Samuel Pursch
Director, Vriens & Partners
Samuel Pursch is a Director in Vriens & Partners’ Hanoi office where he advises international blue-chip firms on Vietnam’s regulatory and commercial context.
Prior to joining Vriens’ & Partners in 2018, Samuel was co-founder and director of Andaman Research & Advisory, a socio-economic research and political risk advisory firm based in Yangon, Myanmar. From Andaman’s founding in 2015, Samuel managed projects for clients including international hydropower and mobile finance investors, The World Bank, and a range of international NGOs. Andaman’s work ranged from detailed stakeholder assessments to field research activities, including large-scale surveys, to policy recommendations for international actors working to address Myanmar’s myriad development challenges.
Earlier, Samuel was based in London where he worked in political risk for boutique consultancies focused on West Africa and Southeast Asia.
Samuel holds a master’s degree in War Studies: Conflict, Security and Development from King’s College London, and a BA in International Politics from The George Washington University. He was a visiting student at Pembroke College, Oxford University.
Statement of Interest/Vision
Since moving to Vietnam in 2018, I have taken an active role in AmCham’s efforts to effectively advocate for the interests of US companies working in Vietnam, with both the Vietnam Government and the US Government. I am an active member of the healthcare, digital economy, and energy committees where I frequently provide a ‘view from Hanoi’ on the latest policy and regulatory developments that affect these sectors. I am also part of AmCham’s advocacy panel, helping shape and review advocacy letters sent to the Vietnam Government.
Looking to 2023 and AmCham’s future, my vision for AmCham is for it to be an ever-more effective and unified voice for the American business community. I see many opportunities for increased collaboration and cooperation, both with other AmCham chapters and with the international business community more broadly. AmCham has spent almost thirty years supporting US businesses in Vietnam and has achieved huge amounts. I am running for Board to because I recognize the continued for a strong voice representing the American business community and see real potential in bringing AmCham to new heights.
