MTC.COM.MY

Matt J. Matthews assumed his position as Counselor for Economic Affairs at the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur on August 22, 2007. He joined the U.S. Foreign Service in 1986, and has served a substantial portion of his career in China related economic policy positions. He has served in Beijing twice, most recently with responsibilities for handling financial services market access issues and leading a team of analysts covering China’s economic reforms. He also has served in Taipei, Islamabad, Washington, D.C. and Hong Kong. Prior to his posting to Malaysia, he was the Counselor for Economic Affairs at the

U.S. Embassy in Canberra. Matt grew up in Portland, Oregon, holds a BA in Chinese Language and Literature from the University of Oregon and an MA in International Relations/Economics from The John Hopkins University School of International Studies in Washington, D.C.

Michael Buckley is an acknowledged expert on the uses and market applications of hardwood species and products. He has a Masters in US and EU hardwoods; is a Fellow of the Institute of Wood Science and commenced his career working in tropical plywood and panelling in Europe and Asia. He is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Carpenters, an ancient craft guild in the City of London. In recent years he has taken a keen interest in designing with timber, working with leading furniture designers and many architects. Now based in Singapore, and widely travelled in Malaysia, he continues close ties with furniture and panel industries in the region. He specialises in market analysis and wood product promotion and gives many presentations around the world, as well as writing regular articles for many different trade journals.