MEET OUR SPEAKERS

Muhundhan comes with over 20 years of experience in key leadership roles that spans the domains of digital transformation, entrepreneurship, education, healthcare, technology management and organisational capability development. He is a trained Project Management Professional, Information Security Lead Auditor (ISO27001) and Certified Professional Marketer (Asia Pacific). At present he is the Chief Digital Officer at MRANTI (Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation), a government agency mandated to accelerate national R&D commercialisation. He leads a team providing technology business services such as software engineering, human centered design, data analytics and systems and network including 5G, as part of a suite of innovative solutions for MRANTI and its park’s digital evolution. In his previous capacities within the industry and a government agency, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Muhundhan was involved in leading business digital adoption initiatives, spearheading growth of the Malaysian digital economy landscape as well as helping enterprises embrace digital transformation and innovation. His preceding tasks include consulting and advisory roles to the Malaysian government in national policy development for National 4IR policy, MyDigital blueprint, Malaysia Plan and Industry4WD.

DATUK AHMAD ZAKI BIN ZAHID

Datuk Ahmad Zaki serves as the Chief Strategy Officer of Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB).

Datuk Ahmad Zaki has more than 25 years’ experience in Government policy and strategy, executive leadership, entrepreneurship, and regulatory work. In the Government, he has served at the Prime Minister’s Department, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Securities Commission and National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia. He has also held leadership roles in Government-Linked Companies, as well as public listed and private entities.

Datuk Ahmad Zaki holds a law degree from the University of Bristol, United Kingdom and a Certificate in Legal Practice from the Malaysian Bar.

More than 20 years experience in the telecommunication industry, holding various leadership positions in different Malaysian telcos.

Currently overseeing the strategy and transformation of Enterprise Business in Celcomdigi.

Graduated with a Masters in Engineering from Ecole Superieure d'Electricity, a French engineering school.

Hello, I'm Jacob, and my journey from aerospace engineering in Germany to the heart of Sarawak reflects my passion for startups and their potential to solve the nation’s problems. I'm a lifelong entrepreneur with a commitment to building impactful startups that contribute to a better world.

Currently, I have the privilege of working alongside the dedicated team at TEGAS, where we're fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. My enthusiasm extends beyond startups; I'm also deeply passionate about game development as a medium for creativity and problem-solving.

In addition to my professional pursuits, I host a podcast where I engage with fellow entrepreneurs and thought leaders, sharing their stories and insights. Through these conversations, I aim to humbly contribute to the global dialogue on innovation and inspire others to take action

Steff is part of the Programmes and Partnership Team based at TEGAS Digital Village. Having experience community-building and capacity-building programmes in both the independent and the corporate side in the Kuching scene, she is passionate about bridging the gap between both sides and aligning the goals towards better synergy.

Barry is the co-founder of ComeBy, a retail analytics startup that is invested by Maxis. ComeBy is a retail analytics solution that helps brick and mortar retailers track their shoppers' offline preferences and in-store behavior. An investee of Maxis, Malaysia's largest telco, ComeBy also counts brands like Puma and Al-Ikhsan Sports as clients.

With over 15 years of experience in economics, statistics, and running an award-winning omnichannel retail brand, Barry also consults for other retail brands on digital transformation and innovation.

He has 7 cats and 1 dog, and miraculously they all get along.

Rohafiza binti Abd Razak is an administrative and diplomatic officer with 18 years of experience in the public and private sector. With background in Information Technology and Development Studies from the University of Malaya, she currently leads the Agriculture Innovation Section, managing policies, programs, and projects on modernization for the agrofood sector in in the Agricultural Modernization Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Currently Co-Coordinator Flying Labs Malaysia, Convenor Farm Robotics Working Group Flying Labs Network

Convenor, Global Sustainability Summits and Dialogues, Initiator, ASEAN/Asia-Pacific/Global Green Chamber of Commerce (www.apacgreenchamber.com)

Currently Director, Green Renewable Organic World (GROW) Centre Sdn Bhd providing:

o advisory for sustainability and waste management projects,

o advisory for sustainable farm systems, aquaculture, and microalgae production,

o use of agriculture biomass for SAF biofuels, biofertiliser and bioproducts,

o development of organic/natural farms, cultural, rural eco-agro tourism enterprises;

o remote sensing applications in precision agriculture utilising AI empowered satellite & UAV platforms.

