David I. Adelman

U.S. Ambassador David I. Adelman

David Adelman presented his credentials as United States Ambassador to Singapore on April 29, 2010.

Since his arrival in Singapore, Ambassador Adelman has made great progress further developing and managing the relationship between the United States and Singapore by actively engaging with government leaders, businesses, media, and students.  Under his leadership the U.S. engagement in Singapore has strengthened its position as one of America’s anchors in Asia.

Ambassador Adelman has drawn a specific focus on trade and investment between the United States and countries in Southeast Asia.  By leading trade missions to Vietnam, India and Indonesia, he has worked with U.S. businesses in Singapore to export American goods and services throughout Southeast Asia.  Ambassador Adelman often has traveled back to the United States to work with U.S. firms on the challenges and opportunities of doing business in Asia.  His work has paid off.  U.S. exports to Singapore are at a historic high having increased more than 30 percent under Ambassador Adelman’s leadership.  The United States trade surplus with Singapore is now the fourth largest American surplus in the world.  In 2011, the U.S. Embassy in Singapore was recognized with the State Department’s global award for promoting the President’s National Export Initiative.  Also, since Ambassador Adelman’s arrival,  U.S. direct foreign investment in Singapore is at an all-time high having risen more than 19% to over $106 billion in cumulative investment.

Progress has not been limited to trade and investment.  Cooperation between the United States and Singapore on defense and security matters has advanced significantly since Ambassador Adelman’s arrival.  The advances in military cooperation are highlighted by the announcement that the United States will station a U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ship in Singapore in 2012.  Educational and cultural exchanges have also increased during Ambassador Adelman’s tenure.  Last year, more Singaporeans than ever studied at American colleges and universities and more American researchers, students and artists came to work in Singapore than at any other time in history.

Ambassador Adelman has spent most of his career in the private sector.  Prior to his appointment, he was a businessman, lawyer, university instructor and member of the Georgia Senate.  He has received numerous academic and civic honors throughout his career.  He holds graduate degrees in law and public administration.

Born in New York City, Ambassador Adelman lived much of his life in Atlanta, Georgia.  He and his wife Caroline have three children, Oscar, Leah, and Avery.