Dr. Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid

Chief Economist, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad (BMMB)

With over two decades of expertise in investment research, Dr. Afzanizam has a distinguished career specializing in economics and capital markets. His professional journey includes significant roles at notable institutions such as the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, the Retirement Fund Incorporated (KWAP) and Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad (MARC), where he provided valuable economic insights.

In his current position at BMMB, Dr. Afzanizam is instrumental in offering strategic macroeconomic advice, focusing on fiscal and monetary policy. Beyond his contributions to the financial sector, he is an active commentator in the media, an academic mentor at various local universities, an Adjunct Professor at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam, and an advisor to Special Select Committee on Finance and Economy, Parliament of Malaysia. Dr. Afzanizam's educational credentials are equally impressive, holding a Ph.D. in Economics and an MBA in Applied Finance & Investment from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), along with a Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) in Finance and a Diploma in Investment Analysis from UiTM.

Will update later.

YBhg. Datu Lester Matthew

Director, Economic Planning Unit Sarawak, Department of the Premier of Sarawak

Datu Lester is the Director of Economic Planning Unit (EPU) Sarawak, a position he has held since January 2023. He has attended the Senior Executive Fellows Programme at Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge USA and a graduate of Master of Applied Economics, University of Adelaide Australia.

A dynamic senior executive with more than 20 years’ experience in the State Civil Service in leadership and managerial roles especially planning and development initiatives. Prior to be in EPU Sarawak, he was the Director of Investment Promotion in Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA).

Puan Syerifah Farah Wan Taha

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Will update later.

YAB Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof

Deputy Prime Minister

YAB Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof currently serves as Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), where he leads the nation’s strategic shift towards a sustainable, secure, and future-ready energy and water ecosystem. On 3 December 2022, he made history as the first Deputy Prime Minister from Borneo — a milestone that reflects Malaysia’s deepening commitment to inclusivity, unity, and equitable regional representation. His appointment marks a new chapter in national leadership, shaped by the shared aspirations and rich diversity of Malaysians across the country. A trained lawyer with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Malaya, YAB Datuk Amar Fadillah has dedicated his career to public service. As the long-serving Member of Parliament for Petra Jaya, he remains deeply connected to community needs, ensuring that national development policies resonate with rakyat-focused priorities and real on-the-ground challenges.

Throughout his distinguished career, he has helmed several key ministerial portfolios vital to Malaysia’s economic progress and nation-building. These include Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation; Minister of Works; Senior Minister of Infrastructure; and Senior Minister of Works. In each role, he spearheaded transformative national initiatives — modernising infrastructure, advancing innovation, and strengthening public service delivery — resulting in lasting, tangible impact for Malaysians. In 2022, he was entrusted with the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, where he championed sustainability, value creation, and Malaysia’s global leadership in key commodity sectors. His strong foundation in sustainability, governance, and systems transformation naturally led to his stewardship at PETRA — a ministry at the heart of Malaysia’s long-term agenda for energy transition and water transformation. PETRA drives national efforts to reshape the energy mix, reinforce water security, and build a resilient, efficient, and future-ready ecosystem that supports Malaysia’s sustainable and inclusive growth.

As Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, YAB Datuk Amar Fadillah is at the forefront of charting Malaysia’s pathway towards renewable energy expansion, strengthened energy security, and the growth of a vibrant green economy aligned with national and global climate ambitions. Under his leadership, PETRA is forging progressive policies and strategic partnerships that propel clean technologies, advance the net-zero agenda, and ensure equitable access to sustainable energy and water resources for all Malaysians. Beyond his ministerial responsibilities, he is a steadfast advocate for youth empowerment, national unity, and shared prosperity. He believes Malaysia’s future must be shaped through collective effort — where government, industry, communities, and the next generation work together to build a nation that is resilient, competitive, and inclusive. YAB Datuk Amar Fadillah’s leadership is defined by humility, pragmatism, and unwavering dedication to nation-building. As Malaysia navigates a rapidly evolving global energy landscape, he continues to champion a national agenda that balances progress with sustainability, innovation with equity, and growth with responsible stewardship.

YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan

Minister of Finance II

Amir Hamzah Azizan was appointed as the Finance Minister II effective 12 December 2023. Prior to assuming the role of Finance Minister II, he had helmed the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) as Chief Executive Officer since March 2021. With a corporate experience spanning more than 27 years, Amir Hamzah began his career with a decade-long tenure at the Shell Group of Companies. During this period, he held diverse roles in Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Subsequently, he joined MISC Berhad in 2000 and held several senior management portfolios before being appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer in January 2009. Following his tenure at MISC Berhad, Amir Hamzah took on the role of Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad in June 2010. In August 2012, Amir Hamzah joined PETRONAS Lubricants International as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, concurrently serving as the Vice-President for Downstream Marketing, and subsequently as Vice-President of Lubricants for the PETRONAS Group.

In March 2016, Amir Hamzah joined Ekuiti Nasional Berhad (Ekuinas) to steer its investee company Icon Offshore Berhad as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Subsequently, he took on the role of Group Chief Executive Officer at Themed Attractions Resorts and Hotel Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad. In April 2019, he further showcased his versatility across industries by taking on the role of President/Chief Executive Officer at Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). Amir Hamzah has also contributed to various organisations in non-executive capacities. He formerly served as the Non-Executive Chairman of Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) and held directorial positions on the boards of Sime Darby Plantation Berhad and Sime Darby Oils International Limited.

Amir Hamzah holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management (majoring in Finance and Economics) from Syracuse University, New York. He has also attended the Stanford Executive Programme at Stanford University, and the Corporate Finance Evening Programme at London Business School.

Tuan Sayed Munawar Sayed Mustar

TV Presenter

Sayed Munawar Sayed Mohd Mustar is a media personality who has conducted policy advocacy talks on national channels for over 27 years.

In addition, he is also a content development consultant for public and private agencies.

YB Dato Sri Haji Abd Karim Rahman Hamzah

Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak

Will update later.

YBhg. Dato' Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja

Former Deputy CEO, Investment Promotion & Facilitation, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

A Business Administration graduate from the University of Malaya, Dato’ Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja joined Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) in 1989 as an Assistant Director in the Food, Beverages and Chemical Division. Over the last 36 years, Dato’ Siva had served in the Strategic Planning and Policy Advocacy Division, Investment Promotion Division and Incentive Coordination and Collaboration Office (ICCO).

Dato’ Siva was posted to Germany twice to head MIDA’s office in Cologne (2006- 2009) and Frankfurt (2013-2017). He was responsible to move MIDA’s office from Cologne to Frankfurt and to establish MIDA’s second office in Germany in Munich. As an overseas Director in Germany, Dato’ Siva was responsible to attract foreign direct investments from Germany and the Benelux countries, namely Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Throughout most of his 36 years career with MIDA, Dato’ Siva was involved in various projects on Malaysia’s industrial development, such as the 2nd and 3rd Industrial Master Plans (IMP), 8th-10th Malaysia Plans, equity liberalisation of the manufacturing sector, formulation of investment incentives and policies, and empowerment of MIDA. Dato’ Siva was also responsible for the coordination of the Study on Exit Strategy for Foreign Labour Intensive Industries, formulation of policies and guidelines for the establishment of Domestic Investment Strategic Fund (DISF) to accelerate the shift of Malaysian-owned companies in high technology industries, as well as the establishment of One Stop Centre and Business Travellers Centre for Short Term Business Travellers during COVID 19 Pandemic.

Dato’ Siva was promoted as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Investment Promotion & Facilitation) on 1st May 2021 and retired from the position on 29th November 2025.

Professor Dr. Evan Lau Poh Hock

University Malaysia Sarawak

Evan Lau is an accomplished Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). He has a wealth of academic experience, having held several key positions within UNIMAS, including Deputy Dean for Research and Postgraduate, Director of the Centre for Business, Economics and Finance Forecasting (BEFfore) and Head of Strategy. He is now serving as Deputy Dean of Research and Commercialization. Evan is also an internationally recognized scholar, having held visiting positions at the University of Cambridge and various universities in Indonesia.