Advisor, Malaysian FIRST Foundation (www.malaysianfirst.foundation), Member, RSB (www.rsb.org)

Zaliha Mohamad Ali is the General Manager for Digital Strategy & Planning in Sarawak Energy Berhad, an energy development company and a vertically integrated power utility with a vision to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity for Sarawak. Zaliha joined Sarawak Energy Berhad in June 2018, when the company embarked on its Digitalisation journey.

Prior to joining Sarawak Energy, Zaliha is a seasoned IT professional with over 26 years of working experience in Royal Dutch Shell, holding various IT roles, including being the Technical Authority and Manager for Hydrocarbon Accounting, whilst working in Brunei Shell Petroleum Company.

Dr Ng Sing Muk is currently heading the Research and Development Department for Sarawak Energy, a vertically integrated power utility and energy development company that serves the state of Sarawak, Malaysia. He is driving technological innovation by focusing on key areas such as distributed energy resources, emerging robotic innovation, environmental sciences, and chemical testing advancement. He is working with a team of diverse background to develop new technologies through design thinking strategy to match local context needs, while emphasising sustainability and best practices. Graduated from The University of Manchester in his doctoral degree, he is passionate about translating research into practical applications, cultivating disruptive innovations, and developing strategies to thrive in the age of technological disruption.

Datuk Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi, Minister for Utility dan Telecommunication Sarawak, started his study at Kolej Tun Datu Tuanku Haji Bujang, followed by his pursuit of a degree in Business Administration at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in 1979.

He began his political career as a member of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) for Sebuyau in 1991. He was Assistant Minister for Industrial Development (Investment and Promotion) and Assistant Minister Rural Development from 2011 to 2016, Assistant Minister of Costal Road from 2017 to 2019, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development from 2019 till 2021 and appointed in 2022 as the Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak.

Datuk Julaihi's accolades include the Kesatria Mangku Negara in 2009, the Pingat Panglima Kenyalang in 2013, the Pingat Bakti Jubli Emas in 2014, and the latest Pingat Peringatan Jubli Intan received from The Honourable Premier of Sarawak.

VICTOR LO

Head Of Digital Tech

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)

Victor Lo is an experienced professional with more than (25) years of enterprise technology risk governance and public policy development.

Over the years, he has served businesses including Fortune 500 companies across the region of the Asia South countries such as India, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

He is currently heading the MDEC digital tech ecosystem development which comprises of cloud, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence(AI) , Blockchain and 5G.

His key role will be championing digital tech industry enablement as a Catalyst for the Digital Economy by promoting collaboration among digital industry leaders to drive innovation, develop transformation models for businesses via digital advancement, and develop a sustainable digital ecosystem.

Bill Inman

Founder and Executive

Bill is a serial entrepreneur with multiple exits, emerging tech thought leader, and blockchain and AI patent holder with 20 years of experience as a founder and advisor. Bill has grown multiple companies from the idea stage to tens of millions in revenue or more. He launched a tech-enabled services company that grew from start to over $3B in revenue within its first four years. He has successfully advised a wide range of verticals and industries, including PaaS, SaaS, human capital, IT services, pro sports, fintech, fashion, and entertainment. Additionally, he has advised many global privately held, decentralized, crypto, NFT and metaverse organizations on strategy and fund-raising. Bill is a frequent keynote speaker and conference host with publication and production credits, including Fox, MarketWatch, NBC, Amazon Studios, and U.S. News & World Report. With deep experience in the Future of Work, AI and blockchain, he is regularly invited to speak at events such as HR.com, SHRM, PIHRA and the Institute of Human Resources.

