Speakers | Hear From Leading EdTech Experts

David Chak Shan Chun

Co-founder and Director Arus Academy

David Chak is a Malaysian educator and social entrepreneur dedicated to revolutionizing education. He is the co-founder and curriculum director of Arus Academy, a social enterprise that has impacted over 150,000 students and 100,000 teachers in Malaysia since 2015. Arus Academy focuses on building relevant skills in coding, STEM, digital and financial literacy, media literacy, global citizenship and socio-emotional learning.

A former Teach for Malaysia fellow, Chak co-founded Arus Academy with a mission to address educational inequity after his experience teaching at a high-needs public school. He is a strong advocate for media literacy education, championing its importance even before the ushering of the age of AI and deepfakes. He believes media literacy extends beyond just spotting fake news, but also about understanding the motives behind a message and its potential to influence beliefs, as well as mitigating or minimizing its effects on our wellbeing both physical and socioemotionally.

Chak's work extends beyond Arus Academy. He co-authored the Malaysian Year 5 Digital Technology textbook and writes on global issues and media literacy for a local Chinese quarterly magazine. His expertise is further enriched by several prestigious fellowships: the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellowship, the Acumen Fellowship, and the Fulbright Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship at Vanderbilt University. He also serves on the advisory council for the Asian Network of News and Information Literacy Educators.

Chak holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Computer Science from McGill University in Canada and a postgraduate diploma in education from the Northern University of Malaysia. He is often invited to speak and mentor on topics ranging from education and leadership to digital transformation and entrepreneurship.

Professor Abhi Veerakumarasivam

Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor Sunway University

Professor Abhi Veerakumarasivam is a University of Cambridge-trained geneticist, educator and science communicator. Before taking on his current role as the Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Sunway University, he was the Dean of the School of Medical and Life Sciences.

His research in genetics involves the elucidation of components of the regulatory pathways that drive tumour recurrence and invasion as well as dissecting Asian genetic variations that confer differences in disease- risk and response to therapy. In recognition of his achievements, he has been awarded multiple awards including the National Cancer Council Malaysia Cancer Research Award, the Study UK Alumni Award (Science and Sustainability), and the Merdeka Award Grant as well as listed in the Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow List. He is the first Asian to be crowned as the Best Science Communicator at the International FameLab Finals at the Cheltenham Science Festival, UK.

He was the inaugural Chair of the International Network for Government Science Advice Asia that supports the use of scientific evidence in informing policy at all levels of government. As Chair of the Young Scientists Network-Academy of Sciences Malaysia and Co-Chair of the ASEAN Young Scientists Network, he championed various national and regional initiatives to support mid- and early career researchers to drive academic excellence and contribute towards nation-building through STEM promotion and advocacy. He sits on various national and regional science and educational policy committees and has co-authored various policy papers and reports, including the Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint 2025-2035. He co-initiated and led Malaysia’s first nationwide programme on Responsible Conduct of Research to create awareness and educate the Malaysian scientific community on the importance of research integrity and currently is a member of the National Committee on Research Integrity.

As Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Sunway University, Abhi leads the largest UK-Malaysia transnational education partnership alongside the newly established collaboration with Arizona State University - nurturing thousands of next-generation leaders equipped with knowledge, skills, values, and a global mindset to foster a more harmonious, equitable, and sustainable future. Abhi truly believes that the greatest challenges facing us in the 21st century can only be addressed through interdisciplinary approaches that promote humanity-centric research impact and communication, holistic education programmes that inculcate ethical values and an entrepreneurial mindset, and policies that support the translation of scientific discoveries and sustainability-driven technologies to improve the health of the planet and promote social justice.

LinkedIn

Afiq Fadhli Bin Narawi

Deputy President Malaysia Esports Federation (MESF)

Afiq Fadhli Narawi has been contributing to the growth of Malaysia’s digital and esports landscape for over 15 years. As President of the Sarawak Esports Association (SESA), he works closely with communities, youth, and stakeholders to develop inclusive and sustainable esports programs across East Malaysia. His efforts through initiatives like the Sarawak Esports Expo (SAREX) reflect a long-term vision to build talent and opportunity in the region. In 2022, he was humbled to be named Sarawak Youth Icon (Male), an honour he attributes to the collective efforts of his peers.

In the private sector, Afiq is the Director of Metadise Sdn Bhd, a company focused on digital innovation, training, and immersive experiences. He leads the “Tech-Me to Sarawak” project, a metaverse initiative that aims to promote Sarawak’s unique culture, nature, food, festivals, and innovation to a wider global audience through technology.

Afiq also serves as the Deputy President of the Kuching Blockchain Technology Association (KBTA), where he supports initiatives to raise awareness and understanding of blockchain technology in Sarawak. In education, he contributes to curriculum development as a Board of Study member for the Bachelor of Mobile Game Development (Hons) at University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), aiming to bridge academic training with industry needs.

In his national role as Deputy President of the Malaysia Esports Federation, Afiq had the opportunity to represent Malaysia as Team Manager at the inaugural Commonwealth Esports Championships in Birmingham, United Kingdom, in 2022. With the dedication of the athletes and coaches, Malaysia proudly brought home three gold medals in Dota 2 Open, Dota 2 Women, and eFootball Open categories.

Currently, Afiq also serves on the board of the Sarawak Sports Corporation, where he contributes to shaping the direction of sports development in the state. Across all his roles, he remains committed to empowering youth and creating pathways through technology, collaboration, and shared purpose.

LinkedIn

Ahteram Uddin

Vice President, Commercial APAC Kahoot!

Afteram Uddin has over 20 years of experience driving business growth for innovative technology companies in the Asia-Pacific region. As VP, Commercial APAC at Kahoot!, he leads the company’s mission to make learning awesome by connecting millions of students, educators, and professionals across the region with engaging, inclusive, and gamified solutions.

At Kahoot!, Ahteram works closely with schools, ministries of education, and organizations to bring the power of game-based learning and AI-driven tools into classrooms and workplaces. His efforts focus on enabling teachers to boost student motivation, supporting national education strategies, and helping learners develop the future-ready skills they need to thrive.

Before joining Kahoot! in 2024, Ahteram held leadership positions with global digital innovators such as TikTok and Opera, where he gained deep expertise in scaling platforms that transform how communities connect, share knowledge, and learn. This experience fuels his passion for using technology to create equitable opportunities in education across diverse contexts in Asia-Pacific.

Currently, Ahteram is spearheading initiatives to expand Kahoot!’s adoption across APAC, ensuring that the platform continues to empower millions of educators and learners alike in the region.

Aimy Lee

Chief Operating Officer Penang Science Cluster

Aimy Lee is the Chief Operating Officer of Penang Science Cluster (PSC), where she leads the organization’s mission to advance STEM education across Malaysia. Under her leadership, PSC has expanded its reach and impact nationwide—designing and delivering programs such as Girls in Engineering & Tech (GET), InclusiveSTEM, and Experience AI to equip underserved communities with future-ready skills.

Aimy began her journey as a 2014 Teach for Malaysia Fellow and works closely with educators, industry leaders, and policymakers to bridge the gap between education and industry. Aimy is also an alumna of the IVLP Hidden No More 2022 and the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI).

LinkedIn

Ajay Sharma

British High Commissioner to Malaysia British High Commission Kuala Lumpur

Ajay Sharma was appointed British High Commissioner to Malaysia in April 2025.

This is Ajay’s fourth head of mission role. He was UK Chargé d’affaires to Iran from 2013 to 2015, British Ambassador to Qatar from 2015 to 2020, and Chargé d’affaires to Turkey from 2022 to 2023. Ajay has also served in Moscow and in Paris as the Deputy Ambassador to France.

Before his current role, Ajay was a Director International Affairs in the National Security Secretariat of the Cabinet Office and a Director in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

During his 30-year career as a diplomat, Ajay has been involved in several international negotiations, including as the UK Representative for a Cyprus Settlement 2021 to 2022 and as the Deputy Negotiator for the Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA).

Born in London, Ajay is a graduate of Oxford University. He is fluent in French and Turkish and is learning Bahasa Melayu.

X

Animesh Priya

Chief of Partnerships Global School Leaders

Animesh Priya has worked in the education sector for over 15 years. He has been at Global School Leaders (GSL) since 2020, and looks after their external partnership and policy work. His journey in the development sector started when he joined Teach For India as a Fellow in 2011. He led Teach For India's Chennai city operation after his fellowship. He has also worked with organizations operating in tribal areas in his home state, Jharkhand.

Animesh has a Bachelor's in Engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology and a Masters in Public Affairs from the O'Neill School at Indiana University, Bloomington. Animesh started his career with Sungard Higher Education. He also spent a year at O'Neill post his Masters, leading relations with governments in low- and middle-income countries.

LinkedIn

Ary Yulistiana

Educator SMK Negeri 9 Surakarta

Ary Yulistiana is an experienced educator and EdTech advocate with almost two decades of dedication to advancing education through innovation and meaningful use of technology. She has been nationally recognised with the Medal of Honour, Satyalancana Pendidikan for Distinguished Teacher, from the President of Indonesia and awarded a Gold Medal at the National Teacher Olympiad for her dedication to transformative teaching.

As the author of more than 30 publications, she explores the evolving role of teachers amid rapid technological change while reflecting on her own global experiences. Firmly rooted in classroom practice, she has also facilitated numerous professional development initiatives that equip educators with skills in digital literacy, creative pedagogy, and curriculum design. Beyond institutional programs, she serves as a trainer for Teachers in remote and underserved regions through the Indonesia Teaching Fellowship, promoting educational equity and professional growth across diverse contexts.

Representing Indonesia as a Kahoot! Ambassador at Bett UK 2025, she showcased innovative, homegrown educational strategies on a global platform. Currently, she also serves on the Bett Asia Advisory Board, contributing to shaping the future of education in the region. She further enhanced her expertise in 21st-century education by completing a Short Course on Pedagogical Skill - Applied Teaching Methodology at the University of Queensland, Australia.

Asish Thakur

Executive Director & CEO; Chairman Embark College; Glocal Private Limited

Asish Thkur is the Executive Director & CEO for Embark College in academic partnership with University of Roehampton, providing UK based curriculum undergraduate and graduate courses in Nepal. With an objective of filling the gap between education and employability, with the ranges of training, engagement, and empowerment programs, Asish also initiated Glocal Private Limited. Within Glocal, he initiated platforms like Glocal Teen Hero to appreciate, award, and recognize teenagers doing something credible in Nepal, which also is the first franchise program to be taken outside Nepal to multiple countries; his focus is towards developing skills and entrepreneurial mindset in the youths.

Asish is also the immediate past advisor for Youth, Skill and Education to Chief Minister to Bagmati Province, Nepal. Asish serves as the National Convener to Nepal Britain Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Youth Chapter. He also serves as the Director to Agrima Academy, a three decade old amongst the first, Technical and Vocational Educational Institute of Nepal affiliated to CTEVT.

Asish is an MBA and Sustainable Development graduate. He was recognised as Forbes Fellow 2018 by Forbes Media, Asia Inspiration Award for General Entrepreneurs 2018, Skill and Entrepreneurship Chairman of the Year 2024, and Best Youth and Skills Development Education CEO 2025 (Nepal) by CEO Magazine and, having been visited different programs like SUSI, invited by the State Department of US to the United States of America, Next Gen Democracy Leaders Network program, invited by the Government of India. He tries to create different platforms for exposure and skill enhancement in youths.

Asish's mantra is “collaborate and initiate changes”.

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Azlina Kamal

Education Specialist and Lead UNICEF

As the UNICEF Education Specialist and Lead in Malaysia, Azlina provides strategic leadership and expert input into all of UNICEF Malaysia’s education programmes.

Incorrigibly optimistic about people’s capacity to collaborate, Azlina is interested in the development of context-driven, equity-focused, child-centred interventions, embedded in inclusive strategies. She brings deep experience in building durable, impact-focused partnerships and innovative programming in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Latin America and the Caribbean. She graduated with distinction from the University of Kent, and the UCL Institute of Education London, specialising in Education Leadership and Management, and was a recipient of the British Chevening Award.

LinkedIn

Instagram

X

Facebook

Bill Elim

Penetration Tester; CTF Player Seclab Indonesia

Bill Elim is a distinguished and rapidly emerging talent in the cybersecurity landscape. Bill works as a Penetration Tester at Seclab Indonesia and studies Cybersecurity at BINUS University. Specialising in offensive security with a keen focus on application security, cryptography, and the field of blockchain technology, Bill has a distinguished profile by combining academic activity with practical skills. His work is recognised on international stages, such as being selected to present at the Black Hat Asia 2025 Arsenal, publishing a research paper at an IEEE conference, and consistently demonstrating his prowess in national hacking competitions called Capture The Flag (CTF).

