Ernest Z. Bower

Ernie is the founder, president and CEO of BowerGroupAsia (BGA), the premier strategic advisory firm in the Indo-Pacific. BGA has more than 26 offices across Asia and five in Africa, where the company is now building its profile. Ernie is recognized as one of the world’s leading experts in his field. He has an intuitive grasp of clients’ evolving needs and has cultivated deep, trusted relationships across a broad spectrum of public and private stakeholders. Together with his team, Ernie has pioneered the strategic advisory business for developing markets. 

Ernie believes economic engagement and integration are essential conditions for peace and prosperity. He and his colleagues are committed to helping companies expand their understanding, trade and investment across borders. 

Ernie has built several of the foundational U.S. institutions that focus on policy and business in Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific. In addition to creating BGA, he helped launch the Southeast Asian Studies program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), serving as its first chair, and helped build and helm the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council. He is a leading adviser and commentator on business, economics and security issues in Asia. 

Ernie is recognized as one of the strongest proponents for close ties between the United States and Asia. In recognition of his contributions, the king of Malaysia awarded him the Darjah Panglima Jasa Negara (PJN), bestowing the title of “Datuk.” The president of the Philippines named him as a rare foreign holder of the rank of “Lakan,” or “Commander.” Ernie also serves in several business and humanitarian organizations, including on the boards of the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council, the U.S.-India Business Council, the American Australian Council and Special Olympics Asia Pacific. 

Ernie earned a bachelor’s degree from Colgate University and studied Mandarin Chinese at Middlebury College’s renowned Sunderland School of Foreign Language. 

• Prior Professional Experience
  • Ernie’s career has been defined by his goal of bringing the United States and Asia together by increased understanding and alignment.
  • He has helped to build some of the most important organizations and vehicles for linking Asia and the U.S.
  • He has driven economic integration across the IndoPacific by expanding companies’ understanding of countries and communities and helping countries and people understand the capabilities and interests of companies.
  • CEO, Co-Chair & Founder, AkarAsia (October 2016-April 2020)
  • President & CEO, US- ASEAN Business Council (1986-2004)
• Areas of Expertise

  Geographic

  • ANZ & The Pacific
  • APEC
  • ASEAN
  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • India
  • North America

  Industries

  • Consulting
  • Think Tank

  Functional Expertise

  • Administrative & Management
  • Business
  • Corporate Affairs
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Government Affairs
  • Human Resources
  • Management
  • Policy
  • Public Affairs
  • Strategy
  • Trade
• Education
  • Colgate University— Bachelor of Arts in History and English with Honors (1982-1986)
  • Middlebury College— Certificate in Mandarin Chinese (1986)
• Professional Affiliations
  • Chairman of the Advisory Board for Southeast Asia, Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS)
  • Board member, American Australian Council (AAC)
  • Board member, Special Olympics
  • Advisory Board member, US Indonesia Society
• Honors and Awards
  • Datuk in Malaysia
  • Lakuna (Rank of Commander) in the Philippines
• Selected Publications and Presentations
  • Founding Editor & Author, CogitAsia, Asia policy blog of CSIS
  • "Southeast Asia's Geopolitical Centrality and the US Japan Alliance" - CSIS, June 11, 2015
  • "Crafting Asia Economic Strategy in 2013" - CSIS, January 28, 2013
  • "Developing an Enduring Strategy for ASEAN" - CSIS, January 6, 2012