Thought leader’s opinion of the Malaysian Government’s position, actions and direction on sustainability, climate change, economies, financial market, and social and community impact.
©2025. Malaysian Green Technology And Climate Change Corporation. All rights reserved. Video by Nino Souza
YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani
YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani is Malaysia’s Minister of Plantation and Commodities and Acting Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, a seasoned leader with decades of experience in both public finance and corporate governance. He previously served as Finance Minister II from 2016 to 2018 and has held senior roles in industries spanning manufacturing, agriculture, and food services. A chartered accountant by training, Johari has also led key national bodies, including the Malaysia Economic Council and the Fiscal Policy Committee.
YBhg. Datuk Dr Ching Thoo A/L Kim
YBhg. Datuk Dr Ching Thoo A/L Kim is the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) of Malaysia. With over 29 years of service in the Administrative and Diplomatic Service, he has held key positions across various ministries, including the Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications, and the Ministry of Environment and Water. Dr Ching Thoo has been instrumental in advancing Malaysia’s climate policies, including the National Adaptation Plan and the National Decarbonisation Committee, and has represented Malaysia at international platforms such as COP29 and the Coral Triangle Initiative.
YB Dato’ Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib
YB Dato’ Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib is Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Economy, serving since December 2022. A seasoned parliamentarian representing Mukah since 2018, she previously served as Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department overseeing Sabah and Sarawak Affairs (2020–2022). She has been instrumental in advocating for regional development, inclusive economic policies, and initiatives that support equitable growth, particularly for Sarawak and other underrepresented communities.
Dato’ Seri TPr. Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif
Dato’ Seri TPr. Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif is Malaysia’s 15th Mayor of Kuala Lumpur with over 39 years of experience in urban planning, community-led development, and city leadership. She served as Executive Director of UN-Habitat (2018-2024) — the first Asian woman to hold that role — and as Mayor of Penang Island and President of the Seberang Perai Municipal Council. Her contributions include restoring UN-Habitat’s governance structure, pioneering participatory and gender-responsive planning in local authorities, and urban renewal in the George Town World Heritage Site.
Drs. H. Sadewo Tri Lastiono, M.M.
Drs. H. Sadewo Tri Lastiono, M.M., is the Regent (Bupati) of Banyumas, Indonesia. He brings decades of experience in business, governance, and community leadership. He is committed to advancing Banyumas through people-centred economic growth, improved education and healthcare, sustainable infrastructure, and transparent, service-oriented governance. Banyumas recently received recognition through the ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable Cities Award for its strong commitment to sustainability and environmental management.
Asfaazam bin Kasbani
Asfaazam has served as Director of Malaysia’s National SDG Centre since August 2023. Formerly with UNDP, he led the Inclusive Growth and Prosperity Unit and served as Assistant Resident Representative for Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. He has implemented initiatives in energy efficiency, biomass power, and green technologies for low-carbon cities, and is advancing just transition policies for inclusive, sustainable development. He holds an MSc in Industrial and Technology Management and a BSc in Engineering Physics.
Izlyn Ramli
Izlyn Ramli is the Chief Executive Officer of Maybank Foundation and Head of Group Corporate Affairs at Maybank. With nearly 30 years of experience in management, she has made significant contributions to Maybank’s regional social impact initiatives, aligning them with the Group’s sustainability agenda. Previously, she held senior roles at Telekom Malaysia and Axiata Group, focusing on strategy, brand management, and corporate affairs.
Anita Ahmad
Ms Anita Ahmad is the Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan MySDG, a foundation established to accelerate Malaysia’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector, she has previously held leadership roles at the Hasanah Foundation, UNDP, and MERCY Malaysia, focusing on community development, humanitarian response, and advocacy for marginalised groups. Anita has a master’s degree in social development, awarded as a Chevening scholar, and a bachelor’s degree in law from the UK.
Gurdip Singh
Gurdip Singh Sidhu has served as the CEO of CIMB Malaysia and CIMB Bank Berhad since July 1, 2024, bringing over 28 years of experience in financial services and management consulting. He has been with the CIMB Group for nearly two decades, previously holding roles such as Group Chief Operating & People Officer and Group Chief People Officer. Gurdip holds a BSc in Economics (Accounting & Finance) from LSE, is a CFA, and drives the bank’s strategic priorities in resilience, innovation, and growth.