As a huge player in the competitive Capture The Flag (CTF), Bill has a proven track record of excellence. He has consistently achieved top rankings in numerous national competitions and participates in multiple international competitions. Complementing his competitive success, Bill has contributed to academic research by co-authoring a paper on cybersecurity education specifically in the field of cryptography.

Bill's practical skills are validated by his experience in the industry as a Penetration Tester and some industry certifications. He holds the Certified Appsec Practitioner (CAP) and the Burp Suite Certified Practitioner (BSCP), and has planned to acquire more in the upcoming future. Beyond personal accolades, Bill is a dedicated contributor to the cybersecurity community. He has developed Foundpy, an innovative open-source tool described as a "Foundry-like Interface for Interacting with Ethereum Application in Python" which earned him a presentation slot at Black Hat Asia 2025's Arsenal showcase, a premier venue for new security tools.

His commitment to the field extends to education and mentorship. Bill frequently shares his knowledge by teaching technical workshops and webinars in multiple occasions, covering advanced topics for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Through his blend of academic publication, competitive performance, industry skills, and community contributions, Bill Elim has established himself as a multifaceted and a promising figure ready to make a significant impact on the future of cybersecurity.

X

LinkedIn

Instagram

Calvin Wong Huey Neng

Senior Education Advisor, Southeast Asia and Pacific, Partnership for Education Senior Education Advisor, Southeast Asia and Pacific, Partnership for Education

Calvin Wong Huey Neng is the Senior Education Advisor at Cambridge Partnership for Education. His role focuses on working with Ministries of Education and development organisations to support and implement transformative educational reforms in South East Asia and the Pacific.

Calvin is a Chartered Accountant with an MSc in Professional Accountancy from the University of London, with experience spanning accounting, finance, and educational management. He has worked with ministries of education and development organisations to design and deliver transformative education reforms across Southeast Asia and the Pacific. His expertise combines commercial strategy, business analysis, and financial management with stakeholder engagement and programme delivery. Before joining Cambridge, Calvin worked with ACCA, one of the world’s largest accountancy bodies.

X

Charles Radman

Global Education Technology Expert Radman Consulting, LLC

For over sixteen years in education technology, Charles Radman has been at the forefront of global education strategy and digital transformation. His journey began at HP, where he spent 25 years and climbed from the front lines of customer support to become the Global Head of Education. Along the way, he didn’t just navigate industry change—he led it, pioneering HP’s leap from traditional hardware into the high-margin world of SaaS (software as a service). Under his leadership, HP’s education SaaS division skyrocketed from an ambitious concept to over $48M in revenue with 62% gross margins, setting new benchmarks for innovation and profitability.

His expertise lies in architecting data-driven go-to-market strategies that not only captured market share but also delivered sustainable value in fiercely competitive arenas. He has orchestrated complex partnerships, spearheaded transformative product launches, and balanced the demands of global expansion with the precision of high-stakes revenue growth—culminating in a $3.6B topline achievement for HP’s education sector.

Charles is now out on his own as a Consultant helping EdTech companies and governments achieve their digital transformation and global expansion plans.

Respected as a global education authority, Charles has engaged directly with Ministries of Education and C-suite leaders around the world, driving initiatives that shape the future of learning and technology. As a featured keynote speaker at world-class forums like the Bett, Education World Forum, and ISTE, and as an advisory board member for renowned organisations such as the Brookings Institution’s Center for Universal Education, his voice resonates at the highest levels.

Charles’ proven leadership in building cross-functional, high-performance teams and delivering operational excellence ensures measurable results and enduring competitive advantage for every client partnership.

LinkedIn

X

Christina Chin

Deputy Executive Editor Star Media Group

Christina Chin is a Khazanah-Wolfson Press Fellow at the University of Cambridge, and a China-ASEAN Center of Advanced Studies Fellow. She started her journalism career with the Star Media Group after a stint in the advertising industry. Having reported on a myriad of topics ranging from politics and community issues, to breaking news and exclusive stories, Christina is a law graduate who holds a Masters in Arts degree.

Christina currently helms the Education Desk, which encompasses the Star Newspaper-in Education initiative and BRATs Young Journalist Programme, and oversees the R.AGE youth vertical. She has conducted communication workshops for the Education Ministries of Malaysia and the Republic of Maldives, and recently completed a PhD at Universiti Malaya, where she guest lectures and conducts workshops on communication. Having been in the media industry for close to two decades, the International Press Institute member is a recipient of more than 30 journalism awards.

LinkedIn

Craig Kemp

Co-Founder EduSpark.World

Craig Kemp is an experienced educator, consultant, and entrepreneur who has dedicated his career to transforming teaching and learning through technology. As the Co-Founder and CEO of EduSpark, a pioneering professional learning platform for educators, Craig is redefining how teachers access, experience, and apply professional development. EduSpark.world brings together leading voices in education from around the world to provide high-impact, relevant, and practical learning experiences for educators at every stage of their journey.

With over 18 years of experience across public and private schools, Craig has held roles as a teacher, senior leader, and advisor before moving into global consultancy. He has supported schools, governments, and education organisations worldwide to leverage digital tools and innovative practices that create meaningful change. His work bridges classroom expertise and strategic leadership, enabling him to understand both the big picture and the day-to-day realities of teaching.

Craig is also the founder of Ignite EdTech, a consultancy through which he partners with EdTech companies, schools, and ministries of education globally. He helps startups and established companies alike to grow, scale, and sustain their presence in the education market, with a particular focus on impact, scalability, and alignment with school needs. His portfolio includes strategic advisory, market entry planning, and digital transformation projects that have positioned him as one of the most trusted advisors in the region.

Instagram
LinkedIn
Ignite EdTech website
EduSpark.world
X
Facebook

Professor Cher Ping Lim

Chair Professor of Learning Technologies and Innovation, and Co-Director of the Global Institute for Emerging Technologies The Education University of Hong Kong

Professor Cher Ping Lim is a Chair Professor of Learning Technologies and Innovation, and the Co-Director of the Global Institute for Emerging Technologies, at The Education University of Hong Kong. He is also a Visiting Professor at the UNESCO International Centre for Higher Education Innovations. He has served for more than 10 years as the Editor-in-Chief of The Internet and Higher Education, and is now its Advisory Editor.

Over the last two decades, he has engaged major education stakeholders at the national and international levels as his research and development partners for enhancing equity, quality and efficiency in the education sector enabled by emerging technologies.

LinkedIn

Christopher Fett-Nguyen

Professional Learning Manager - Asia Britannica Education

Christopher Fett-Nguyen is an experienced educational leader and curriculum innovator with a strong commitment to creating dynamic, future-ready learning environments. He has led academic teams in delivering progressive curriculum strategies, ensuring alignment with international standards, and fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.

Christopher’s expertise spans English Language Teaching (ELT), teacher development, and strategic school planning. He has designed and implemented programmes that prioritise personalised learning, rigorous assessment, and inclusive pedagogy. His experience includes leading IELTS preparation, debate coaching, and academic writing programmes, resulting in exceptional student outcomes such as global recognition at the World Scholar’s Cup, where his students achieved multiple gold and silver medals.

Christopher plays a key role with Britannica Education, where he is responsible for shaping and delivering professional learning initiatives for educators across diverse contexts. His work focuses on equipping teachers with practical strategies for integrating technology, enhancing engagement, and applying evidence-based approaches to curriculum and instruction. Through these initiatives, Christopher supports schools in adopting innovative solutions that promote deeper learning and global competencies.

Passionate about the intersection of technology and education, Christopher advocates for the thoughtful integration of AI and digital tools to enhance engagement, personalise learning, and support teacher effectiveness. He believes that emerging technologies should complement, not replace, the human connection in classrooms, allowing teachers to focus on creativity, critical thinking, and student wellbeing.

Beyond instruction, Christopher has played a key role in strategic leadership, contributing to teacher recruitment, professional development, and compliance with global accreditation and local legal standards. He is experienced in managing multicultural teams, shaping curriculum design, and implementing future-focused educational strategies that prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world.

A confident communicator and lifelong learner, Christopher holds a BA in History and Politics, underpinning his deep understanding of international learning and global perspectives. His career reflects a consistent focus on innovation, inclusivity, and adaptability, ensuring that education evolves to meet the needs of tomorrow’s learners.

LinkedIn

Facebook

Dr Christopher McCormick

Chief Academic Officer Efekta Education Group

Dr Christopher McCormick is an international education specialist with over 30 years of experience championing innovation in language teaching and learning. As Chief Academic Officer of Efekta Education Group, he oversees the learning design of AI-powered interactive curricula that help to transform education for good. Throughout his career, he has contributed to major programs for schools, companies, and international organisations such as the UN and the Olympics.  

Christopher grew up in Texas, then later studied and worked in New Orleans, Paris, Monterrey, Austin, Boston, Shanghai, London, Zug, Lucerne, Colombo, Phnom Penh, Beijing, and Bangkok. He obtained a PhD in Applied Linguistics from the University of Texas at Austin, and he has served in executive roles for EF Education First and as an associate faculty member of Hult Ashridge Executive Education. As a lifelong explorer and the spouse of a diplomat, Christopher shares his passion for intercultural understanding that comes through language learning and cultural discovery.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn - Efekta Education

Cora Yang

Director of Student Innovation Lab & Secondary EdTech Coach Chinese International School, Hong Kong

Cora Yang is an educational innovator who believes that technology should serve, celebrate, and elevate the human experience of learning. At her core, she is an educator, driven by a deep commitment to the growth and well-being of every student. In her roles as the Director of Student Innovation Lab and Secondary EdTech Coach at Chinese International School Hong Kong and the co-founder of Alignment Edu, she puts this philosophy into practice.

Cora partners with school leadership teams and classroom educators to demystify emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence. She excels at translating the complexities of AI into practical, actionable strategies that can be implemented school-wide. Through her dynamic workshops and coaching, she equips leaders with the vision to guide their communities and provides teachers with the hands-on skills to make learning with AI meaningful. Her ultimate mission is to ensure that innovation is always guided by pedagogy, creating accessible and powerful learning experiences that prepare students for the future with both wisdom and heart.

Website
LinkedIn

Chun Lei Suen Charlene

Research and Intelligence Associate Digital Education Council

Charlene is a Research and Intelligence Associate at the Digital Education Council, where she focuses on
sustainable innovation, AI adoption and governance, and emerging trends in Higher Education. She plays a
key role in the research, development, and delivery of DEC’s flagship learning programmes — the Certificate
in AI for Higher Education for institutional leaders and faculty, and the AI Literacy for All course for students.

Through these programmes, Charlene has helped equip thousands of students and educators worldwide with the skills and understanding needed to navigate AI’s impact on teaching, learning, and the future of work. Her research spans innovation, sustainability, AI regulation, and institutional transformation, contributing to DEC’s globally referenced publications and policy‑oriented frameworks that are shaping AI strategies in universities and education systems.

LinkedIn

Dalton Flanagan

Learning Innovation Coach Chinese International School

With over a decade of experience spanning PYP, MYP, IGCSE, and A-Level frameworks, Dalton is a leader in educational innovation. In his current role as the Learning Innovation Coach and Innovation Lab Coordinator at Chinese International School HK, he focuses on bridging the gap between established pedagogy and the future of technology.

Dalton’s work is centred on designing authentic learning experiences that embed generative AI tools. Leveraging his deep background in Computer Science and Design, he equips students and fellow educators with the skills to use generative AI tools to deepen inquiry and enhance creativity. As a key voice shaping the conversation around generative AI, he has authored and implemented comprehensive generative AI guidance documents for international schools, establishing frameworks for their strategic and ethical use. He is also the Co-Founder of Alignment Edu.

Dr Vincent Chian

Chief Operating Officer Fairview International Plc

Dr Vincent Chian is a distinguished educator and thought leader, whose contributions to international education have transformed Fairview International School into a model of excellence. With over 14 years of experience in the field, he currently serves as the Principal of Fairview International School Malaysia and the Provost of University College Fairview. His journey from psychiatry to education underscores his deep commitment to holistic development, ensuring that students are prepared not just for another exam, but to succeed at life.

A medical graduate from the University of Manchester and a former Psychiatry Registrar, Dr Chian transitioned into education in 2009, driven by a desire to make a lasting impact on future generations. His medical background, particularly in psychiatry, has been instrumental in shaping his approach to education. At Fairview, he drives the development of proactive pastoral programs, recognizing that wellbeing should be a proactive target rather than the reactive stance of mental health systems.

