Elgin Seah is a senior consultant specializing in public policy and government relations, based in APCO’s Singapore office. With a wealth of international and professional experience, Elgin brings a broad perspective and diverse skill set to the project team. His expertise spans government relations and public advocacy, issues and risks management, strategic communications, PR, as well as ESG and Community Impact advisory.
At APCO, Elgin provides strategic counsel to clients on government relations strategies, policy advocacy and engagement with key stakeholders in Southeast Asia. He supports the development and implementation of comprehensive government relations strategies tailored to the unique political and regulatory landscapes of Southeast Asian countries, while monitoring political and regulatory developments to identify opportunities and risks for clients.
Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.– Pericles
Prior to joining APCO, Elgin served as a senior manager at a NYSE-listed multinational consumer goods company leading the communications and advocacy work in Southeast Asia and Oceania, with a focus on shaping a pro-business regulatory and media environment to secure the firm’s license to operate in the region. During this time, he had also spearheaded the company’s inaugural Community Impact initiatives in Indonesia and the Philippines through effective local partnerships and grants management.
Elgin also previously represented EU multinationals at a trade association and conducted business advocacy between the Singapore government and the European Commission, managing complex issues such as healthcare, mobility, financial services and cross-border trade and taxation. He also supported the industry consultation exercises and official launch of the landmark EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. Elgin had also served stints at a global governance think tank in Berlin, and at an international NGO in Moscow.
Elgin holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the Singapore Management University and is fluent in English and Mandarin. He is also a trained project management professional.