Shahida Jaffar
Ms Shahida Jaffar is the Head of Corporate Sustainability at Malaysia’s Employees Provident Fund (EPF), where she leads strategies integrating ESG principles into operations and investments. With extensive experience in sustainability and stakeholder engagement, she drives EPF’s commitment to responsible finance, climate resilience, and social impact. Shahida plays a key role in aligning EPF’s sustainability agenda with national and global sustainable development goals.
Leon Liew Chee Ing
Leon Liew Chee Ing is the Executive Director and Group Chief Strategy Officer of Solarvest Holdings Berhad, a leading clean energy solutions provider in the Asia Pacific. Since joining the company in 2021, he has been instrumental in shaping its long-term strategies, overseeing business partnerships, and leading sustainable growth initiatives. His experience includes a seven-year tenure at Schlumberger Ltd and three years at Sarawak Energy Bhd.
Dato’ Lim Thiam Huat
Dato’ Lim Thiam Huat, appointed to the Board on 17 December 2014, has over 28 years of experience in construction and project development, delivering a range of projects including high-rise commercial complexes, industrial buildings, housing, hotels, hospitals, and luxury apartments. Since 2003, he has focused on sustainable solutions, co-developing the PRC-RBMP technology through Green Patent Technologies, which converts palm oil waste into eco-friendly pulp and paper, addressing industry challenges while protecting the environment.
Datuk Seri Wan Mohd Fauzi Wan Kamaruddin
Datuk Seri Wan Mohd Fauzi Wan Kamaruddin is a seasoned leader in Malaysia’s marine and environmental sectors. As Director of Ecocycle Dynamic Solutions Sdn Bhd, he spearheads initiatives focused on sustainable waste management and recycling technologies. His leadership was instrumental in a collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to explore innovative uses of plastic waste, such as utilizing it in pothole repairs, underscoring his commitment to integrating circular economy principles into urban infrastructure.
Haaziq Ibrahim
Haaziq Ibrahim is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Demi Laut, a Malaysian social enterprise empowering coastal fishing communities through technology, sustainable practices, and market access. Passionate about marine conservation and equitable livelihoods, Haaziq works to modernise small-scale fisheries while preserving traditional knowledge. Under his leadership, Demi Laut has gained regional recognition for driving ocean sustainability and supporting the livelihoods of Malaysia’s coastal fishers.
Melissa Tan
Melissa Tan is a TV host, actress, and climate activist dedicated to promoting sustainable living and conscious consumption. Through her platform heymelissatan.com, she shares insights on zero waste, climate action, and ethical fashion. As an environmental speaker and community organiser, she leads initiatives such as Green Day Out, The Conscious Market, and clothing swaps. An EARTHDAY.ORG Ambassador and Climate Reality Leader, she also represents Malaysia as Country Coordinator for Fashion Revolution.
Tasha Sabapathy
Tasha Sabapathy is Senior Programme & Communications Officer at Zero Waste Malaysia, where she spearheads outreach, education, and branding efforts. She has played integral roles in campaigns such as the MY Zero Waste Life Handbook, the ‘Trashpedia’ resource, and seasonal food-waste awareness initiatives. Tasha is passionate about helping Malaysians adopt sustainable habits, improving waste literacy, and partnering with both public and private sectors to drive environmental action.
Muhammad Nizam Samsudin
En. Muhammad Nizam Samsudin is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Adab Youth Garage (AYG), a Malaysian non-profit dedicated to empowering urban youth. He has established multiple youth interaction centres offering free safe spaces, skills training, academic support, and community-based programmes across Selangor, Johor, and Penang. Under his leadership, AYG has collaborated with government, corporate, and non-profit partners to deliver impactful social initiatives and promote youth development.
Jeffrey D. Sachs
Jeffrey D. Sachs is a globally recognised economist and strategist, known for tackling debt crises, poverty, disease control, and climate change. He is a University Professor and the Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, as well as the president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Sachs has advised multiple UN Secretaries-General, authored bestselling books, and received numerous awards, including the Blue Planet Prize. He previously taught at Harvard University.