Dr Chian is an EO Accelerator coach, regularly consults for Eduspaze, and is a sought-after speaker at educational conferences. Hi shares his thoughts on education through his LinkedIn blog, "Learning with a Purpose." His belief in the power of education to shape the future is evident in his ongoing efforts to spearhead University College Fairview, where he continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what education can achieve as the Provost.

Danang Catur Satrianto

Teacher MYP High School Al Firdaus

Danang Catur Satrianto, is an English teacher at Al Firdaus, an inclusive IB World School. Raised in a modest family, his father transitioned from teaching to entrepreneurship, while his mother worked as a market food vendor. As the youngest of four, Danang developed resilience and a strong work ethic early on.

His passion for education began in primary school and was fuelled by curiosity and creativity. Excelling academically throughout his school years, he pursued English Education at IAIN Surakarta, driven by a desire to empower others through language and inclusive learning.

Since 2017, Danang has taught at Al Firdaus, which offers the IB Primary and Middle Years Programmes. He also serves as a homeroom teacher, supporting students’ individual needs. The school’s inclusive ethos aligns with his belief in equal access to education, welcoming learners with autism, physical disabilities, and other SEND needs.

Danang integrates technology to enhance learning, using tools like Canva, Procreate, FL Studio Mobile, CorelDraw, and SketchUp. His innovative approach provides diverse pathways for students, especially those with SEND, fostering engagement and celebrating varied forms of excellence.

Edmund Lim

Director of Professional Development Singapore Education Network (SEN)

Edmund is the Director of Professional Development at the Singapore Education Network (SEN), as well as a Principal Consultant and Partner at SECG. He has provided consultancy for international schools, EdTech companies, overseas ministries of education and organisations such as the World Bank.

His prior roles included being the Vice President of an EdTech unicorn and Executive Director (APAC) for a global cyber education company.

Edmund also has experience as a Senior Vice President of a Singapore company involved in the establishment and management of international schools in Asia. He was once based in Bangkok as a Group Academic Director of five international school campuses. He has worked as the Education Director in one of the world's largest aquariums.

Prior to working in the private sector, Edmund was a former Principal and Vice-Principal in Primary and Secondary schools in Singapore. In addition to conducting professional development courses for
educators, he has taught in the National Institute of Education, the Gifted Education Programme and
various schools. He also enjoys reading and writing.

Elena Branet

Founder & CEO Digital Camp

Elena Branet is a strategic business leader and tech entrepreneur, passionate about connecting people, things and data in smart new ways. In 2017, she founded Digital Camp to help young people build digital skills and companies to grow talent through projects that help the planet.

With over 25 years in technology, Elena has helped global brands such as Vodafone Business and Microsoft to achieve market leadership with new brand and product launches and start-ups to grow at scale through to IPO. Her work with Oxford Saïd Business School on the global Climate Change Challenge exemplifies her commitment to leveraging green tech against climate change. As a Director at Microsoft, Elena led technology evangelism for Internet of Things, Data and Cloud, and led Entertainment Marketing for Xbox EMEA. Elena has delivered transformative digital learning initiatives and is a fellow of the Royal Society of Art. 

Fazlan Bin Abdullah

Acting Head, Pre-Emptive Technology and Services Division CyberSecurity Malaysia

Mr Fazlan Abdullah is the Acting Head of the Pre-Emptive Technology and Services Division at CyberSecurity Malaysia, overseeing cyber risk intelligence, technology research strategy, digital information analysis, and AI initiatives. Since 2008, he has played key roles in national cybersecurity policies. He contributed to the CyberSecurity Act 2024 regulations and serves on several technical and standards committees. Fazlan led the Common Criteria Collaboration Program (RMK10–RMK12) for ICT product certification (ISO 15408). From 2020 to 2022, he was seconded to the Personal Data Protection Department as a Cyber Security Officer and Assistant Commissioner, handling data breach investigations and audits. In 2023, he joined the Ministry of Communications and Digital’s DERAS Task Force, supporting digital policy strategies. Fazlan holds a B.Eng. in Electrical Engineering & Electronics from UMIST and has over 28 years of experience in cybersecurity, ICT R&D, governance, and data protection.

Dr Goh Chee Leong

Group Co-Chief Executive Officer (Tertiary) HELP Education Group

Dr Goh Chee Leong is a distinguished Malaysian educationist, psychologist, and transformational leader whose career spans over 25 years of impactful service across tertiary education, school education, psychological research, corporate consultancy, and humanitarian work. Currently, he holds the position of Chief Executive Officer (Tertiary) at the HELP Education Group, where he provides strategic leadership to both HELP University and HELP Academy, spearheading their academic, operational, and developmental goals.

Dr Goh’s pioneering spirit is evident in his earlier role as the Founding CEO of HELP Education Services (HES). Under his leadership, HES successfully established two high-performing international schools: HELP International School (HIS) in Kuala Lumpur and Crescendo-HELP International School (CHIS) in Johor Bahru. These institutions have set benchmarks for innovative, values-driven education, preparing students to thrive in a globalised and fast-evolving world.

An academic at heart, Dr Goh was previously Vice President of HELP University, where he founded and served as Dean of the Faculty of Behavioral Sciences. Under his vision and leadership, the faculty grew into one of the largest psychology programmes in Southeast Asia, enrolling over 1,400 full-time students. He lectured in a wide range of subjects including Organizational Psychology, Social Psychology, Research Methodology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Human Motivation, earning respect from both peers and students for his engaging, research-informed teaching.

From 2019 to 2022, Dr Goh was appointed Group CEO of Paramount K12 Education Group, which later became XCL Education Malaysia. During his tenure, he led the transformation and strategic expansion of a group that included Sri KDU Schools, REAL Schools, REAL Kids, and Cambridge English for Life, driving improvements in quality, curriculum innovation, and operational excellence across the group’s network of schools.

Dr Goh’s leadership extends to the global stage. He made history as the first Asian to be elected Treasurer of the International Union of Psychological Science (IUPsyS), a prestigious global body for psychology. He is also the former President of the ASEAN Regional Union of Psychological Societies (ARUPS) and the Malaysian Psychological Association (PSIMA). Additionally, he was appointed Consultant Psychologist for MENSA Malaysia, a recognition of his professional standing and contributions to the psychological community.

He holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Otago, New Zealand, where he also completed his First-Class Honours degree. His academic excellence was recognised through the Otago Postgraduate Award, and his research focused on cognitive psychology, particularly memory and eyewitness testimony in children. Dr Goh remains a passionate advocate of research-led education and continues to contribute to academic and practitioner discussions.

Deeply committed to social impact, Dr Goh has led eight major UNICEF projects in Malaysia, which included work on post-disaster recovery in tsunami-affected communities in Kedah, the creation of a National Child Trauma Response Team, anti-bullying campaigns, and positive discipline frameworks for schools. He also headed a research team for World Vision that explored youth mental health and psychosocial challenges in Timor Leste. As a member of the Ministry of Health’s National Disaster Taskforce for Mental Health, Dr Goh contributed to the development of Malaysia’s national psychological disaster response protocols.

A respected corporate consultant and trainer, Dr Goh has designed and conducted programmes for numerous leading organisations including Shell, Petronas, CIMB, Standard Chartered, Prudential, Maxis, Toyota, MISC, Ogilvy and Mather, Bank Negara, Hitachi, Public Mutual, Digi, Great Eastern, Mimos, and BASF. His areas of specialization include change management, conflict resolution, stress management, customer service psychology, talent development, and leadership psychology. Notably, he has developed industry-focused training such as "EQ for Agents" for Prudential, "Psychology and Unit Trusts" for Public Mutual, and "Psychology and Sales" for CIMB.

Dr Goh is also a well-known public speaker and media contributor. He has written extensively on family and educational issues for Parenthood Magazine (Malaysia and Singapore), contributed op-eds for The Star, and is a regular guest expert on BFM Radio, discussing topics ranging from workplace psychology to parenting. Over the years, more than 5,000 parents have attended his parenting workshops across the country, drawn to his relatable, evidence-based insights into child development and family wellbeing.

Blending academic distinction, visionary leadership, and a strong sense of social responsibility, Dr Goh Chee Leong continues to shape Malaysia’s educational and psychological landscapes with purpose, compassion, and integrity. His commitment to transforming lives through education, psychology, and leadership remains his enduring legacy.

Gurpadeep Singh

Chief Operating Officer Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

Gurpardeep Singh is a senior leader with the Asia Pacific University (APU) and was instrumental in the Institution’s growth and evolution into a University College, and eventually to a Full University. He presently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer of the University, leading the development and execution of Operational and Digital Transformation strategies to support the University’s growth and sustainability. Gurpardeep is also presently Chairman of the national-level Sectorial Training Committee (STC) for the Education sector under the Human Resources Development Corporation (HRDC). He was also part of the team that developed the Way Forward for Private Higher Education Institutions: Education as an Industry (2020-2025) document published by the Malaysia Ministry of Higher Education.

Instagram

Datuk Dr Habibah Abdul Rahim

Director Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Secretariat

Datuk Dr Habibah Abdul Rahim is the Director of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Secretariat. She is also Honourary Fellow at MASA Institute, Senior Advisor of Edvolution, Board Member of Teach for Malaysia, Advisory Board of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Global Advisory Council Teach for All Global Institute, and Member of AI Observatory and Action Lab Steering Group.

Datuk Habibah is the former Director General of Education Malaysia and has served the Ministry of Education Malaysia for more than 34 years before retiring on 6 April 2021.

She began her career as a secondary school teacher and among posts held are the Head of the Delivery Management Office, Executive Director of the Education Performance and Delivery Unit, Director of the Educational Planning and Research Division, and Deputy Director General of Education (Policy and Curriculum).

She has extensive experience in policy development, macro planning, programme implementation and evaluation. She played an instrumental role in the development of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025, Education Development Master Plan 2006-2010 and Education Development 2001-2010.

Facebook

X

LinkedIn

Instagram

YouTube

Dr HC Aslam Khan

Academic Director & Vice Chairman; Vice President ERICAN Education Group, Malaysia; National Association of Private Educational Institutions (NAPEI)

Dr HC Aslam Khan obtained his academic and professional qualifications in Malaysia and the United Kingdom. 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 also 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, Vice President of NAPEI (National Association of Private Education Institutions), Malaysia and also the ELE Consultant and Committee Member of Malaysia Association of Education (MAE).

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

Howie Chang

Co-Founder and CEO Forward College

Howie Chang is a visionary leader at the intersection of technology, education, and business transformation. He is the co-founder and CEO of Forward College, a future-focused institution in Malaysia dedicated to equipping individuals with the digital and technological skills needed to thrive in a fast-changing world. Guided by its mission to build creators – not just consumers – of technology, Forward College exists to empower learners with real-world capabilities, while fostering a culture of innovation, purpose, and resilience.

Deeply committed to shaping sustainable talent pipelines, Howie has trained and mentored hundreds of professionals in AI, Product Management, UI/UX, and emerging technologies. As a certified HRD Corp trainer, he has delivered high-impact learning experiences for clients such as Dell, Clarivate, Micron, and Keysight. He has also lectured at Republic Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic, bringing practical relevance into the classroom.

Before returning to Penang to make a homegrown impact, Howie spent over a decade immersed in Southeast Asia’s startup and innovation ecosystems. His career reflects a rare blend of product thinking, user experience, and entrepreneurial grit – fueling his drive to help others adapt, learn, and evolve.

In addition to his role at Forward College, Howie serves as a member of the Board of Advisory for Bett Asia. In recognition of his contributions to the tech and innovation ecosystem, he was awarded the Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (PJK) by the Penang State Government and recently conferred the 2025 Outstanding Education Icon – Leadership Excellence Award by the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific.

Hui Rong

Research and Intelligence Lead Digital Education Council

Hui Rong is the Research and Intelligence Lead at the Digital Education Council (DEC), where she drives global
research on the future of education, skills, and AI. She drives DEC’s flagship publications on how AI is reshaping Higher Education, focusing on AI literacy, assessment design, governance, and workforce readiness.

Her work includes the globally referenced DEC Global AI Student Survey (August 2024) and Global AI Faculty
Survey (January 2025) — the largest studies of their kind — capturing the perspectives of thousands of students and faculty members across 30+ countries. She also co‑developed the DEC AI Literacy Framework,
now adopted by institutions worldwide to inform strategies, faculty development, and student training.

Her work is regularly cited in media, academic literature, and policy forums, shaping institutional
strategies and national approaches to AI in education.

