Shen Hong Tham – Senior Manager, Policy – APAC
Born, raised, and living in sunny Singapore.
I joined BSA in October 2021, so I just passed my third anniversary with the company.
Before BSA, I was a trade negotiator with Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry. I had the privilege of working on Singapore’s first Digital Economy Agreement — the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement — with Chile and New Zealand. I’m proud that it’s still garnering a lot of global attention, with many other countries having applied to join! I also represented Singapore in international forums like the United Nations and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.
I graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Laws and was called to the Singapore Bar in 2017.
What attracted you to work at BSA?
My previous work in digital trade exposed me to issues like data transfers and privacy, and BSA was such a good platform for me to deepen my understanding of these areas. Another bonus is being able to work on other related domains, like cybersecurity and AI, which are so crucial to shaping the future of the digital economy.
What’s the most unique part about working at BSA?
BSA has some of the most brilliant, kind, and hardworking people I’ve ever worked with. It is rare for a global organization to have such highly competent individuals while preserving a positive, dynamic culture. Also, mental health days.
What’s one piece of career advice you are still trying to master?
“Don’t negotiate against yourself!” I tend to overthink and fixate on worst-case scenarios (and how to avoid them). Perhaps it’s the trauma of being a former trade negotiator! I’m starting to understand that the best outcomes come from letting go of unnecessary self-doubt.
Tell us one fun fact about you (that might surprise your colleagues).
I worked very briefly as a mascot actor. There was a festival in Singapore celebrating the 50th anniversary of Singapore-Japan diplomatic relations, and I played the character “Domo-Kun.” Domo-Kun is the mascot for Japan’s NHK TV network, and he looks like a brownie with a perpetually open mouth. The suit was sweltering hot, and the smell… At least the pay was pretty good.
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
I’m a big soccer fan, so I hope to watch the World Cup live and in person someday. Experiencing the energy and excitement of the tournament firsthand, surrounded by fans from around the world, would be an unforgettable experience!
Favorite book/podcast/long-form article you recommend? What did you learn?
“Attack on Titan” by Hajime Isayama. “Attack on Titan” is set in a world where humanity is forced to live in cities surrounded by enormous walls that protect them from gigantic man-eating humanoids known as Titan.
One of the story’s core themes is how history repeats itself through the cycle of hatred, where each generation inherits animosity and grievances from its predecessors. I think this is especially relevant in today’s world, where conflicts stem from past injustices and unresolved issues.
