Alexander Parini is a dynamic educator, policy communicator, and regional expert on U.S.-Asia relations with significant teaching and advisory experience across Vietnam and China. As a lecturer, columnist, and editor, he excels in translating complex global affairs into accessible narratives for students, policymakers, and international audiences. His written work and public commentary featured by My Asia Connections and BBC Vietnamese have examined education diplomacy, trade shifts, and post-pandemic geopolitics, making him a valuable contributor to discourse on Asia’s evolving regional role. With deep academic credentials from SOAS and Peking University, and a solid grounding in U.S. and UK institutional contexts, he represents a rare blend of academic, editorial, and intercultural insight. Alexander’s ability to bridge Western and Asian perspectives through public speaking, writing, and classroom leadership marks him as an influential figure in global education and policy circles.
writer, and cross-cultural communication expert specializing in
Southeast and East Asia, particularly Vietnam and China. With
over a decade of experience in teaching, public diplomacy, and
editorial leadership, he has built a multi-faceted career that
bridges higher education, U.S.-Asia policy dialogue, and
intercultural engagement. Alexander currently lectures at the
University of Economics and Finance in Ho Chi Minh City and
serves as Editor-in-Chief of My Asia Connections, a platform
for global education and geopolitical commentary. He has led
education-focused delegations, conducted analysis for
USAID’s LinkSME Project, and published widely on trade,
migration, and U.S.-Asia strategic ties. With professional roots
in China, Vietnam, the UK, and the U.S., he brings linguistic
agility, academic depth, and real-world diplomatic awareness to his teaching, writing, and advisory roles.
− Vietnam: University lecturer, USAID consultant, education advisor, media commentator
− China: Debate league director, postgraduate research, cultural liaison
− United States: Undergraduate studies, campaign work, policy research
− United Kingdom: Postgraduate studies at SOAS, graduate associate
− Taiwan, Hong Kong: Blog and policy coverage on border/entry regulations
− Spain, Korea, Japan: Mentioned in student-facing guidance and higher education briefings
• Sep 2023–Present: International Relations Lecturer, University of Economics and Finance, Vietnam
• Apr 2021–Present: College Admissions Counselor, Etest Vietnam
• Aug 2019–Present: Editor-in-Chief, My Asia Connections
• Aug 2019–Present: League Director, National High School Debate League of China
• Apr 2022–Dec 2022: Research Consultant, USAID LinkSME Project, Vietnam
• Jul 2020–Aug 2022: Global Affairs Officer & Lecturer, Hoa Sen University, Vietnam
• Apr 2021–Feb 2022: Lecturer, Van Hien University, Vietnam
• Jan 2023–Aug 2023: Graduate Associate, SOAS University of London
• 2012–2014 / 2018: Legislative and campaign intern, Oregon politics (U.S.)
My Asia Connections:
• “Bridging the Gap in Higher Education: Innovations from Vietnam” (2025)
• “Life as an Expat: 5 Essential Thoughts on Moving Abroad” (2025)
• “Exploring the Entry Policies of Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan” (2024)
• “U.S. Companies Pivot Investments from China to Vietnam” (2023)
• “Vietnam’s Economy is Opening – And Eager for American Investment” (2020)
BBC Vietnamese:
• Commentaries on U.S.-Vietnam relations, expat migration, foreign investment (2022–2023)
Public lectures:
• “Critical Thinking: Learning to Question” – American Center HCMC (2025)
• “Vietnam: Living Abroad During the Global COVID-19 Pandemic” – Coastline Community College (2023)