Dr Husniza Husni

Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation) Universiti Utara Malaysia

Dr Husniza Husni is an Associate Professor at School of Computing, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). She is currently the Deputy Dean of Research and Innovation, Chair of Inkubator Disleksia and a research fellow at Human-Centered Computing Research Lab, UUM. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, majoring in Artificial Intelligence (with Honours) from Universiti Utara Malaysia in 2002 and a Masters' Degree in Computer Science from The University of Western Australia in 2005. Later, she received her PhD (Information Technology) from Universiti Utara Malaysia in 2010.

Her research areas include interaction design, human-computer interaction particularly serving the needs of children with dyslexia and other learning disabilities such as dyscalculia and dysgraphia. She is also an expert in artificial intelligence and speech recognition, and has a keen interest particularly in education, learning, and children.

Dr Husniza is the author of several books, including "Menyingkap Kebahagiaan Mendidik Anak Disleksia & Diskalkulia", "Masalah Pembacaan Kanak-Kanak Disleksia: Bagaimana Teknologi Boleh Membantu", and "Program Khas Integrasi Masalah Pembelajaran Spesifik Disleksia: Dunia Sains dan Teknologi", which won the Anugerah Buku Negara (Education) in 2014.

She is currently an editorial board member of the Journal of Information and Communication Technology (JICT) and Membership Chair of MyHCI-UX, the ACM SIGCHI Kuala Lumpur Chapter. She also serves as a reviewer for reputable journals such as Computers in Human Behaviour, Jurnal Teknologi, and Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction.

LinkedIn

James Fraser-Murison

Director Fraser Esports

James is the Director of Fraser Esports, and global esports speaker and consultant. Fraser Esports is the first company in the world to run the esports online BTEC, which he helped co-write, whilst his company also provides esports education and consultancy around the world. His mission is to provide esports education to home educated students, AP, SEND and mainstream students, and create a global curriculum that introduces esports education and its benefits to everyone.

James has won multiple awards for his innovation and leadership in education, including the SFCA for the BTEC esports qualification, the Ed Tech Innovator Award, and the NASEF Scholastic Fellow. He is also a global speaker, author, mentor, and ambassador for esports and education, collaborating with prestigious organisations such as Microsoft, Fnatic, NASEF, NES, Gameplan, and Yoyotech.

James's mission is to link students with the best work experience opportunities and employers, prepare them for the ever-changing workforce, and provide support to those in education wanting to discover how esports can help all students. James is also the education advisor for Esports Insider (ESI) and has been working in esports education for many years, and mainstream education for over 22 years at mid to senior level. His other roles have seen him as a National Trainer for Pearson, the co-creator of the first-ever BTEC in esports, and BDM and QM Samurai founder at Queen Mary's College, Basingstoke, the co-creator of the first-ever BTEC in esports, and BDM and QM Samurai founder at Queen Mary's College, Basingstoke.

LinkedIn

X

Instagram

James Smith

Senior Customer Solutions Architect, APAC Open LMS

As the Senior Solutions Architect for Open LMS in APAC, James Smith consults with prospective and existing Open LMS customers, specifically focusing on developing and optimising their learning ecosystems.

Prior to joining Open LMS, James held several L&D-focused contracts and positions, including Learning Systems Infrastructure Manager at KPMG Australia, and Lead Learning Designer and then Learning Product Manager at Open Universities Australia.

With 20+ years of experience in corporate learning and consulting, James describes himself as “the person people come to when they need to fix things”. He holds a BA degree in Journalism from Deakin University, and studied Media, Radio Production, and Philosophy at Swinburne University of Technology. He also holds Certificate IV qualifications in Workplace Training and Assessment, and Project Management. James resides in Preston, Australia.

X

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Madam Jamilah Kadir

Director SEAMEO SEN

Madam Jamilah Kadir has devoted 30 years to the education sector, with a notable 18-year specialization in Special Education. Her journey commenced as a Mathematics and English Teacher, gradually transitioning into the realm of Special Education.

In 2016, she assumed the pivotal role of Head of the State Special Education Unit, and she further advanced to the position of Senior Principal Assistant Director for the State Education’s Special Education Sector in 2019. In 2021, Madam Jamilah Kadir took on the role of Deputy Director within the Planning and Research Sector of the Special Education Division under the Ministry of Education in Malaysia.

Notably, in October 2023, she took on the mantle as the Director of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization, Regional Centre for Special Educational Needs (SEAMEO SEN). This appointment further exemplifies her enduring dedication to the field of special education, contributing significantly to its growth in Southeast Asia.

Janelle Torres

Research Manager - South-East Asia ISC Research

Janelle Torres is a member of the Field Research Team at ISC Research, where she is responsible for gathering global data and market intelligence, writing reports, and analysing and interpreting research findings. Based in Manila, Philippines, Janelle regularly visits and engages with leaders of international schools globally to better understand their campuses and stay up to date with the latest trends in international education.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Development Communication and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Before joining ISC Research, Janelle worked at the Korean International School Philippines and later served as executive principal of a childcare centre in Manila that primarily supported children of Chinese expatriate families.

ISC Research has tracked the English-medium international schools market for 27 years and is the recognised source of data, trends and intelligence on this prominent sector of global education. More information is available at www.iscresearch.com

Jeanne Denyer

Campus Principal Tenby Schools Penang

Jeanne Denyer has been the Campus Principal of Tenby Schools Penang since August 2019. She has been a leader of three Tenby schools since moving to Malaysia in 2013. Jeanne worked in schools in the UK for 11 years after leaving a career in the diplomatic service. She is passionate about learning and believes that schools should prepare children for a future that is unknown. During her tenure as Campus Principal of Tenby Schools Penang, the school has transitioned to becoming a STEAM specialist school and they have recently opened their “STEAM Engine” a three-story building housing specialist STEAM learning spaces. These spaces will help their students develop the skills needed to become changemakers. The school is also working with partners to develop STEAM programmes for marginalised communities. She believes that innovation is not the same as invention and that by learning from and collaborating with others it is possible to find new approaches to learning and develop wider connections. She is delighted to be part of the Bett Asia Advisory Group.

LinkedIn

Jeff Sandhu

CEO  Sunway FutureX DI – 42 Malaysia

Jeff Sandhu is the Chief Executive Officer of Sunway FutureX DI Sdn Bhd, the national operator of 42 Malaysia and Sunway FutureX Digital Skills: two groundbreaking initiatives focused on reimagining how Malaysia cultivates digital talent and builds a future-ready workforce.

Under Jeff’s leadership, 42 Malaysia is scaling its tuition-free, peer-to-peer coding school model across the country, with campuses in Kuala Lumpur, Iskandar Puteri, and Penang. The program aims to train 10,000 software engineers by 2033, preparing Malaysians to lead in high-impact fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Engineering. With no teachers, no classes, and no fees, 42 Malaysia offers a radical yet inclusive pathway for young people from all walks of life to succeed in the digital economy.

At the same time, Jeff drives the strategic growth of Sunway FutureX Digital Skills, a corporate upskilling initiative that empowers employees across industries with practical, hands-on training in automated AI tools, no-code solutions, and digital transformation techniques. By bridging education and workforce innovation, Jeff helps organisations unlock greater efficiency, creativity, and resilience in an increasingly automated world.

Before transitioning into tech and education, Jeff spent five years in the creative industry as a producer and visual effects artist, where he worked on a wide range of multimedia campaigns and digital content projects across Southeast Asia. His experience crafting compelling narratives and producing high-impact visuals honed his storytelling, design thinking, and executional precision — qualities that continue to shape his leadership style today.

He later spent more than a decade at BFM Radio, where he became a key figure in shaping Malaysia’s tech and startup narrative. As Executive Producer of the Enterprise segment and the host of "Tech Talk", Malaysia’s only business-and-technology-focused radio show at the time, Jeff conducted over 5,000 interviews with founders, technologists, and thought leaders, reaching an audience of 40,000 monthly listeners. His work at BFM helped elevate national conversations around entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital disruption — well before these topics became mainstream.

Known for his multidisciplinary approach, Jeff brings together his experiences in media, design, ecosystem building, and strategic operations to develop forward-thinking solutions in education and workforce development. He has led numerous successful programmes, strategic partnerships, and public-private-philanthropic initiatives aimed at making digital transformation more inclusive and impactful.

Jeff is also a recognized thought leader on education reform and digital empowerment. In 2015, he represented Malaysia at the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) Young Leaders Summit, and in 2019, he was selected for the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) — a testament to his commitment to driving meaningful change.

What sets Jeff apart is his unconventional path: he holds no traditional university or college degree, yet has spent his career proving the value of alternative education models and lifelong learning. Today, through 42 Malaysia and Sunway FutureX Digital Skills, he is helping thousands of others do the same — not just to keep up with the future of work, but to lead it.

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Dr Jerrylyn Bacroya-Magbuo

Dean of Colleges of Arts, Sciences, and Education FAITH Colleges, Philippines

Dr Jerrylyn Bacroya-Magbuo is a Filipino academic leader, researcher, and trainer in education and EdTech. As Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education at FAITH Colleges, she oversees programs in Teacher Education, Psychology, Sports Science, General Education, and Communication. She has led national training programs, pioneered AI-integrated pedagogy such as the Human Library Project and actively contributes to policy-level discussions on teacher education curriculum reform in the Philippines.

Her work bridges grassroots Teacher development, Higher Education innovation, and national education policy.

Facebook

LinkedIn

John Jones

Assistant Headteacher & Director of Innovation RGS Worcester Family of Schools, UK

As an Assistant Head and Director of Innovation, John shapes transformative learning experiences through leadership, research, and meaningful innovation. His work focuses on empowering educators and students, fostering a culture where creativity and collaboration drive success.

He oversees the school’s international expansion strategy, building meaningful partnerships and aligning global opportunities with our core values. As a Senior Leader across the four RGS Worcester Schools, he works closely with teams to inspire excellence, leading initiatives that enhance teaching, learning, and community engagement.

An Apple Distinguished Educator, John brings a strong focus on integrating technology to transform the classroom experience. His commitment to innovation and impactful leadership helps create positive, lasting change, ensuring that students and educators are prepared to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Twitter
LinkedIn

John Ntatsopoulos

Managing Director Piedmont Asia

John was born and educated in Australia, where he completed a Master’s Degree in Commerce at the University of New South Wales. After several years in the corporate sector, he joined the AMP Society in 1987, then Australia’s largest insurer, as a Sales Technical Adviser. Over the next 25 years, he gained deep expertise across insurance, investment, and financial services, working in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Malaysia.

In 2012, John joined global broker Aon as Regional Director of Employee Benefits for Southeast Asia. Based in Singapore, he managed operations across Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, working closely with clients, regulators, and local teams while developing a deep appreciation for each country’s unique business culture.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, John became CEO and Director of Expat Insurance, a leading broking firm in Singapore and part of the Diot-Siaci Group, a leading global insurance and services firm.

It was during this time, John also became active in the mental health space, co-authoring a British Chamber of Commerce White Paper, “How Singapore’s Employment Ecosystem is Re-thinking Mental Health post Covid-19”, presented to the Minister of Health on World Mental Health Day in 2022.

Since August 2024, John has served as Managing Director of Piedmont Asia, driving the company’s growth as a specialist in payment solutions and as a regional distribution partner for Norton, the global leader in cybersecurity and identity protection. Passionate about protecting vulnerable groups, John is committed to working with schools and companies to combat online predators, scammers, and cyberbullying—causes he values as deeply as mental health.

Outside of work, John is an avid cook and a keen Harley-Davidson rider. Having toured extensively across Australia and the United States, he now enjoys exploring Southeast Asia with the Singapore chapter of the Harley Owners Group (HOGs), which actively supports charities for children, the elderly, the disabled, and disadvantaged communities.

Dr Kritsachai Somsaman

Director SEAMEO STEM-ED

Dr Kritsachai currently serves as the Director of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for STEM Education (SEAMEO STEM-ED) in Bangkok, Thailand. With over two decades of experience in the Science and Technology Education sector, his career spans roles in national research, funding agencies, and intergovernmental organisations, including ASEAN and the SEAMEO Secretariat.

He has played a pivotal role in crafting guidelines for the application of Generative AI within educational environments, addressing both policy formulation and practical implementation in classrooms. Additionally, he champions the Constructionism approach to STEM education, actively collaborating with various FabLabs and Makerspaces to devise projects and resources that foster hands-on, project-based learning opportunities for students.

Dr Kritsachai is also dedicated to enhancing AI literacy across universities and schools, ensuring educators and students alike are equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate this emerging technology.

Facebook

LinkedIn

Liam Liddicoat

Regional Director, APAC Open LMS

Liam is the Regional Director, APAC at Open LMS and responsible for leading sustainable growth in the region. He has over 12 years of experience in the training and education industries, including five years of exposure in the VET sector leading teams and establishing partnerships with businesses to enable student employment. Liam joined Open LMS via the 2020 acquisition of eCreators, where he led an award-winning sales, marketing, and customer success team.