Evan has a strong research record, publishing 113 journal articles, 8 edited books and 91 research papers in books, conference proceedings, working papers, newsletters, and newspaper articles. He has been awarded numerous awards for his research excellence, including the Young Researcher Award in UNIMAS, Highest Citation and Impact, Excellent Service Award, research medals from Research Expos, Best Papers, and the Highest-Impact Journal Paper Award. As an active researcher, Evan has secured 32 research grants and has supervised 91 postgraduate students, examining 82 doctorial, master theses and 150 undergraduate research projects. Evan speaks at numerous international conferences in Indonesia, UAE, Sri Lanka, Italy, India, Philippines, China, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Evan's research contributions have been recognized internationally, with him being listed among the Top 9% of economists in Malaysia and ASEAN while in the Top 10% for Asia by the Research Papers in Economics (RePEc) network. He is also among the highly cited authors in UNIMAS. Outside of academia, Evan is passionate about running and travelling. Overall, Evan's achievements and contributions demonstrate his commitment to research excellence, academic leadership, and service, which have a sustainable impact on academia.

TBC

Will update later.

Kamarul Bahrin Haron

Independent Journalist

Kamarul Bahrin Bin Haron is a stalwart of true journalism and long-time servant of the Malaysian media broadcasting scene. Three decades of a colourful media career has also been honed into communication expertise which he offers as a certified trainer by HRD Corp.

Currently he is an independent Gig media worker with affiliations to several organisations that make technology and socio-economic inclusion their mission. This includes as a Senior Associate with Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology and a member of Football Association of Malaysia’s Communication, Media and Public Relations Committee. Kamarul last full-time position was as Editor-in-Chief and Anchor of Astro Awani of which his best achievements were leading Astro Awani into the digital era and breaking the norms of talk show anchoring culminating in the highest ever live Malaysian TV and online ratings for the 14th General Election coverage. In his 30 years of media career, from New Strait Times to TV3 to Cyberjaya TV and then Astro Awani, this multiple award-winning TV journalist has also led Malaysian journalism to the highest global platforms like the World Economic Forum in Davos where he was the first accredited Malaysian Media Leader and chosen as moderator for the WEF ASEAN discourse. This bachelor of broadcasting graduate from Universiti Sains Malaysia believes the quality of public discourse in Malaysia can be much higher and better literacy, awareness and training of public, corporate and community leaders in media and communication skills is a great enabler.

However, Perlis born Kamarul bigger mission is to help make media and communication the strongest development catalyst for citizens and nations as digital technology driven media platforms can be disrupted and leveraged to be more grassroot driven in the days of AI and Machine Learning. While striving for this innovation, Kamarul welcomes gigs of journalistic passion as journalist, director, producer, anchor, consultant, trainer, moderator and emcee for media and communication initiatives.

Tuan John Patrick Antonysamy

Under-Secretary of Tax Division, Ministry of Finance Malaysia

John Patrick Antonysamy has 28 years of experience in Malaysia’s Government Administrative and Diplomatic Service. He has worked in the Ministry of Finance, handling tax issues and international negotiations.

He is currently the Under-Secretary of the Tax Division, Ministry of Finance, and holds a Master’s in International Economics.

Puan Almirulita Mohd Yusoff

Assistant Director General of Customs, Head of the Internal Tax Division, Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD)

Puan Almirulita binti Mohd Yusoff currently serves as the Assistant Director-General of Customs at the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), leading the Internal Tax Division. With an extensive career spanning over two decades, she has contributed significantly to Malaysia’s customs administration, taxation, and enforcement landscape.

Throughout her distinguished service, Puan Almirulita has held various senior leadership positions including Director of Compliance Management, Deputy Director of Prosecution, and Principal Assistant Director in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Technical Panel Unit. Her deep expertise in customs law, tax policy, and compliance management has been instrumental in strengthening regulatory governance and operational excellence within JKDM.

She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and dual Bachelor of Laws degrees LLB and LLB (Syariah) from the International Islamic University Malaysia. In recognition of her dedication and contributions to public service, she was conferred the Sijil Kepujian Setia Ahmad Shah Pahang.

