Merlene was co-founder of the Chinese Liberal Democrats where the late Lord Ashdown was Patron (2006 – Dec 2018). Merlene stepped into the shoes of the founder of Paddy Ashdown Policy Research Forum Limited, Robert Woodthorpe Browne, on Robert’s passing in Nov 2022 to ensure the continuance of Paddy’s rich legacy. A former solicitor in the City of London and partner of a law firm in Singapore, she brings with her not only legal skills, but also those of a Mediator and RJ (restorative justice) practitioner. A former trustee of RHP, ISHA and Chair of Lien Viet Housing Association (Registered Social Landlords in the UK) she is familiar with corporate governance and in multi-stakeholder engagement. Merlene is currently Director of England China Business Forum Limited, of ASEAN UK Business Forum Limited, a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of World Traders and member of IPSG (International Psychodynamic Study Group). She was the initiator and co-editor of PAF’s publications: “The Rise of China” (2022), “The Five-Decade Journey of EU-ASEAN Relations” (2024) and of “Crash or Bounce – Diversity in a Divided World” (2026). Merlene was awarded an MBE in 2016 for political and public service.