Liam has spearheaded a number of pro-bono initiatives at Open LMS, including a partnership with the Pancare Foundation to support their volunteer program, and a collaboration with Smart Osvita to provide education to students displaced by the war in Ukraine. When not working, Liam watches his children play basketball and enjoys life in his small, beach-side town in Australia.

X

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Professor M Iqbal Saripan

Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Quality Assurance) Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)

Professor Ts Dr M Iqbal bin Saripan is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Quality Assurance) at the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). He is also a Professor at the Department of Computer and Communication Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Prior to his current appointment at MQA, he previously served in several quality assurance-related appointments such as: Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) and Director of Quality Assurance Centre, both at Universiti Putra Malaysia. He received his PhD from the University of Surrey, UK and Bachelor or Electrical-Electronics Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

He is also an experienced auditor with MQA as well as with the Board of Engineers Malaysia. Amongst the recognition that he has received are the Fellow of Academy of Sciences Malaysia, the Top Research Scientist Malaysia, the National Young Scientist Award, and a few others. He is also a Chartered Engineer under Engineering Council UK, Senior Member of IEEE, Member of Institute of Physics UK and Professional Technologist under Malaysian Board of Technologist.

Dr Manmeet Mahinderjit Singh

Cybersecurity Associate Professor Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

Associate Professor Dr Manmeet Mahinderjit Singh is a distinguished cybersecurity educator, researcher, and thought leader at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang. She earned her PhD in Data Security from the University of Queensland, Australia, in 2012 and has since been at the forefront of advancing cybersecurity through impactful research, education, consultancy, and innovation.

Dr. Singh’s research spans critical cybersecurity domains including privacy engineering, identity system protection, threat defense models, behavioural profiling, AI security, IoT security, and frictionless authentication. Her multidisciplinary approach bridges technical safeguards, regulatory compliance (e.g., PDPA, GDPR), and ethical design, making her work highly relevant across sectors such as healthcare, e-commerce, and smart cities. She specializes in developing privacy-preserving systems that balance data protection and usability in smart environments and AI-driven platforms. Her work on behavioural analytics and identity modelling supports secure, policy-aligned data handling. In the realm of cyber threat defense, she adopts a proactive stance against muti-stages threats such as Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and ransomware threats, designing adaptive risk models, novel behavioural profiling methods, and strategic mitigation frameworks to strengthen national cyber resilience.

Dr Singh is also a recognized expert in Internet of Things (IoT) and RFID security. Her research addresses both theory and real-world applications, including hardware protections, lightweight cryptography, and secure deployment. Her innovations have enhanced industrial traceability and anti-counterfeiting efforts and have earned recognition at events such as ITEX 2020, Penang Science Cluster, and the Korea Academy of Innovation. As AI becomes more embedded in daily life, Dr Singh contributes to building trustworthy and explainable AI systems especially for life-critical applications like healthcare. She focuses on adversarial robustness, transparency, and ethical AI development, contributing to global movements for responsible AI. In authentication, she pioneers frictionless identity frameworks by integrating biometrics, behavioural profiling, and cryptography supporting secure, seamless access across pervasive computing platforms and next-generation digital ecosystems.

Beyond her research, Dr Singh is a dedicated educator and mentor, actively supervising postgraduates and leading research teams in areas like cybersecurity analytics, AI security, and digital trusts. She has also developed and delivered numerous cybersecurity training programs, covering emerging technologies, big data, mobile security, and executive-level cyber strategy for academic and industry participants. In addition, she is a certified Computational Thinking trainer and had successfully trained secondary level STEM teachers and students.

Dr Singh is also a prolific contributor to the cybersecurity community through her impactful academic publications, editorials, and book reviews, many of which are cited in national digital security blueprints and roadmaps. Dr. Singh’s influence extends across borders. In 2024, she was a keynote speaker at Binus University, Indonesia, on “Cybersecurity and Sustainability in ASEAN” and spoke at UTA’45 Jakarta on Applied Cryptography. She also delivered invited talks at the University of Strathclyde’s NEXUS UK Summer School, addressing Trustworthy AI and ASEAN Cybersecurity Perspectives, and returned in 2023 with talks on Mobile APT detection using the MITRE Framework. In Malaysia, she chaired and spoke at CISO Kuala Lumpur 2025, participated as a panelist at CyberSecMY 2025, and was a featured speaker at ECSOM (Cybersecurity Malaysia Conference), the Asia Anti-Fraud Leaders Summit, and Cyberattack Retreat Malaysia. Her topics ranged from Zero Trust Architecture and SASE frameworks to fraud prevention, AI–ML integration in cybersecurity and Cyber Hygiene: IoT Cybersecurity Strategies and Enterprise Environment. She also served as guest speaker at the MY Universities Hackathon 2024, discussing Blockchain for Sustainable development.

Dr Singh’s leadership in the field is further underscored by her roles as Technical Assessor and Judge for PhilSec Awards (Philippines, 2024); CSO ASEAN Awards (IDG Singapore, 2021–2024) and HILTI Cybersecurity Competition (2022). Her contributions have earned her several prestigious accolades, including the Women in Security Malaysia Award (2020) and the Women in Cybersecurity ASEAN Award (2021). These honors reflect her trailblazing role in promoting cybersecurity leadership, STEM excellence, and gender diversity in the field. Through her integrated contributions in research, teaching, policy engagement, and innovation, Associate Professor Dr Manmeet Mahinderjit Singh continues to shape Malaysia’s cybersecurity landscape while contributing meaningfully to the global conversation on secure, ethical, and sustainable digital systems

Dato’ Dr Mehander Singh Nahar Singh

Education Adviser National Education Advisory Council, Ministry of Education (Malaysia)

Dato’ Dr Mehander Singh retired from the civil service in October 2019, with his final position as the Director of Institut Aminuddin Baki, Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE). Dr Mehander currently supports various organisations as an Education Adviser, which includes the role of Coordinator (Educational Leadership and Management) with Connecting Dots Learning (CDL), an establishment initiated to support the development of education in Malaysia. During his tenure in the Ministry, he had served in various Divisions in the Ministry of Education, including the post of Director of the Sports Division MOE. He began his career in 1980 as a Teacher and later served as a Lecturer in a number of institutions, including the Royal Military College, Teacher Education Institute and Institut Aminuddin Baki. In 2007, Dr Mehander was posted to the Policy and International Relations Division in the Ministry of Education Malaysia and was entrusted in coordinating the organisation of the 17th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers which was hosted by Malaysia in 2009. From 2010 to 2015 he took up the role of Principal Assistant Director and Deputy Director in various Divisions which included the Teacher Education Division and Raja Melewar Teacher Education Institute respectively.

Dr Mehander completed his Teacher training at the Ilmu Khas Teacher Training Institute in 1979. He then pursued his Bachelor's of Education degree at University Putra Malaysia and later continued with his Master's in Education at the University of Houston, Texas in 1994. Dr Mehander received his PhD from University Science Malaysia in 2005. In the education fraternity, he is often invited as a guest speaker to share his expertise in the field of education namely, in educational management, leadership, sports, teacher education and professional development. Among his many contributions in education, is his lead role, expertise and ideas in the preparation of the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2013-2025 as one of the specially selected Lab leaders.

For his various contributions and services to education, Dr Mehander was awarded the Darjah Dato’ Paduka Mahkota Perak (DPMP) which carries the title of Dato’ by his HRH Paduka Seri Sultan Perak in November 2019. In January 2023, Dr Mehander was appointed as one of the members of the National Education Advisory Council by the Honorable Minister of Education, Malaysia.

Dr Mohd Sirhajwan bin Idek

Head of Research and Innovation  Keningau Vocational College

Dr Sirhajwan Idek is an English language teacher whose Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and PhD are in English language education. He is the Head of Research and Innovation at Keningau Vocational College, Sabah, where he has mentored many of his students in social projects and vocational innovations. He has introduced social entrepreneurship at his institution in order to transform his students to be young changemakers who can contribute to the community while forging their careers. He also led the research project which incorporated statistical thinking and procedures into his students’ final year projects.

He also has spearheaded a series of virtual learning sessions that connects Malaysian students and teachers with educators abroad while developing numerous classroom teaching strategies to assist his students in mastering English language. Three of his students have been finalists of Global Student Prize in 2022, 2023 and 2025.

Dr Mohd Syazwan Zainal

Lecturer Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Dr Mohd Syazwan Zainal is a respected academic in the field of Special Education and currently serves as the Coordinator of the Autism Research Centre at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). He earned his PhD from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in 2024, marking a significant milestone in his academic and professional journey. His dedication to autism research was further enhanced in 2022 when he participated in a prestigious academic attachment at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC), La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia. The program was organized by the Australian High Commission and the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. This experience broadened his global perspective and deepened his expertise in autism studies, particularly in understanding the complexities of neurodiversity across cultural contexts.

Prior to his academic career, Dr Syazwan spent nearly seven years as a Special Education Teacher in Melaka, Malaysia. This early professional experience grounded his understanding of the real-world challenges faced by students with disabilities, especially those on the autism spectrum. It also shaped his research interests in inclusive education and the transition of individuals with disabilities from school to adulthood.

Currently, he is leading several impactful research initiatives that focus on autism, mental health, and transitions for individuals with disabilities. His projects explore issues such as employment readiness, career self-efficacy, and the role of supportive environments in promoting inclusion and empowerment. Through these studies, Dr. Syazwan aims to bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that his findings translate into meaningful changes in policy and educational practice, especially within higher education institutions.

Furthermore, Dr Syazwan was awarded the Best Research Idea Award at the 2023 Malaysia Young Scientist Network Award Program, an initiative organized by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia. As part of the program, he and 14 other finalists received training and mentoring to become leading researchers, with an emphasis on ensuring that their research ideas contribute to the economy, society, and national development.

In addition to his research and teaching responsibilities, Dr Syazwan plays a pivotal role in strengthening academic networks and regional collaborations. He has been instrumental in building research partnerships between UKM and several universities in Southeast Asia, including institutions in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam. These cross-border initiatives aim to promote knowledge exchange and collaborative research on inclusive education and disability studies.

To add to this, Dr Syazwan has established strong international research ties with co-partners from Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom. These collaborations have enriched the scope and depth of his research, allowing for comparative studies and culturally responsive practices in special education and autism-related interventions.

Through his academic leadership, international collaborations, and unwavering commitment to inclusive education, Dr Syazwan continues to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of research, not only in Malaysia but across the global academic community.

LinkedIn

Facebook

Dato' Professor Dr Mohammad Shatar bin Sabran

Chief Executive Officer Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)

Dato’ Professor Dr Mohammad Shatar bin Sabran was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) on February 8th, 2021. As an Agency under the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), MQA is the sole body that oversees and coordinates the quality assurance and accreditation of national Higher Education. Under this appointment, he is the President of ASEAN Quality Assurance Network (AQAN) with a total of 21 members across the ASEAN’s region.

After receiving his Diploma in General Studies from Indiana University of Bloomington, USA, he pursued his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s at Iowa State University, Ames, USA majoring in Community and Regional Planning. In 1999, he completed his doctorate in Leadership and Community Development from University of Missouri, Colombia USA. His early career as top management started from Universiti Putra Malaysia when he was appointed as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) in 2013. Continuing to display credibility as a leader, he was later appointed as Vice Chancellor of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris in 2017. Recognised as one of the National Social Experts, he has delivered more than 800 talks and published more than 40 books related to motivation, leadership, and community development.

Apart from having a persona in his leadership, Dato’ Professor Dr. Mohammad Shatar has received various Awards nationally as well as internationally. Among them are the ‘Extra Ordinary Performance Awards’ from Iowa State University; Media Personality Award; Gold Award, Innovation and Research in Counselling; ‘Anugerah Akademik Negara’ (Teaching Field); Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century 2012 by the International Biographical Center, England and listed in the 2012 Who’s Who in the World publication.

Monica Joshi

Head of IT Sat Paul Mittal School, India

Monica Joshi works at Sat Paul Mittal School, India as an IT Head and her role is with Al technical and management skills. She has 25 years of relevant work experience. She is associated with teachers training on IT skills and orienting students about the upcoming technology. She is passionate about integrating technology in education and desires to make projects engaging as well as fun for students as well as teachers.

Monica has spoken at platforms like Microsoft Edu Summits, Future Skills Project Finland 2023, #KEOS2019 Finland, EDUtech Asia in Singapore in 2017 -19 and 2022, on the power of Gamification In Education. She is an MIEE [Microsoft Innovative Expert]from the last 10 years, Minecraft Global Mentor, Adobe Creative Educator and Leader, TeachSDGS + Wakelet+3DBear Ambassador.

