From the Paddy Talks Team:
It is our intent to create a new and exciting social event in Singapore and many of you may would have heard of Ted Talks, which are short and intriguing presentations made by experts across an array of remarkable topics (https://www.ted.com/talks).
In support of the Singapore-Ireland Fund, we created Paddy Talks (similar to the 18-minute Ted Talks), designed to highlight interesting experts associated with Ireland, Singapore and Asia's diasporas.
In our next Paddy Talks, we are proud to present Blair Hall as the featured speaker. Blair is Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore, a role he held since July, 2013. In his capacity as a DCM, he is responsible for diplomatic operations, strategic planning and interagency coordination. Blair is a senior career official at the embassy and has served primarily in the Asia & Pacific and European regions in the course of his 33-year Foreign Service career. From 2009 to 2013, he was Minister Counselor for Economics, Environment, Science & Technology at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. From 2006 to 2009, he was Director of the Office of Regional and Security Policy in the State Department's Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs with responsibility for ASEAN policy, regional foreign assistance and maritime issues. He also served as lead negotiator of the United States 2009 accession to the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. Blair's additional overseas assignments include Tokyo (three times), Copenhagen and Okinawa. Blair's topic will be:
When the President Calls "The Role of the U.S. in the Northern Ireland Peace Process"
The topic will focus on the impact of President Clinton's attention on the resolution of the conflict in the north, and why the Americans undertook the role they did.
Blair will provide an interesting viewpoint from his direct experience with Ireland when he served in London as Political Officer with responsibility for the Northern Ireland Peace Process from 1995 to 1999.
During that time, he also held roles in support of Senator George Mitchell and as interim U.S. Consul General in Belfast. We have heard Blair speak at several events and he is a dynamic and interesting speaker. Please consider attending.
In addition to the Paddy Talks, we will also feature a wine tasting of selected Australian wines and a French cheese buffet presented by Straits Wines, other refreshments including beer and soft drinks will also be available. This Paddy Talks will be held on Thursday 16th 2015, 6.30PM and would be delighted to have you join us for this event.
RSVP to: Som Tantakitti: Somruetai.Tantakitti@sc.com