Dr. Rasyidah Che Rosli

Director, e-Invoice Division, Tax Operations Sector, HASiL

Dr. Rasyidah has a PhD in Accounting (Taxation) and holds a Master in Forensic Accounting & Financial Criminology and a Degree in Accounting. Currently, she is the Director of e-Invoice Division, Tax Operations Sector, Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (HASiL). Dr. Rasyidah has served with HASiL for more than 18 years and been involved in various field including tax compliance for corporate and individuals as well as being involved with the implementation of data analytics and e-invoicing. She has co-authored 2 publications on tax and has presented at tax conferences locally and international.

Puan Saniza Said

Managing Partner, Saniza & Co and President Malaysia Institute of Accountant (MIA)

Puan Saniza Said is a distinguished Chartered Accountant with over 27 years of experience in auditing, tax compliance, and business consultancy. A member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) since 2000, she is widely respected for her professionalism and dedication to advancing the accounting field. She holds a Bachelor of Accountancy from UiTM and an MBA from Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Beginning her career in 1997 as an audit associate in Kuala Lumpur, Puan Saniza has since established herself as a prominent leader in the profession. In 2022, she was elected as an MIA Council Member and, in 2023, became the Vice President of MIA. She currently chairs the Small and Medium Practice (SMP) Committee. Her involvement extends to various professional bodies, including ASEAN CPA, MICPA, and MATA. She also serves on the Advocates & Solicitors Disciplinary Board.

Beyond professional practice, Puan Saniza is passionate about education and talent development. Since 2010, she has served as an Academic Advisor and external examiner for Malaysian Polytechnics, guiding aspiring accountants while supporting entrepreneurial growth through mentorship and advisory work.

Muhammad Aminudin Awaludin

Director, SALIHIN Tax

Muhammad Aminudin Awaludin is an accomplished Associate Director at SALIHIN Tax Advisory Sdn Bhd, bringing over eight years of professional experience in taxation. He holds professional qualifications from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) from Universiti Teknologi MARA.

His career journey includes various pivotal roles at Ernst & Young Tax Consultant Sdn Bhd, where he progressed from Tax Executive to Senior Tax Executive, Tax Supervisor, and eventually Tax Manager by 2021. In 2022, he joined SALIHIN as a Senior Manager and was promoted to Associate Director in 2024.

Aminudin has managed a wide range of tax-related projects for both governmental and private entities. His notable projects include corporate tax health checks, corporate restructuring, tax audits, and compliance initiatives for large Multi-National Corporations, Government Linked Companies, and SMEs. His strong leadership in overseeing these projects as a Project Manager has contributed to his success in the field.

His expertise spans corporate tax compliance, advisory, tax management and restructuring, tax audits, and withholding tax, making him a key figure in delivering high-quality tax solutions.

YBhg. Dato Ruslan Abdul Ghani

President/Group Chief Executive Officer, Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad

Dato Ruslan bin Abdul Ghani was appointed as Group Chief Executive Officer Designate of Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB) effective 1st September 2022 and subsequently as Group Chief Executive Officer, BPHB on 1st March 2023. Following an organization restructuring he assumed the expanded role of President/Group Chief Executive Officer on 1st December 2024.

He brings with him over 32 years of extensive experience in the Oil & Gas industry, having built a distinguished career with PETRONAS. Throughout his tenure, he held key leadership positions both in Malaysia and internationally including a stint as CEO at Petronas Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd. His other global assignments included posting in Sudan, Dubai (UAE), and Iraq where he successfully led complex operations and cross-cultural teams.

In Malaysia, Dato Ruslan held senior leadership roles across various strategic locations including Sarawak, Sabah and Terengganu as well as at PETRONAS headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. His deep industry expertise, proven leadership and global perspective continue to drive Bintulu Port’s transformation and growth agenda.

Within his three years in Bintulu Port, Dato Ruslan has introduced a clear three-pronged strategy focusing on core port business, beyond port business and net zero carbon energy. Among his key initiatives are driving the digitalization of Bintulu Port and strengthening operational excellence, positioning Bintulu Port for sustainable growth and future competitiveness.