LinkedIn

X

Namya Joshi

Student and and Minecraft Student Ambassador JAMK University of Applied Sciences Finland and Microsoft

Namya Joshi is an 18-year-old student at JAMK university of Applied Sciences Finland and the official Minecraft Student Ambassador by Microsoft.

Inspired by her own motto #EachOneTeachTen, she has spent the last five years designing and delivering free of cost coding workshops for more than 15,000 teachers, young people, especially girls, in India and all over the world, as well as empowering other young people to run their own coding clubs.

She raises awareness about the social issues using game-based learning with STEM to provide solutions for the problems humanity faces. She has been honoured with many prestigious awards and serves in numerous reputable organisations as a board member and advisory member.

Professor Noor Zaman Jhanjhi

Professor and Program Director PG Research Taylor’s University

Professor Dr Noor Zaman Jhanjhi is a distinguished Senior Professor of Computer Science at Taylor’s University, Malaysia, where he specialises in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. As the Program Director for Postgraduate Research Degree Programmes, he plays a pivotal role in shaping academic excellence and driving cutting-edge research initiatives.

Globally acclaimed for his scholarly contributions, Professor Jhanjhi has been consistently ranked among the world’s top 2% research scientists (2022–2024) and stands as one of Malaysia’s top computer science researchers. His exceptional work has earned him prestigious accolades, including the Outstanding Faculty Member Award (MDEC Malaysia, 2022) and the Vice Chancellor’s Best Research Citations Award (Taylor’s University, 2023).

A prolific author and editor, Professor Jhanjhi has published over 80 research books with leading publishers such as Springer, Elsevier, IGI Global, Bentham, IET, and Wiley, etc. amassing 1,000+ impact factor points. His mentorship spans 45 postgraduate completions, and he has examined 70+ Ph.D. and Master’s theses worldwide.

As an Editor-in-Chief, Associate Editor, and Editorial Board member for top-tier journals (PeerJ Computer Science, IEEE Access, CMC Computers), he advances scholarly discourse. His leadership extends to securing 40+ international research grants, underscoring his influence in innovation.

A dynamic keynote speaker, Professor Jhanjhi, has delivered 90+ invited talks and chaired major conferences. His decade-long engagement with ABET, NCAAA, and NCEAC accreditation bodies highlights his dedication to global academic standards.

Combining research brilliance, academic leadership, and a passion for mentorship, Professor Jhanjhi continues to inspire the next generation of computer scientists while shaping the future of AI and cybersecurity.

Facebook

LinkedIn

Nur Izzati Amni Binti Rohaizan

Program Executive Penang Science Cluster

Nur Izzati Amni Rohaizan is an educator with a strong passion for inspiring the next generation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as Artificial Intelligence (AI). Growing up in a family with little to no exposure to these fields, she deeply understands the importance of early awareness and access. This personal journey has shaped her mission to spark curiosity and open opportunities for students across Malaysia.

Currently serving at Penang Science Cluster, Izzati dedicates her work to reaching as many students as possible, ensuring they gain exposure to STEM and AI. She believes that with the right guidance and opportunities, young people can not only imagine but also build meaningful careers in these fields. Her efforts are driven by a strong sense of responsibility to bridge the gap she once experienced herself, and to empower the next generation with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

LinkedIn
Instagram

Patricia Koh

CEO and Education Ambassador MapleBear Asiawide

Patricia Koh, founder of MapleBear Asiawide, is a trailblazer in Singapore’s Early Childhood Education landscape. With over 53 years of dedicated experience in child development, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the standards and excellence of children's education across Singapore.

Before founding MapleBear in 2013, Patricia Koh served as the managing director of Knowledge Universe Singapore (now KinderCare), where her visionary leadership established a renowned preschool brand rooted in innovative practices. Her remarkable career also includes her tenure as head of the Early Childhood Department at the National Institute of Education from 1978 to 1987, during which she trained thousands of Pre-Primary and Lower Primary teachers, setting the benchmark for quality teaching.

From 1977 to 1993, Patricia Koh held the role of President of the Pre-School Teachers’ Association, leading efforts to elevate preschool education standards in Singapore. Her influence extended to her active involvement in the Singapore Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) Education, the Ministry of Community Development Accreditation Committee, the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation’s Children’s TV Programme, and the PAP Kim Keat Education Centre. She has also contributed her expertise on the boards of the Singapore Kindness Movement, the Compassionate Fund, and I Love Children.

A passionate advocate for nurturing creativity, Patricia has authored stories and songs, produced a children’s TV series, and developed engaging educational resources such as workbooks and storybooks. As a grandmother of eight, she draws continual inspiration from her grandchildren’s curiosity and discovery, reminding her of the magic of childhood wonder. Her enduring legacy as an educator and innovator continues to inspire and shape future generations of children and educators both in Singapore and around the world.

Phoenix Tan Hui Fung

Product Manager Acer Sales and Services Sdn Bhd (Acer Malaysia)

Phoenix is currently overseeing and growing Commercial Notebooks as Product Manager with Acer Malaysia. Acer was named one of the world's most sustainable companies by TIME Magazine and won the Red Dot Awards (2025) for TravelMate P6 14 AI.

She is an inspired engineer, creative Product Manager, well-versed in developing and implementing marketing initiatives in alignment with corporate objectives. Resourceful in procurement with direct development and enhancement of product line up with solid record of accomplishment in meeting the market’s expectations.

With over 10 years’ experience and expertise in Product Development and Product Management, Phoenix has managed and grown Commercial Notebook, Commercial Desktops, Workstation, Server and as well as home appliances.

Facebook

Instagram

Puay Yang Boo

Strategic Planning Lead for Education, Integrated B2B Samsung Southeast Asia & Oceania

Puay Yang Boo brings over 20 years of regional experience in education, business development and investor relations. Currently Assistant Manager for Strategic Planning (Education), Integrated B2B at Samsung Electronics for Southeast Asia & Oceania, he has deep experience working with educators in the region to plan, design and implement technology solutions to support inclusive and holistic learning.

As a strong believer of the potential of technology in enabling positive and engaging learning experiences, Puay Yang consistently engages with educators in the region to help them maximise the use of Samsung’s education technologies in teaching and learning environments to bring out the best in every student.

Puay Yang holds a Bachelor of Finance and Marketing from Curtin University in Australia.

Robert Tarn CBE

Managing Director GEMS School Management

Rob Tarn is widely regarded as a visionary leader whose values-driven approach has reshaped educational outcomes for thousands of students. His work has been praised for turning around failing schools and setting new standards for leadership in education.

Rob began his teaching career as a teacher of chemistry in 1998. He held a number of posts before moving to work for Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) as Assistant Principal in 2008. He was rapidly promoted to Vice Principal before taking up his first headship in 2009.

Over the next six years Rob worked in a further eleven secondary schools across the North East, in seven different local authority areas. When Rob joined these schools, they were all judged to be Inadequate, rising to be judged Good or Outstanding under his leadership. Rob became a National Leader of Education in 2013 and was promoted to Regional Chief Executive (North) for OGAT in 2015.

In 2017, Rob was appointed as Chief Executive of Northern Education Trust UK and with the support of Trustees, has led the Trust through a radical transformation. Responsible for devising and implementing the NORTHERN model of school improvement, this has led to substantial and sustained improvements in student outcomes.

In April 2025, Rob was appointed as Managing Director of GEMS School Management in UAE, a new venture launched by GEMS Education, a service aimed at sharing its expertise in school management with school groups, governments, investors, developers, and other K-12 educational operators globally. Rob will lead the next phase of the organisation’s growth, building on its mission to deliver GEMS Education’s renowned standards to schools worldwide

Rob Tarn was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2022 New Year Honours, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to education and school leadership across the UK.

Rutdiana Anggodo

 International Curriculum Head Saint Peter’s School Jakarta

Rutdiana Anggodo is an International Curriculum Coordinator, with extensive experience leading academic governance, curriculum innovation, and quality assurance across schools in Indonesia. She specialises in integrating Cambridge, Oxford AQA, and National Curricula, ensuring schools not only meet accreditation standards but also cultivate future-ready learners.

Ruth has advised multiple institutions on school improvement planning, teacher professional development, and accreditation processes with Cambridge Assessment International Education and BAN for SPK. Her leadership spans policy design, curriculum mapping, safeguarding frameworks, and governance structures that balance global standards with local regulations.

In her current role at Saint Peter’s School Jakarta, Ruth drives academic strategy across Preschool to Senior High School, embedding Catholic values with international best practices. She has designed learner profiles, assessment systems, and holistic development programs that strengthen both student agency and institutional accountability.

Passionate about the intersection of AI and education governance, Ruth advocates for policies that empower schools to harness emerging technologies responsibly—shaping classroom practice, safeguarding student well-being, and ensuring equity in access. Her work reflects a forward-thinking vision: governance that bridges compliance with innovation to prepare schools for the challenges of tomorrow.

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Samuel Isaiah

Executive Director PEMIMPIN

Samuel Isaiah is a passionate Malaysian educator who has spent over 15 years transforming education from the ground up. His journey began in a rural indigenous school, where he dedicated himself to improving the educational experiences and outcomes of Orang Asli students. Through his unwavering belief in the power of teachers and community, Samuel pioneered inclusive, culturally responsive practices that not only empowered his students but also inspired systemic change.

In 2020, Samuel made history as the first Malaysian to be named a Top 10 Finalist for the prestigious Global Teacher Prize. His recognition on the global stage was a powerful testament to his work in bridging gaps for underserved communities and elevating the teaching profession. In 2021 and 2022, he was named one of Asia’s Most Influential in Education, and in 2022, he was awarded the Anugerah Harapan Merdeka, one of Malaysia’s highest youth leadership honours.

Today, Samuel serves as the Executive Director of PEMIMPIN Global School Leaders (PEMIMPIN), an organisation that focuses on strengthening school leadership and improving student outcomes across Malaysia. Under his leadership, PEMIMPIN has grown to support thousands of teachers and school leaders through leadership fellowships, educational technology and prize initiatives. Samuel firmly believes that the most sustainable educational reforms begin in classrooms, driven by the leadership and agency of teachers themselves.

Samuel is also the co-founder of the Malaysia Teacher Prize, a national platform that celebrates, uplifts, and amplifies the voices of exceptional teachers who are making a difference in their communities. Through the Prize, he has worked to shift public perception of the teaching profession, highlighting teachers as pivotal nation-builders whose impact extends far beyond the classroom.

In 2024, Samuel and his team introduced LADAP+, Malaysia’s first teacher development mobile application, designed to provide teachers with on-demand, practical training to address the challenges they face in classrooms, particularly in literacy and numeracy. This innovative platform aims to make professional development more accessible, relevant, and scalable for educators across the country.

Throughout his career, Samuel has been a fierce advocate for equity in education, teacher empowerment, and student-centred leadership. His work is deeply anchored in the belief that teachers are not just implementers of policy but leaders capable of driving profound and lasting change in schools and in the lives of their students. Whether it is through his work in remote villages, his leadership at PEMIMPIN, or his national initiatives, Samuel continues to champion the educators at the heart of Malaysia’s future

Website
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram

Samuel Isaiah Facebook
Samuel Isaiah LinkedIn
Samuel Isaiah Instagram

Shariah Nelly Francis

Chief Executive Officer Yayasan PETRONAS

Nelly has been with PETRONAS for over 28 years before taking the lead in 2020 as the CEO of Yayasan PETRONAS (YP), the social impact arm of PETRONAS to deliver positive and sustainable impact on the wellbeing of societies across Malaysia. She drives the Foundation’s overall activities in three key areas of education, community welbeing and development, as well as environment.

Her key responsibility includes working together with federal and state government authorities as well as organisations in Malaysia’s philanthropic sector to drive lasting impact in underprivileged communities at hard-to-reach places in Malaysia, whilst also serving white spaces to leave no one behind.

Prior to helming the PETRONAS Foundation, Nelly was the Head of Human Capital Investment, where she was responsible for driving PETRONAS’ Education Sponsorship Programme to create a sustainable pipeline of qualified and well-rounded talents for the company and nation. She also spearheaded the construction project of Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM) and Asrama Harian Luar Bandar (AHLB) in Sabah and Sarawak to provide the much-needed access to education for children in rural areas.

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Dr Silinthone Sacklokham

Director General of International Cooperation Department Ministry of Education and Sports (Laos)

Associate Professor Dr Silinthone Sacklokham holds a Master's of Science Degree in Agronomy from the Agricultural Academy of K. Timiryazev in Moscow, Russia, and a PhD in Agricultural Economics (2003) from the Institut National Agronomique Paris-Grignon (INA-PG), now known as AgroParisTech, France.

