Bett Asia Awards 2024

Dr. (HC) Aslam Khan Bin Samahs Khan

Academic Director & Vice Chairman Erican Education Group, Malaysia

Academic Director & Vice Chairman of Erican Education Group, Malaysia 
Executive Council Member of NAPEI Malaysia 

Bio

Dr. HC Aslam Khan BSK obtained his academic and professional qualifications in Malaysia and the United Kingdom. He has also been awarded the Doctor of Excellence (Dr. Honoris Causa) in English Language Education and 21st Century Education. He had been a Senior Lecturer, Master Trainer and Consultant in the English Studies Department and the Head of International and Corporate Department under the purview of the Institute of Teacher Education Malaysia, Ministry of Education Malaysia. In December 2022, he received The Global CSR Excellence and Leadership Awards for Best Education Sector/Community Award. He has vast experience in planning, implementing, coordinating and managing national and international Teacher Education and Professional Training Programmes. He was a member of the National Steering Committee for Teacher Training Twinning Programmes between Malaysia and the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. He also conducts consultation and advisory work for governmental and corporate organisations and academic institutions, both at national and international level. He was the Vice-Chair and Coordinator of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) for 15 years, a Government-to-Government programme for the training of teachers, lecturers and educators from more than ninety countries. He was the Project Manager of the Malaysia Australia Education Project for Afghanistan (MAEPA), a project to train Master Trainers in Teacher Education from Afghanistan under the Malaysian Government in collaboration with Australia and Afghanistan. He is frequently invited as a featured speaker at various national and international English Language and Education conferences and as a reviewer for journal articles. He has contributed quite substantially in seminars, conferences, trainings, journal articles reviewing and programmes development in Indonesia for the past 13 years. He has also served as an Executive Committee and Vice-President of MELTA (Malaysian English Language Teaching Association) for 23 years. He served the Ministry of Education Malaysia for 39 years prior to his retirement. Currently, he is the Academic Director and Executive Vice Chairman of ERICAN Education Group, Malaysia, an Executive Council Member of NAPEI (National Association of Private Education Institutions), Malaysia, the Vice President 2 of MAE (Malaysian Association for Education), and an Advisor and Committee Member of AsiaTEFL ProfNet. For your information, Dr. HC Aslam Khan is also a multilingual educationist. 

Dr. Azriey Mazlan

Consul Education Education Malaysia Ho Chi Minh City

Consul Education
Education Malaysia Ho Chi Minh City
Consulate General of Malaysia

Bio

Dr Azriey Mazlan holds a doctorate degree from University Putra Malaysia (UPM). He started his career working with CIMB Bank as the executive assistant manager from 2006 to 2007, since when he has served the Malaysian Government in the role of Administrative & Diplomatic Officer. His first departmental placement was at the Public Service Department of Malaysia (PSD) as assistant director responsible for student placement and affairs related to study abroad in the United States, Canada and Indonesia. Promoted in 2013 he took on a new task in the Human Resource Department of the Ministry of Health. Then, after graduating with a doctorate degree in 2019, Dr Azriey was assigned to the Public Complaints Bureau of the Prime Minister's Department, where he served until 2022. Currently Dr Azriey Mazlan is responsible for the promotion and recruitment of international students from Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos & Myanmar under the Ministry of Higher Education.

Gabriel Lau Chi Wen

Principal UOW Malaysia KDU College

Principal of UOW Malaysia KDU College and Head of Teaching & Learning Centre  
University of Wollongong Malaysia, Glenmarie Campus 

Bio

With a career spanning both hospitality and education, Gabriel has made significant contributions to both fields. He began in the hospitality industry, where he honed his expertise in service excellence and team leadership. Transitioning to education, Gabriel found his true passion in staff development and mentorship, shaping the next generation of professionals for over 25 years. 
Currently, Gabriel serves in two pivotal roles at UOW Malaysia: Head of the Teaching and Learning Centre and Principal of UOW Malaysia KDU College. 

As the Head of the Teaching and Learning Centre, Gabriel drives the institution's educational strategies, implements innovative teaching methodologies, and fosters an environment of continuous learning for both staff and students. He collaborates with faculty to enhance curriculum design, ensure academic quality, and integrate technology into the learning process. 

As Principal of UOW Malaysia KDU College, Gabriel oversees the administration and management of the college, ensuring operations align with academic goals and vision. His leadership extends to student affairs, faculty development, and community engagement, creating a supportive and enriching educational experience. Gabriel's dual roles blend strategic oversight with hands-on mentorship, contributing to UOW Malaysia's growth and success. 

Keith Thong

Group Managing Director University Book Store Malaysia (UBSM)

Keith Thong holds a degree in Economics from University of London, UK and is currently the Group Managing Director of University Book Store Malaysia (UBSM) which was set up initially set up to serve Malaysia’s pioneer universities: University Malaya (UM) and the National University of Malaysia (UKM) about 65 years ago. Currently, UBSM is the market leader in the K-12 segment for all Print and Digital products distribution in Malaysia and the SEA region; with specific focused on the UK IGCSE curriculum and IB segment. He also the chairman of the Malaysian Book Industry Chamber (MBIC) which consists of 5 key book publishing associations in Malaysia: Malaysian Book Publishers Association, Malaysian Booksellers Association, Malaysian Book Exporters and Importers Association, Malaysian Book Contractors Association, and Malaysian Bumiputera Book Publishers and Distributors Association. Keith is passionate about education and has been actively championing education activities.

Prof. Abtar Darshan Singh, PhD

Professor Innovative Digital Learning

Professor: Innovative Digital Learning 
Director: Digital Learning Hub 
UNESCO Chair: Harnessing Innovative Technologies to Enhance Quality Teaching and Learning 
Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
 

Bio

Prof. Abtar Darshan Singh is a distinguished academic with over thirty years of experience in educational technology, having held key roles such as Dean and Professor at prestigious institutions globally, including Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, University Malaya, and Open University Malaysia. An alumna of Syracuse and Indiana University, she currently leads the Digital Learning Hub at APU and holds a UNESCO Chair focused on harnessing innovative technologies for quality teaching and learning. A prolific author, Prof. Singh’s research tackles education challenges posed by globalization and technology. She is a prominent voice in global educational forums, providing expert insights on educational policies and digital innovations. Prof. Singh advises various governmental and non-governmental organizations on education strategies, especially in digital learning. With a rich history of community service, consultancy, and training, she collaborates with international organizations like the World Bank, UNESCO, UNDP, and the Commonwealth of Learning. As a Fulbright Scholar, Prof. Singh has significantly contributed to cultural and community development projects, and actively supports Special Education Needs (SEN) initiatives with Kiwanis Malaysia and The Malaysian Association of Yoga Instructors.