Matthew J. Matthews
Matthew John Matthews was an American diplomat who served as the United States Ambassador to Brunei from 2019 to 2020.
Early life and education
Matthews was born and raised in the state of Oregon. He began his studies at the University of Oregon, and traveled to Taipei County, Taiwan to study the Chinese language through a program offered at Fu Jen Catholic University. He then returned to the University of Oregon where he completed a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language and Literature. He later earned a Master of Arts from Johns Hopkins University in their School of Advanced International Studies.Career
Matthews was a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor. He served as an American diplomat since 1986. He served as Ambassador for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. He spent much of his Foreign Service career in the Asia-Pacific region. Matthews held senior assignments in Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, and the Department of Defense Pacific Command. Additionally, he served as Chief of the Internal Unit, Economic Section, Embassy of the United States, Beijing, Deputy Chief of the Economic Office, American Institute in Taiwan, and Economic Officer in Embassy of the United States, Islamabad.On August 23, 2018, President Trump announced his intention to nominate Matthews as the next Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam. On January 2, 2019, his nomination was confirmed by voice vote.
On May 20, 2020, Matthews died in Vienna, Virginia. The US Department of State issued a statement on the passing of Ambassador Matthews.