Dilawar Syed

Entrepreneur turned public servant. Former Deputy Administrator @SBAGov, Special Rep. @StateDept | Faculty @UTAustin | @TheLBJSchool Business Forum

[Dilawar Syed @dilawar]

When I was serving in government, I had the honor of speaking at a swearing-in ceremony for more than one thousand new Americans in Roseville, CA. A moment I could never have imagined when I first arrived in America as an immigrant decades ago.

America’s power has always rested not only in its ideals, but in its capacity to renew them—generation after generation—through people who come here, believe in the promise of this country, and choose to help build it.

For the next 250 years and beyond, what will keep America strong and competitive is our willingness to preserve and renew that promise. Today, let's honor those who came before us, and to keep widening the circle of service and opportunity.

Happy Fourth of July. 🇺🇸

[Dilawar Syed @dilawar]

Congratulations to graduating Longhorns! It’s been a privilege to teach and share lessons from my journey—I have learned just as much from you.

Stay grounded in purpose and conviction, and lead with it.

[UT Austin @UTAustin]

Core memories were made tonight in DKR 🎓

#UT26

[Dilawar Syed @dilawar]

Full poll results:

https://t.co/Q6vzMdpCZS

[Dilawar Syed @dilawar]

Supporting small business should be a common-sense priority for anyone in a political office, or seeking it. But if you need the data:

Vast majority of voters believe the success of small businesses better for their families than the success of large corporations

[Dilawar Syed @dilawar]

Grateful that @HinaRKhar joined us at the UT Austin South Asia Institute to share her perspective on Pakistan’s role in crisis diplomacy in the wake of the U.S.–Iran war.

We’re better for it when we create space for students to engage and ask questions on hard issues.

[Dilawar Syed @dilawar]

Grateful @POTUS and everyone at WHCD is safe. Our country cannot yield to political violence. We can, and must, do better.

Deep respect for the law enforcement who put themselves in harm’s way—I’ve seen their commitment up close. We’re safer tonight because of their courage.

[Dilawar Syed @dilawar]

RSVP: https://t.co/wfRKjRu49D

[Dilawar Syed @dilawar]

Recent weeks have reminded us that diplomacy is more marathon than sprint.

The @UTAustin South Asia Institute hosts @HinaRKhar, former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, for a timely dialogue on Pakistan’s role in mediating between U.S. and Iran—and the prospects for peace.

[UT Austin @UTAustin]

Michael and Susan Dell surpass $1 billion in giving to The University of Texas at Austin 🤘

Their latest investment builds on their legacy, launching the UT Dell Campus for Advanced Research and an AI-native UT Dell Medical Center, while expanding support for scholarships, student housing, and the Texas Advanced Computing Center.

Learn more: https://t.co/Tx6AFaj5c2

[Dilawar Syed @dilawar]

A Sixth of Humanity.

Terrific dialogue with @arvindsubraman & Devesh Kapur at the inaugural @UTAustin India Conference on India’s remarkable rise, lessons for large federal systems, and the road ahead for its democracy.
Grateful you joined us.

[Dilawar Syed @dilawar]

Commercial diplomacy is in focus as geopolitical competition intensifies.

Join us at the @TheLBJSchool Business Policy Forum tonight, where I’ll share lessons from @StateDept alongside an expert panel.

Open to the public. RSVP: https://t.co/u62Gaatisl

[Barack Obama @BarackObama]

The victory of the opposition in Hungary yesterday, like the Polish election in 2023, is a victory for democracy, not just in Europe but around the world. Most of all, it’s a testament to the resilience and determination of the Hungarian people – and a reminder to all of us to keep striving for fairness, equality and the rule of law.

[Dilawar Syed @dilawar]

We have bipartisan consensus on developing critical minerals domestically. The question is how: smart industrial policy that invests in high-value parts of the supply chain, transparency, innovation, & closing the skilled labor gap (~50K jobs/20 yrs). Great dialogue at UT Energy Week

[Dilawar Syed @dilawar]

Data Centers, Water, & Power

U.S. leadership in AI depends on building AI infrastructure—at speed and scale. But we must do it responsibly: protecting water, affordable power, & farmland.

Community must be a partner—not an afterthought.

Standing room only @TheLBJSchool @UTAustin

[Dilawar Syed @dilawar]

Looking forward to hosting this dialogue with @chriscrosby1 at The LBJ School @UTAustin tonight.

Policy choices on scaling AI infrastructure will shape the future of our economy—and our communities.

The event is open to general public. Join us.
@CompassDCs

[The LBJ School @TheLBJSchool]

Join us March 23 for the next LBJ Business Policy Forum! ⚡

As AI fuels data center growth, what does it mean for electricity, water & communities? Hear from experts, including LBJ’s @Dilawar Syed, on powering the AI economy responsibly.

🔗 RSVP: https://t.co/kePxfN4XBM

[Barack Obama @BarackObama]

Bob Mueller was one of the finest directors in the history of the FBI, transforming the bureau after 9/11 and saving countless lives. But it was his relentless commitment to the rule of law and his unwavering belief in our bedrock values that made him one of the most respected public servants of our time. Michelle and I send our condolences to Bob’s family, and everyone who knew and admired him.

[Dilawar Syed @dilawar]

Businesses will have a formal process to claim tariff refunds owed by the federal government. A welcome step—but unnecessary red tape that small businesses shouldn’t have had to navigate in the first place.

https://t.co/U9Db42W16f

[Michael E. Webber @MichaelEWebber]

What's interesting about this is that it's a $3 billion (not $300 billion) refinery that got its permits in 2024 during the Biden Administration.

https://t.co/RRuBFYg9rk