Dr Silinthone has held several academic positions in the field of education, notably serving as a Lecturer and Researcher at the National University of Laos (1995–2017). She also served as Head of the Department of Rural Economics and Food Technology (2004–2010), Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and International Cooperation at the Faculty of Agriculture (2011–2017), and as a member of the National University of Laos Council (2011–2024).

Since 2018, Dr Silinthone has been working with the Ministry of Education and Sports of the Lao PDR. From 2018 to 2019, she was appointed Director of the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Community Education Development (SEAMEO CED), the first SEAMEO Regional Centre established in Lao PDR. Since 2019, she has held multiple leadership roles, including Director General of the Department of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Education and Sports and Secretary-General of the Lao National Commission for UNESCO.

Dr Silinthone also represents Lao PDR as the ASEAN Senior Official for Education, the Lao National COSTI Chair to ASEAN on Science, Technology, and Innovation, and the SEAMEO High Official from Lao PDR. In addition, Professor Silinthone Sacklokham continues to contribute to academia as a visiting lecturer and researcher at the National University of Laos, specialising in Agricultural Policy, Agrarian Systems, and Agricultural Product Value Chains.

Dr Silinthone Sacklokham has published and co-edited a number of journal articles in the field of Agriculture and Education Development, significantly “Land Policy and Farming Practices in Laos”, Development and Change 36(3): 499-526 (2005); “Agricultural Development and Deforestation in Lao PDR: Case study of Vientiane Plain”. Revue Mousson, 2008; “White Gold”, the Commercialization of Rice Farming in the Lower Mekong Basin, Palgrave Macmillian; “Girls and Women in STEM in Lao PDR” UNESCO Asia Pacific Regional Bureau for Education. © UNESCO 2020.

Shoaib Raza

Director of Digital Learning & Entrepreneurship Nexus International School, Singapore

Shoaib Raza is a multi-award-winning educator and international school leader whose work sits at the forefront of innovation, strategy, and learning. He is recognised globally for his ability to navigate the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence in education, bringing an international perspective on how schools can build resilience, adopt future-ready practices, and sustain meaningful value creation in the age of GenAI.

With extensive experience across a variety of school settings, from traditional independent schools in London to ultra-modern international schools in Asia, Shoaib has consistently driven ambitious projects that advance both educational quality and organisational strategy. His leadership has been associated with multiple national awards, reflecting his proven track record of excellence in cultivating innovation and aligning it with measurable impact.

Shoaib’s expertise lies in anticipating emerging trends and integrating them into frameworks that are scalable, outcome-focused, and rooted in evidence-based practice. In the context of GenAI, he works with schools to develop strategies that strengthen digital maturity, safeguard equity, and promote objective-led thinking. He positions curriculum as a strategic asset and champions the entrepreneurial mindset, empowering learners and educators alike to create meaningful value through innovation.

His approach combines strategic clarity with practical execution. By supporting capability audits and succession planning, Shoaib ensures that leadership bench strength is developed in tandem with technological adoption. His work focuses on aligning school-wide initiatives with broader organisational priorities, embedding cultures of continuous improvement, and using learning strategy as a lever for cultural cohesion and long-term sustainability.

An influential voice in international education, Shoaib has promoted its merits across more than a dozen nations and four continents. He speaks the language of educators, boards, and investors, ensuring that the integration of AI into schools is not merely a technical exercise but a strategic endeavour tied to institutional identity and value creation. His current areas of interest include curriculum as a strategic asset, strategic optionality through educational quality and brand equity, the role of digital platforms in scalable delivery, and education as an investable sector with long-term social impact.

Shoaib is also the author of Timeless Learning: Raising Thinkers with Classical Education and AI Innovation, a best-selling book that explores how enduring principles of classical education can inform bold, future-ready practice. The book positions timeless educational ideas alongside the disruptive potential of AI, highlighting how schools can navigate change while remaining grounded in human-centred values.

As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Shoaib continues to contribute to global conversations on innovation, equity, and the future of learning. He is committed to equipping educators and learners with the frameworks, strategies, and mindsets required to adapt to a world shaped by technological transformation. His work underscores that the navigation of AI in education is not simply about adopting new tools, but about rethinking the very conditions under which learners thrive and institutions succeed.

Website
LinkedIn
Instagram

Thea Wiltshire

EdTech, Schools, Early Years and SEND Specialist Department of Business and Trade

Thea Wiltshire is the EdTech, Schools, Early Years and SEND Specialist at the Department for Business and Trade. Having studied at the University of Oxford and University College London, Thea has worked in the education sector for nearly a decade. Before moving into the public sector, she worked as an independent schools consultant, helping families and students from overseas navigate the UK school system before moving into the EdTech space. Working in high-growth companies servicing schools, higher education institutions, and workplace upskilling, Thea worked on partnership development, curriculum development, and educational program planning in the UK, USA, North Africa, and the Middle East. Personally, she brings a desire to champion educational innovation and a commitment to amplifying the excellence of the UK educational offering.

LinkedIn

Siti Ainulmursyida Binto Shamsudin

Special Education Needs Teacher SMK Orkid Desa

Siti Ainulmursyida Binti Shamsudin is a multi-award-winning Special Education Needs teacher from Malaysia, renowned for her innovative digital solutions that support inclusive education. Based at SMK Orkid Desa, Kuala Lumpur, she is a passionate advocate for learners with disabilities and a pioneer in applying educational technology to bridge learning gaps and improve opportunities for students with special needs.

Ainulmursyida holds a Bachelor of Science and Education from the University of Malaya. She began her teaching journey in 2009 as a mainstream Biology Teacher. However, in 2016, driven by a strong calling to support students with special needs, she transitioned into special education. Since then, she has dedicated her work to transforming how students with disabilities learn, grow, and access opportunities.

As a Google for Education Certified Innovator and a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE), she actively integrates digital tools, game-based learning, and AI into her teaching approach. She creates engaging, accessible, and inclusive educational resources that have benefited not only her students but also educators and parents across Malaysia.

Her most impactful contributions include three digital innovations developed specifically for learners with special needs:

Speakamon – a digital speech therapy game designed to enhance grammar (prepositions of place), basic vocabulary, pronunciation, and oral confidence among students with speech and language delays. It gamifies speech learning, making it interactive and enjoyable for children with communication challenges.

Time Travelling Verbs Adventure Game – a digital learning game that helps students master English verbs and past tense through storytelling and interactive missions. It supports cognitive development while making grammar more accessible and fun.

PEKA OKU (Pakar Kerjaya & Akademik OKU) – a custom AI chatbot developed to assist persons with disabilities (PWD) in discovering job opportunities and training programs tailored to their abilities. This innovation helps reduce barriers by providing easily accessible, relevant career and academic information in one intelligent, user-friendly platform.

These innovations reflect Ainulmursyida’s deep understanding of her students’ needs and her commitment to building inclusive solutions that promote independence, communication, and future readiness.

Her efforts have been recognized at national and international levels with the following prestigious awards:

Bett Asia Pioneer Award (2024)

Digital Teacher Champion Award, National Level (2022)

Special Award for Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR), National Level (2021)

Top 20 Finalist – International Special Education Innovation Award (2022)

Champion – Computational Thinking Educator Championship, National Level (2023)

Gold Award & Special Jury Award – International Development Research Innovation Virtual Exhibition (iDRIVE), 2024

Gold Award & Special Jury Award – Malaysia Innovation and Invention Expo, 2024

Top 5 Winner – Rise Educator Award by Taylor’s College (2024)

In addition to her classroom teaching, Ainulmursyida is an active content creator and mentor. Through her website, YouTube channel, and social media platforms, she shares teaching strategies, digital resources, and tools that empower educators and parents working with special needs learners.

She also coaches students in national and global competitions, including the Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities, where two students have achieved Gold Award. Her guidance focuses on nurturing digital skills, confidence, and creativity.

Her current research explores how computational thinking can support autistic students in solving daily life problems, especially in understanding multi-step instructions, managing routines, and making decisions. This work reflects her mission to equip students with lifelong skills, not just academic knowledge.

Ainulmursyida’s teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that “every child can learn, not on the same day, and not in the same way.” She designs every lesson with flexibility, empathy, and purpose, ensuring that all students, regardless of ability can experience success.

With her blend of compassion, innovation, and forward-thinking vision, Siti Ainulmursyida Binti Shamsudin continues to be a driving force in the evolution of special education in Malaysia and beyond. Through her work, she proves that with the right tools and support, every learner can shine.

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Sonia Wadhwa

Additional Director IT & Principal Salwan Education Trust & Salwan Junior School

Sonia Wadhwa is an accomplished educator, digital transformation leader, and global advocate for future-ready learning, with over 27 years of experience in teaching, curriculum innovation, and educational technology integration. At the forefront of reimagining education, Sonia has dedicated her career to equipping educators and learners with the tools, mindsets, and methodologies needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.

Currently serving as a Technology Integration Specialist, Sonia has led pioneering digital transformation initiatives across CBSE, CISCE, and Cambridge curricula. Her strategies have empowered schools and educators to meaningfully integrate technology into pedagogy—enabling co-creation, personalization, and critical thinking from the earliest stages of learning. Her visionary work supports the belief that artificial intelligence, when thoughtfully deployed, can foster agency, enhance early cognitive development, and make learning deeply human, even in digital formats.

Sonia’s expertise spans Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Safety, and emerging technologies, which she has taught passionately to K–12 students. She is also a sought-after global trainer and thought leader in the educational technology landscape.

As a Microsoft Innovative Educator Fellow, Microsoft Trainer, and Global Learning Mentor, Sonia has trained over 25,000 educators worldwide on the integration of AI and digital tools into classroom practices. Her hands-on, teacher-centered training style ensures that even the most advanced technologies—like generative AI, machine learning, and cloud-based tools—are accessible, pedagogically sound, and adaptable to early years learning environments.

Steffina Yuli

Chief Business Officer Kipin Edutech

Steffina Yuli is the Chief Business Officer of Kipin, Indonesia’s leading edtech platform delivering quality digital education to students in even the most remote areas — with or without internet. Through a smart, all-in-one IoT device built for offline environments, Kipin brings books, videos, exams, and interactive literacy content to over 3,000 schools across the country. Backed by the Ministry of Education, Intel, Amazon, Temasek Foundation, and MIT Solve, Kipin now serves more than 1 million students and 350,000 teachers — and was named one of TIME’s World’s Top Edtechs and winner of the Global EdTech Startup Awards Special Track 2024.

A Yale graduate and Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honoree, Steffina draws from her experience at Boston Consulting Group and Tokopedia. She is also a published children’s author and former journalist, advocating for scalable, impact-driven innovation in education. Based in Jakarta, she’s passionate about building inclusive, tech-powered pathways to opportunity across Southeast Asia.

Website
Facebook
Instagram - company
Instagram - personal

Steven Sutantro

Principal Learning Consultant REFO Indonesia

Steven Sutantro is the Principal Learning Consultant at REFO Indonesia. As an acclaimed Google Certified Trainer, Coach, and Innovator, Steven leads a team of experts in managing various training and mentoring programs for people involved in education.

He currently manages Gemini Academy, a nation-wide AI training program that equips educators with AI literacy. In collaboration with Google and the Ministry of Education and Culture of Indonesia, Steven and his adept team have successfully designed this AI re-skilling program to train 180,000+ educators throughout Indonesia.

With his expertise, Steven has created a variety of interactive AI workshops that have inspired 1,000+ leaders and educators to increase productivity and work efficiency, as well as spark creativity for better teaching and learning experience, leveraging technology, including AI.

X

LinkedIn

Instagram

Sungsup Ra

Visiting Professor and Former Chief Sector Officer KDI School of Public Policy and Management (South Korea) and Stanford University (USA); Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Sungsup Ra is a Visiting Professor of Practice at the Korea Development Institute School of Public Policy and Management (KDI School). He is currently a Visiting Scholar at the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center at Stanford University for the 2025 calendar year. He also advises several institutions, including the International Financing Facility for Education, the Education University of Hong Kong, and the International Centre for Industrial Transformation. Additionally, he is an Industry Fellow at the NTU Entrepreneurship Academy, Singapore.

Before joining KDI School in April 2024, Sungsup Ra was the Deputy Director General and Deputy Group Chief of the Sectors Group at the Asian Development Bank (ADB). In this role, he led ADB-wide strategies, knowledge innovation, and sovereign operations across multiple sectors including agriculture, education, energy, health, finance, transport, urban development, and water. He oversaw key ADB initiatives such as climate financing, energy transition, addressing the learning crisis, food security, the rollout of the new operating model, and the management of 29 trust funds.