Ir. Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad

Director of Digital Adoption, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)

Wan Murdani has accumulated more than 25 years of professional experience in corporate and economic development environment, where he started his career at Renong-UEM Group and spent most of his stint in the Group with Time dotCom Berhad, one of the Malaysia’s first digital fibre optic telecommunication network and services providers. His primary roles at Time dotCom included network engineering, business development, international partnership, and project management, where he was also involved in national strategic projects, among others, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Projek Usahasama Transit Ringan Automatik (PUTRA LRT) and Malaysia-Singapore Second Link (LINKEDUA). He then joined Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), which he has undertaken several strategic roles in the areas of policy planning, infrastructure rollout, industry development and investment facilitation. Currently, Wan Murdani is the Vice President, Digital Adoption at MDEC, primarily overseeing the digital talent, digital entrepreneurship, funding ecosystem, digital infrastructure, technology ecosystem and regulatory facilitation, which are the key ecosystems in enabling the growth of digital economy. He leads a dynamic team in engaging, collaborating, and partnering with digital industry players, investors, talent builders, infrastructure operators, regulators, targeted communities, targeted economic sector leads and policy planners to ensure the impact and alignment of programmes and initiatives to the aspirational goals of digital economy.

Wan Murdani was nominated and elected by the country members of Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT), a joint initiative by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), to represent the Government of Malaysia, under the then Ministry of Energy, Communications and Multimedia, as a Chairman of Study Group for two terms from 2002 to 2007, where he successfully led the multi-countries dialogues and deliberations on ICT users adoption. When the Economic Transformation Program (ETP) was launched by the Government in 2010 to transition Malaysia into a high-income nation, he was appointed as a Lead for one of the Entry Point Projects (EPP) under the Business Services National Key Action Area: Positioning Malaysia as a Data Centre Hub. Under his leadership for this EPP from 2010 to 2015, with support from stakeholders, industry players and investors, the data centre industry market size grew more than 20 percent annually. Wan Murdani currently serves as a Member of Kelantan State ICT Council, Penang Smart State Steering Committee and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Industry Advisory Panel, providing advice, strategic view and domain expertise in the areas related to digital economy. He graduated with Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from University of Missouri-Rolla, USA and holds Master of Business Administration (Management). He is a registered Professional Engineer with the Board of Engineers Malaysia.

Dr. Chin Chee Seong

National President, SME Association of Malaysia

With over 38 years of experience across various industries, CS Chin is a seasoned professional specializing in Information Technology, Telecommunications, and Venture Investment. His career spans Malaysia, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, collaborating with companies such as IBM, Telekom Malaysia, and Gozzo Rosso Japan. He has held leadership roles as the Independent Director of M-Mode Bhd and Non-Executive Director of Galasys PLC.

Currently, CS Chin serves as the CEO and Director of Seatech Ventures Corp (US-OTC: SEAV). He is actively engaged in regional business networks and NGOs, holding prominent positions such as National President of the SME Association of Malaysia and President Emeritus of the Malaysia Cross Border E-Commerce Association. Additionally, he serves as Deputy President of the Malaysia Independent Non-Executive Director Association and has previously chaired the National Tech Association of Malaysia (PIKOM).

CS Chin is also deeply committed to advancing ESG principles as the Founding Advisor of the ESG Association of Malaysia. His corporate focus includes venture advisory services, assisting startups and scale-ups in navigating the US-OTC and NASDAQ markets. His extensive network across Greater China and the Asia-Pacific region further enhances his influence and expertise.

Ts. Khairulnizam Dato' Sri Mohamed Khalid

President, Sarawak Entrepreneur Association & Biskaunselor, Institut Keusahawanan Negara (INSKEN)

YBrs. Ts. Khairulnizam Dato’ Sri Mohamed Khalid is a dynamic entrepreneur and business leader based in Kuching, Sarawak, with a strong presence across the State’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. With a background spanning business development, youth leadership, and community engagement, he has built a reputation for driving innovation and supporting the growth of Bumiputera enterprises.