Timothy is the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Sarawak, a state-owned Investment and International Trade Promotion and Industry Development Agency under the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investments Sarawak (MINTRED). A strategic, result-driven, dependable, passionate and decisive senior executive with over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sector, Timothy enjoys strong international and local network with Industry, Government and Academia.

Timothy served in various capacities, providing strategic advice to Ministers, foreign dignitaries, senior government officials and C-Suite level executives on strategies, policies, strategic initiatives and investment projects. Timothy has a strong ability to develop, operationalise and implement National level initiatives. Before joining InvestSarawak, Timothy held multiple positions in key federal government organisations such as the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), National Innovation Agency (AIM), under the Prime Minister’s Department and Steinbeis Malaysia Foundation.

Timothy also helped develop and was instrumental in leading initiatives such as the National Graphene Action Plan, National Biomass Strategy, Steinbeis Malaysia and Mid-Tier Company Programmes all of which was taken up by relevant Ministries and Agencies as long-term initiatives. Timothy frequently participates in both local and international Technical and Steering working committees such as Malaysia’s National Biomass Action Plan, Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap and UNFAO International Sustainable Bioeconomy Working Group among many others.

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Morshidi Bin Abdul Ghani received his Bachelor in Economics (Majoring in Statistic) from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 1979 before subsequently earning a Master of Science in Human Resource Administration from University of Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA in 1998. Tan Sri also enrolled as Senior Executive Fellow from Harvard University, USA in 2006 and have been awarded with Honorary Doctorate from Universiti Tun Abdul Razak, Malaysia and Honorary Doctorate from Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.

Tan Sri started his career as Management Executive at PETRONAS for 8 years (1980-1988) before he joined the Sarawak Government. He has served in various senior level capacities throughout a distinguished civil service career including holding the post of Director of City of Kuching North Commission (DBKU) (1988-1998), Director of Human Resource Unit in Chief Minister’s Department (1998-2000), Director of Human Resource Development and Quality Unit in Chief Minister’s Department (2000-2001), Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Social Development and Urbanisation (KPSU) (2001-2004), Director of State Planning Unit (SPU) in Chief Minister’s Department (2004-2006), Deputy State Secretary of Planning and Development (2006), Deputy State Secretary of Administration, Security and Corporate Affair in Chief Minister’s Department (2007-2009), and finally as State Secretary (2009-2019) totalling 39 years of working life.

Currently, Tan Sri plays an active role as a Member of the Boards in several Sarawak State Agencies and Statutory Bodies including Chairman of Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), Chairman of Development Bank of Sarawak Berhad (DBOS), Chairman of Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS), Chairman of Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS), Board of Director Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), and Board of Director Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA).

Doug Johnson is vice president of emerging technology policy for the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), North America’s largest technology trade association. CTA’s members are the world’s leading innovators - from startups to global brands. CTA owns and produces CES® – the most influential tech event in the world. Doug is responsible for public policy issues affecting product development, operations, sales and marketing across the consumer technology industry. He serves as an advocate for the industry before regulators and legislators at the local, national and international levels, and he has led CTA’s efforts on artificial intelligence, drones, energy efficiency, regulatory reform, voluntary agreements, policy alignment, non-tariff barriers to trade, and consumer tech devices on airplanes.

Zhang Yi is business development director at Ant Group Singapore. He delivers Ant Group's home-grown AI-based solutions to Asia financial institutions, fintech and telco companies, helping them to be more compliant and protected. Zhang Yi has more than 10 years experiences in the field of identity proofing, biometrics, security, anti-fraud management and AML. As an MBA graduate from National University of Singapore, Zhang Yi is endeavor to applying technologies in solving business problems.

Prior to Ant Group, he was one of the founding members of Jumio APAC where he witnessed the early adoption of identify proofing in APAC region. Prior to Jumio he served as product manager in UL for payment and telecom functional test software. He has extensive knowledge in payment system, regulatory and risk technologies.