Edelman strengthens Southeast Asia public affairs team

Edelman has expanded its Public and Government Affairs capability in Southeast Asia, appointing Wai Leong Tang to lead senior advisory support for corporate leaders across the region.

The move reflects growing demand for strategic guidance at the intersection of corporate reputation, public policy and regulatory change, particularly for multinational organisations operating in complex political environments.

Expanding regional government affairs expertise

Based in Singapore, Wai Leong Tang joins Edelman from H/Advisors, where he served as Head of Public Affairs for the region. In his new role, he will report to Delicia Tan, CEO of Edelman for Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

His remit includes advising CEOs, boards and strategy leaders on how political and regulatory developments shape business outcomes, reputation and long-term operational stability across Southeast Asia.

Delicia Tan, CEO, Edelman Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan: "As the cost of getting politics wrong rises, leaders need partners who understand how government works across this region. This expanded capability strengthens our ability to help CEOs stay ahead of risk, not just respond to it. Wai Leong brings a clear regional perspective on how these dynamics play out market by market, and how leaders can engage governments with confidence and credibility."

Aligning public affairs with business strategy

The expanded capability will focus on integrating government engagement, policy intelligence and communications into broader corporate strategy. Edelman aims to help organisations anticipate regulatory shifts and align decision-making with local political realities across markets including Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia.

The approach reflects a shift in how public affairs is positioned, moving from a reactive function to a core component of strategic planning in an increasingly volatile regional landscape.

Wai Leong Tang, Head of Public and Government Affairs, Southeast Asia, Edelman: "Across Southeast Asia, politics and policy are no longer peripheral issues; they are core drivers of business risk, trust and growth. Leaders today must balance regional strategy with local political realities, while demonstrating credibility with governments, regulators and the public. Our role at Edelman is to help them do that with clarity and confidence."

Strengthening expertise in technology and regulatory risk

The capability is further supported by Kenn Yee, Senior Program Manager, who brings experience in technology policy, data governance and cybersecurity across Asia-Pacific. His role focuses on helping organisations navigate increasing regulatory scrutiny around digital infrastructure and emerging technologies.

The expansion underscores Edelman’s focus on helping clients translate complex policy environments into actionable business strategies, particularly in sectors facing rapid technological and regulatory change.

Positioning for a more complex regional landscape

By strengthening its Public and Government Affairs practice, Edelman is responding to heightened geopolitical tension and evolving regulatory frameworks across Southeast Asia. The firm is positioning its advisory services to support earlier engagement between business leaders and policymakers.

SB Jang, Senior Regional Advisor for Public & Government Affairs, Asia-Pacific at Edelman: "We are delighted to welcome Wai Leong to Edelman. His leadership will be critical as organisations across Southeast Asia navigate a business environment increasingly shaped by geopolitical dynamics, trade considerations and government decision-making."

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