He is actively involved in several key organisations that shape Sarawak’s business landscape, including the Sarawak Business Federation (Deputy Treasurer), the Sarawak Entrepreneur Association (President), and the Sarawak United National Youth Organization (SABERKAS Deputy Secretary General). At the national level, he contributes as a National Biskaunselor with the National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN), providing guidance and mentoring to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Khairulnizam also plays a significant role in the Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneur Chamber, serving as DUBS Kuching Branch Chairman and leading the DUBS Youth Chamber. Through these roles, he champions capacity-building, youth empowerment, and opportunities for business expansion within the State. Known for his strong network, strategic insight, and hands-on approach, Khairulnizam continues to support and inspire Sarawak’s entrepreneurial community through mentorship, advocacy, and sustainable business leadership.

Najib Imran

News Anchor, Dialog TVS

Najib Imran is an experienced TV presenter and freelance emcee based in Kuching, Sarawak, with over 14 years in broadcasting and event hosting. Known for his versatility and confident stage presence, he has hosted a wide range of events including government and corporate functions, weddings, concerts, expos, and international forums such as the ASEAN Youth Forum and ASEAN International Film Awards. Najib is also a familiar face on TVS, anchoring programmes like Dialog TVS and Sarawak Decides. Fluent in both Bahasa Malaysia and English, he continues to engage audiences through his voice, professionalism, and personable charm.

YBhg. Dato’ Mastura Ahmad Mustafa

Deputy Secretary General (Trade), Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI)

Mastura was appointed as the Deputy Secretary General (Trade), Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry on 6 October 2023. She is responsible for formulating policies and Malaysia’s positions on international trade issues at bilateral, regional and multilateral level. Thus, she is directly involved in policy formulation, development program planning, and determination of implementation strategies and evaluations on international trade performance as well as monitoring programs implemented by implementing agencies. Prior to this appointment, Mastura was the Deputy Secretary General (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry), Ministry of Communications and Digital since 19 July 2021. Among others, her responsibility covers providing guidance and oversee the operations of the Strategic Communications Division as well as the development of Creative Industry particularly Film, Music and Creative Technology (Animation and E-games). There were several Agencies under her supervision, i.e. the Department of Information (JaPEN), Department of Broadcasting (RTM), BERNAMA, FINAS and MyCreativeVentures.

Mastura was attached at the Ministry of Defence Malaysia as the Deputy Secretary General (Management) from April 2020 – July 2021 and the Deputy Secretary General (Development) from July 2018 – April 2020. Where she has exposure on defence policy, defence and security industrial policy, development of facilities and assets, and welfare of veteran. She has vast and diversified experience in international trade and industry. She has served the Ministry of International Trade and Industry for 22 years (April 1996 – July 2018) in various positions, both the Trade and Industry Wing of the Ministry. She was the Senior Director of ASEAN Economic Integration Division of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry from December 2016 to July 2018, Malaysia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) from 2013-2016, and Director of Sectoral Policy II from 2010-2012.

In addition to the core responsibilities, over the years she was actively involved in the negotiations of bilateral and regional free trade agreements involving Malaysia and ASEAN with their trading partners. Among others, she was the Lead Negotiator for Rules of Origin negotiations under ASEAN-Korea FTA, Services negotiations under ASEAN-India FTA, Goods and Rules of Origin negotiations under Malaysia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and Goods Chapter under the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement. She holds an LLB(Hons) from the Manchester Metropolitan University and MA from University Kebangsaan Malaysia.

Azizul Amiludin

Non-Resident Senior Fellow The Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER)

Azizul Amiludin works in the areas macroeconomics, monetary policy and financial markets. He currently teaches at institutions such as University of Malaya (UM), Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UNiKL) and Institut Tadbiran Awam Negara (INTAN) focusing on financial markets and public policy.

