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.

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