With over 35 years of professional experience, including 23 years at ADB, Sungsup held leadership positions such as Chief Sector Officer for Sustainable Development and Climate Change, Director of the South Asia Human and Social Development Division, and Director of the Pacific Operations Division. He also chaired the Education Sector Group, driving strategic education initiatives across Asia and the Pacific.

As a strategic and innovative leader, he led high level policy dialogue with developing countries and significantly contributed to ADB’s recent expansion in the education sector. He introduced new financing modalities such as results-based lending and multi-tranche facility at first in the education sector. He pushed the boundaries of traditional education projects to support cross sectoral issues such as food crisis, youth unemployment, digital transformation, clean energy, vulnerable urban population, and road safety. During the COVID-19 pandemic period, he led ADB’s emergence response in health, education, and social protection in South Asia. He is actively involved in global initiatives such as the international financing facility for education, pandemic response and preparedness, and energy transition.

Prior to ADB, Sungsup worked in both the public and private sectors, including roles at Samsung and the Korean National Pension. He has also taught at leading universities such as International Christian University in Tokyo, Korea University, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He holds a Doctorate in Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

LinkedIn

Facebook

Dr Suzani Mohamad Samuri

Deputy Dean of Research and Innovation Faculty of Computing and Meta-Technology, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris

Dr Suzani Mohamad Samuri is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Computing and Meta-Technology (FKMT), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). She currently serves as the Deputy Dean of Research and Innovation and leads the Data Intelligence and Knowledge Management (DILIGENT) Special Interest Group, focusing on artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital transformation in education.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) and obtained her PhD in Automatic Control and Systems Engineering from the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. With this academic foundation, she bridges engineering and education to design solutions that bring real impact to learning and institutional practices.

Her research explores how advancements in AI and analytics can transform education and strengthen institutions, while her passion lies in data analytics, particularly in empowering educators with meaningful insights. She previously served as Coordinator of Malaysia’s National Child Data Centre, managing nationwide developmental data on children from infancy to preschool, which contributed to policy and educational planning.
D
r Suzani advocates the use of AI and analytics to support educators, schools, and higher institutions. She believes that by making better use of data, they can reflect, adapt, and strengthen their practices, enhancing the overall quality and effectiveness of education.

Thinagaran Mutthusamy

Senior Assistant Teacher S J K Tamil Jerantut

Mr Thinagaran is a passionate and forward-thinking educator with a deep commitment to harnessing technology to transform learning experiences. With a background in Primary Mathematics, he has spent over 14 years in education, continuously exploring innovative ways to engage students and prepare them for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital world.

Driven by a strong belief in the power of hands-on, inquiry-based learning, Mr. Thinagaran has championed the integration of robotics and coding into the curriculum, empowering students to become creators, problem-solvers, and critical thinkers. He has led numerous initiatives and clubs focused on STEM education, guiding learners through real-world challenges using tools like microcontrollers, programmable robots, and design-thinking frameworks.

As a lifelong learner, Mr Thinagaran actively collaborates with educators globally, sharing best practices in educational technology integration. He brings a strategic perspective to the intersection of pedagogy and innovation, advocating for equity, accessibility, and purposeful tech use in schools.

Now contributing as a member of the Bett Asia Advisory Board, Mr Thinagaran aims to support educators and leaders across the region in reimagining education through meaningful technological transformation.

Tran Thanh Tung

Head of STEM Department The Inspire Schools, Vietnam

MEd Tran Thanh Tung is a STEM educator and curriculum designer from Vietnam, holding a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the United States. With over a decade of experience, he has led the integration of AI, AR/VR, and design thinking into K–12 classrooms through creative, student-centered programs. He is the lead organizer of NASA Space Apps Challenge Ho Chi Minh City and has served as a judge, advisory board member, and organizer for numerous educational competitions, forums, and conferences across Vietnam, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Notably, he pioneered Vietnam’s first national AR/VR programming challenge and the country’s first AI-powered comic design competition for students, aiming to make emerging technologies both accessible and meaningful. Recognized as AI Educator of the Year 2024 and Educator of the Year 2025 by the World School Summit, Tung is committed to building a more inclusive, innovative, and purpose-driven learning ecosystem, "empowering future changemakers through creativity, technology, and heart".

Vaclava Svobodova

Head of SEN Department Spectrum International School

Vaclava Svobodova is an experienced educator with a strong background in inclusive and special education. She holds a Master’s degree in Inclusive Education, a Postgraduate Diploma in International SENCO, and a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Childhood Studies. Over the years, she has led and supported initiatives to build effective SEND departments in international school settings, focusing on creating systems that ensure every learner can thrive. Her expertise includes developing, Individualised Education Plans (IEPs), and supporting early intervention strategies. Passionate about equity in education, she works closely with teachers, parents, and specialists to bridge learning gaps and promote meaningful participation for all students. Vaclava brings both practical experience and a strong commitment to advocacy, aiming to inspire educators to approach inclusion with creativity and compassion.

Velia Vanissa

Head of Growth and Community Engagement Solve Education Foundation

Growing up in a family of educators, Velia saw firsthand how education can shape lives, not just through teaching, but through opportunity and mindset. While she didn’t become a teacher herself, she was drawn to the bigger picture: how education could be made more accessible, engaging, and relevant, especially through technology.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in ICT Business Management from Telkom University and has spent the past five years working at Solve Education! Foundation, where she’s focused on using innovation to make learning more accessible for youth across Southeast Asia. Her work spans program implementation, business development, growth strategies, and partnerships, with a strong focus on helping young people gain the skills they need to succeed.

Velia has collaborated with educators, local governments, and corporate partners to design programs that not only reach communities but create measurable impact. She’s passionate about making sure education meets people where they are, whether through gamified apps, grassroots outreach, or strategic collaborations.

In 2021, she completed an executive education program at the Thunderbird School of Global Management, deepening her understanding of global leadership and development. More recently, she was selected as a fellow in the Harpswell ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit 2025, joining a network of changemakers across the region who are working to advance gender equality and inclusive growth.

At the heart of her work is a simple belief: when people are empowered with the right tools and support, they can define their own paths and reach their goals. Velia is committed to making that possible, one program, one partnership, and one learner at a time.

LinkedIn
Instagram

H.E. Dr Vathana Sann

Secretary of State Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (Cambodia)

H.E. Dr Vathana Sann, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport Cambodia manages the Center for Digital and Distance Education (CDDE) and the Research Creativity and Innovation Fund (RCI-Fund). Before this, he served as the Deputy Secretary General of the Council for Agricultural and Rural Development, Council of Ministers and assigned to the National Social Protection Council, Ministry of Economics and Finance.

His civil service career began in 2006 with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. Dr. Vathana Sann obtained a PhD in International Agriculture in 2006 from Georg-August University Göttingen, Germany.

Professor Venky Shankararaman

Professor of Information Systems (Education) and Vice Provost (Education) Singapore Management University (SMU)

Professor Venky Shankararaman is a Professor of Information Systems (Education) and Vice Provost (Education) at Singapore Management University (SMU). He holds a PhD in Engineering from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. His current areas of specialisation include digital transformation, business process management and analytics, enterprise architecture and integration and Higher Education leadership. He has around 30 years of experience in the IT industry in various capacities as a researcher, academic administrator, educator, IT professional, and industry consultant. Professor Venky has contributed significantly to Computing and Information Systems education nationally and internationally. He was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Silver) and Public Administration Medal (Bronze) by Singapore Government for his contribution to education. He was awarded the SAP Outstanding Academic Award for Southeast Asia; the award was presented by SAP to recognise his contributions to enterprise systems education. He was also awarded the Association of Information Systems (AIS) Award for Outstanding Contribution to IS Education. At SMU, he has won several awards namely Distinguished Educator, SMU-X (Experiential Project Based Learning) Excellent Teacher Award and the Distinguished Teacher Award. He is the current President of the Asia Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE). He is member of the AIS Education Committee, ACM Education Advisory Committee, and senior member of Singapore Computer Society (SCS), and member of the executive committee for the SCS Cloud Computing Chapter. He has published over 100 papers in academic journals and conferences.

Vinothini Vasodavan

Senior Lecturer & Hub Leader for Educational Empowerment & Innovation, Education for All Impact Lab Taylor’s University

Dr Vino presently holds the position of lecturer within the School of Education at Taylor’s University, where her primary commitment lies in delivering high-quality education. Her unwavering passion for education extends beyond the confines of traditional roles, aspiring to serve as an inspiration to both students and colleagues alike. Her belief that no child should be left behind, regardless of their race, religion, or status, drives her work with marginalised groups, such as refugee students and educators, to empower their teaching and learning.

In her prior role, Dr Vino served as an Instructional Designer (ID) within the eLearning Division of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Malaya. Within the realm of academic inquiry, Dr Vino's research pursuits are anchored in the dynamic field of collaborative learning. Her scholarly endeavours are notably influenced by the conceptual framework of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), propelling her to devise innovative learning tasks that advance pedagogical practices.

Dr Vino's scholarly contributions have been recognised through various accolades such as Gold medal at IPCTL X SULAM 2025 for her project, "Adaptive Scaffold in Teacher Education: AI with Chatbot and Role Play Integration," and a Silver award for Exemplary Meritorious Academic Staff) Award (EMAS) 2025 for the project titled "Beyond the Human Peer: AI-Powered Role-Play for Teacher Education".

Beyond her research accomplishments, Dr Vino possesses a rich array of professional certifications, including being a Certified Training and Development Manager by HRDF, a Train the Trainer certification, and recognition as a Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator and a Certified Nearpod Educator. These certifications underscore her commitment to continuous professional development and proficiency in leveraging innovative educational technologies.

Wikan Sakarinto

Director Politeknik Mitra Industri

Wikan Sakarinto is an Indonesian Professor and academic. He is the Director General of Vocational Education in the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture since 8 May 2020. He was previously the Dean of the Vocational School of the Gadjah Mada University from 2016 until 2020.

After graduating from high school, Wikana took the State University Admission Examination to enter the Gadjah Mada University, but he did not pass the test. Wikan attended the university's vocational school instead, and graduated from the vocational school in 1997 after three years of study. Wikan then continued his study at the mechanical engineering program in the Gadjah Mada University and graduated from the university with a Bachelor’s of Engineering in 2001. Wikan obtained a Master's degree after finishing mechanical engineering program in the University of Twente in 2003 and the Technical University of Dortmund in 2005. He later attended the Mechanical Engineering PhD program in the Kobe University until 2009.

Wikan was inaugurated as the Director General of Vocational Education on 8 May 2020. The inauguration was held online by Nadiem Makarim, the Minister of Education.

Will Polese

Vice President of ELSA Corp, Education Strategy ELSA Corp

Will Polese is currently the Vice President of Education Strategy at ELSA Corp, a leading AI-powered English communication solution that helps organizations and educational institutions enhance language proficiency and communication skills. At ELSA, Will leads efforts to support schools, universities, and enterprises in integrating innovative learning technologies that drive personalised, effective language education at scale.

Before ELSA, Will held leadership roles at Udemy, where he spearheaded strategic initiatives to expand accessible learning opportunities across Asia, and at MarketsandMarkets, where he delivered critical market intelligence to guide business decisions. Earlier, at Lux Research, he advised corporations on leveraging emerging technologies for strategic growth and innovation.

Yani Hornilla-Donato

Southeast Asia (SEA) Regional Lead Canva

Yani Hornilla-Donato is the Regional Lead for Canva in Southeast Asia. Since launching in 2013, Canva has grown to over 220 million monthly active users across 190 countries, with more than 400 designs created per second.

Canva Philippines has over 850 employees across multiple specialties — design, marketing, social media, growth, operations, and customer support among others — working together on a mission to empower Filipinos to unleash their creativity through Canva.

As the Regional Lead for Southeast Asia, Yani guides Canva's growth strategies within the region and enhances operations for strategic markets including Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Yani became part of Canva in 2015 as the first Recruiter in Manila, playing a key role in expanding the local team from 35 to its initial 100 members. Since then, she has initiated various programs and teams at Canva, including Talent Acquisition, Team Happiness (HR), Canva University (L&D), Internal Coaching, and the Vibe Team (Facilities & Construction, Food & Beverage, Events). Before taking on the role of country manager, she served as Canva’s Head of People in the Philippines.

Today, her impact is felt across growing the Canva team mindfully, scaling a truly local campus, and pursuing user and community growth in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

Bett UK

Bett Brasil

Bett Global

Community Hub

Speaker List

Agenda Name, Sessions

###