Almost exactly three years later, the situation is slowing improving.  Firms have begun hiring more individuals in government regulations or corporate affairs roles in Asia.  These individuals or teams have done a better job working directly with officials in the region. But as trade policy heats up, and especially as the threats to the global and regional system escalate on a near-daily basis, most firms are frankly not ready to respond effectively. For firms to do a better job managing their businesses in Asia, government relations (GR) people need to do at least six things. First, recognize that the region is changing rapidly.  Many companies have gotten complacent.  Firms in Singapore or Southeast Asia, for instance, do not appear to recognize or take seriously the risks coming from a potential trade war between the United States and China.