, Life Sciences, Education and advanced technologies. This will be achieved by strong leadership of the policy experts and coordinating a whole-of-HMG approach, working closely with DBT, STN/DSIT, Regional Economics Team in Singapore and the wider network. The jobholder will need to integrate policy and programme levers to help translate these into sound growth opportunities that can move forward to form competitive UK offers.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Lead delivery of BHC Kuala Lumpur's technology strategy (Semiconductors, AI, Digital & Data, Education & Life Sciences and advanced technologies, aligned to the Country Business Plan and wider HMG growth priorities;
- Provide empowering leadership to the tech team comprising 3 HEOs to coordinate cross-mission and cross-government engagement on technology, ensuring alignment across policy and programmatic activity and effective use of HMG levers;
- Lead cross-government coordination with DBT, DSIT, DfE and wider HMG partners, ensuring the UK presents a single, coherent offer and maximises impact in a competitive environment;
- Lead engagement and influencing on technology policy, including AI governance, digital regulation, data, and emerging technology issues;
- Support the team to build and maintain senior relationships across Malaysian government, regulators, industry and academia to advance UK objectives and unlock partnerships;
- Coordinate with DBT to identify and deliver the pipeline of policy work needed to create tangible growth opportunities for UK businesses in Semiconductors, AI, Digital & Data, Life Sciences and advanced technologies;
- Contribute directly to HMG's growth objectives, using technology partnerships as a lever to drive exports, investment and long-term economic impact for the UK;
- Support development of the UK–Malaysia tech ecosystem, including innovation partnerships, SME engagement, and research and skills collaboration;
- Provide high-quality policy analysis and reporting on Malaysia's and SE Asia's tech landscape, including regulatory developments, market opportunities and geopolitical dynamics;
- Advise senior leadership on technology trends, risks and opportunities, shaping UK strategy and engagement;
- Oversee delivery of relevant programmes and funding, ensuring impact, coherence and value for money.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience:
- Experience of managing and delivering through a team, including line management;
- At least 5 years experience of policy analysis, partnerships or programme delivery in technology, digital, innovation or related sectors;
- Experience working with or in the public sector and/or international institutions;
- Experience of project or programme management;
- Strong IT skills in MS Office applications;
- Experience developing evidence-based policy recommendations;
- Proven ability to build and maintain stakeholder relationships across public, private and third sectors
Language requirements:
Language: English
Level of language required: Fluent spoken and written
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience:
- Strong understanding of technology policy, digital economy or innovation ecosystems;
- Experience in AI, data policy, digital government or emerging technologies;
- Knowledge of Malaysia or Southeast Asia
- Experience working across UK Government or cross-government environments
Interested applicants may file applications on or before 23:55 of 9 September 2026.