Azizul co-founded DM-Analytics, an economic research firm where he worked on policy-oriented economic research. During his time at Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), he held several senior roles, including Head of Treasury Risk Management and Chief Representative in London, where he managed investment portfolios and represented BNM in international engagements. Earlier in his career, he worked in technology with the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP ) in Kuala Lumpur and MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Azizul holds an engineering degree from Brown University, a Master’s in Economics from University of Malaya, (UM) and an LLM in Corporate Finance Law from University of Westminster.

YBrs. Dr. Tricia Yeoh

Associate Professor of Practice, University of Nottingham Malaysia’s School of Politics and International Relations

Dr. Tricia Yeoh is an Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Nottingham Malaysia’s School of Politics and International Relations. She is also a Senior Fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, a 2024/25 Atlantic Council Millennium Leadership Fellow, Senior Adjunct Research Fellow at Monash University Malaysia, and Campus Visitor at the Australian National University. She recently served as Senior Visiting Fellow at the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute.

Dr Yeoh is the former CEO of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) Malaysia, serving until September 2024. Her work focuses on federalism, subnational opposition politics, and institutional reform, supported by prior experience in the Selangor Chief Minister’s Office. She holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Nottingham Malaysia, and her writings can be found at www.triciayeoh.com.

She is editor of The Spirit of Merdeka (with Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad), The Road to Reform: Pakatan Rakyat in Selangor, its Malay edition Liku-liku Reformasi, and author of States of Reform: Governing Selangor and Penang. Her documentary The Rights of the Dead, on the death of Teoh Beng Hock, won the Justin Louis Award at FreedomFilmFest 2012. Dr Yeoh has been honoured with the Darjah Tuanku Muhriz (D.T.M.), the Selangor Meritorious Service Medal (P.J.K.), and the Monash University Malaysia Distinguished Alumni Award 2017.

TBC

Will update later.

Kamarul Bahrin Haron

Independent Journalist

Kamarul Bahrin Bin Haron is a stalwart of true journalism and long-time servant of the Malaysian media broadcasting scene. Three decades of a colourful media career has also been honed into communication expertise which he offers as a certified trainer by HRD Corp.

Currently he is an independent Gig media worker with affiliations to several organisations that make technology and socio-economic inclusion their mission. This includes as a Senior Associate with Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology and a member of Football Association of Malaysia’s Communication, Media and Public Relations Committee. Kamarul last full-time position was as Editor-in-Chief and Anchor of Astro Awani of which his best achievements were leading Astro Awani into the digital era and breaking the norms of talk show anchoring culminating in the highest ever live Malaysian TV and online ratings for the 14th General Election coverage. In his 30 years of media career, from New Strait Times to TV3 to Cyberjaya TV and then Astro Awani, this multiple award-winning TV journalist has also led Malaysian journalism to the highest global platforms like the World Economic Forum in Davos where he was the first accredited Malaysian Media Leader and chosen as moderator for the WEF ASEAN discourse. This bachelor of broadcasting graduate from Universiti Sains Malaysia believes the quality of public discourse in Malaysia can be much higher and better literacy, awareness and training of public, corporate and community leaders in media and communication skills is a great enabler.

However, Perlis born Kamarul bigger mission is to help make media and communication the strongest development catalyst for citizens and nations as digital technology driven media platforms can be disrupted and leveraged to be more grassroot driven in the days of AI and Machine Learning. While striving for this innovation, Kamarul welcomes gigs of journalistic passion as journalist, director, producer, anchor, consultant, trainer, moderator and emcee for media and communication initiatives.

YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg

Premier of Sarawak

The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg has served as the Premier of Sarawak since 2017, guiding the State through a period of significant economic and policy transformation. With over four decades of public service, he has held key portfolios in finance, natural resources, urban development, energy, and environmental sustainability. His leadership has been central to Sarawak’s drive toward a digital economy and the development of green hydrogen as a new growth frontier. These efforts form the backbone of the State’s ambition to build a competitive, sustainable, and high-income economy by 2030.

Tuan Sayed Munawar Sayed Mustar

TV Presenter

Sayed Munawar Sayed Mohd Mustar is a media personality who has conducted policy advocacy talks on national channels for over 27 years.

In addition, he is also a content development consultant for public and private agencies.

2026 Sarawak Budget Conference

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