Kagan is a career member of the
Senior Foreign Service, with the rank of Minister-Counselor and was most recently the Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for
East Asia and
Oceania at the
White House National Security Council under the
Joe Biden administration. Previously, he served as Deputy Chief of Mission at U.S. embassies in
India and Malaysia. Kagan also held several roles in the
State Department's
Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. The committee favorably reported his nomination on July 13, 2023. His nomination was confirmed by the full
United States Senate via voice vote on November 8, 2023. stating that the tragedy serves as a reminder that both the United States and Malaysia share common interests against terrorism and cannot afford to relax their vigilance. As ambassador, Kagan has made a visit to
Sarawak to reinforced partnerships to promote clean energy, regional security, and other businesses civil society ties and people-to-people ties with the local
Sarawak government. He also made a visit to
Sabah to enhancing economic activity, attracting foreign investment, and advancing infrastructure with the local
Sabah government, where he officiate the opening of the American Green Corner Sabah at the
Sabah State Library, to signifies collective commitment towards educational and environmental advancements between Malaysia and the United States. Kagan also recognise and praises the
Malaysian government's efforts in enhancing security around Sabah, where he said his country’s are seeking to provide Malaysia with more equipments and expertise to defend its own sovereignty. He also stated that Sabah and Sarawak is among the place that holds a special place in his heart with the warmth and hospitality shown by its people during his encounter through a visit to
Sandakan, the
Kinabatangan River,
Bako National Park,
Mulu Caves, Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, as well as during his time in the city of
Kuching with locals. == Awards and recognitions ==