Professor Renato Lima de Oliveira
Professor Renato Lima de Oliveira is an expert on the political economy of development, state-business relations, and energy politics, with a focus on industrial and innovation policies. He teaches international business and energy market courses at ASB and advises Action Learning projects. His research, which includes studies on oil industry development in Brazil, Malaysia, and Mexico, has been published in leading journals and publications. He holds a PhD from MIT and is affiliated with MIT IPC and IDEAS-Malaysia.
Miquel Kishimoto Guardiola
Miquel Kishimoto Guardiola is a Sustainable Finance Associate at BloombergNEF based in Tokyo, focusing on sustainable finance research across the Asia Pacific, particularly policy developments and the financial sector’s decarbonization efforts. Previously, he supported Japan’s economic and energy clients as a sales representative for BloombergNEF. Miquel holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Economics from the University of British Columbia and a Sustainability and Climate Risk certification from the Global Association of Risk Professionals.
Nadia Humphreys
Nadia Humphreys is the Head of Sustainable Finance Data Solutions at Bloomberg LP, leading global efforts to enhance the use of high-quality ESG data in investment strategies. She serves as an observer on the European Commission’s Platform for Sustainable Finance and contributes to key international taskforces with MAS, ASFI, and ESMA. With prior roles at JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs, Nadia is also an advocate for women in FinTech and an active mentor in leadership programmes.
Felix Kosasih
Felix Utama Kosasih is BloombergNEF’s Lead Analyst for Indonesia and Malaysia, specialising in the energy transition and decarbonisation strategies across Southeast Asia. Based in Singapore, he contributes to major reports, including the techno-economic analysis of Malaysia’s power generation and 24/7 carbon-free energy procurement in the APAC region. Felix is also a regular contributor to BloombergNEF’s “Switched On” podcast, discussing clean energy developments in the area.
H.E. Selwin Charles Hart
H.E. Selwin Charles Hart serves as the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Climate Action and Just Transition, as well as Assistant Secretary-General of the Climate Action Team. A seasoned diplomat from Barbados, he has played a pivotal role in advancing global climate policy and sustainable development. Previously, he served as Ambassador of Barbados to the United States and as Executive Director for the Caribbean at the Inter-American Development Bank, where he championed climate resilience and equitable energy transitions.
Robert Gass
Robert Gass brings over 20 years of leadership experience in child rights and public health, working with UNICEF to drive impactful programmes across Asia and Latin America. He has led initiatives on HIV/AIDS, child protection, and community resilience in Indonesia, Brazil, and Thailand, and contributed to global pediatric HIV policy at UNICEF Headquarters. His career reflects a deep commitment to advancing children’s welfare and inclusive development through evidence-based strategies and international cooperation.
Eric Kane
Eric Kane is an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, where he analyses sustainability trends such as climate change, resource scarcity, and data security, linking them to financial performance. He also focuses on ESG disclosure and integrating key metrics into company analysis. Previously, he worked with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and Innovest Strategic Value Advisors. Eric holds an MPA from NYU Wagner and a degree in political science from Bates College.
Sailful Adib
En. Saiful Adib Abdul Munaff is the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC). With extensive experience in sustainability, corporate strategy, and green technology development, he has played a pivotal role in driving Malaysia’s transition toward a low-carbon and circular economy. En. Saiful leads MGTC’s mission to advance climate action, green investments, and sustainable business innovation in alignment with national development goals.
YBhg. Dato’ Ts. V. Valluvan a/l Veloo
YBhg. Dato’ Ts. V. Valluvan a/l Veloo serves as Deputy Secretary General (Macro) at Malaysia’s Ministry of Economy. With extensive experience in economic planning and policy formulation, he plays a key role in shaping Malaysia’s macroeconomic strategies, overseeing national development expenditure, and supporting long-term socioeconomic plans. His work contributes to sustainable growth, fiscal resilience, and strategic policymaking, driving initiatives that align with Malaysia’s national development objectives and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Dato’ Azman Shah Mohd Yusof
Dato’ Azman, CEO of MMC Port Holdings Berhad since 2024 and former CEO of Northport, brings over 30 years of experience spanning investment analysis, corporate finance, strategy, and port management. He has led Northport to record-breaking container and cargo operations through the “Reinventing Northport” initiative, advancing safer, greener, and more innovative port practices. His career includes senior roles in banking, real estate, REITs, and terminal operations, demonstrating a track record of transformative leadership and industry impact.
Elizabeth Elroy
Elizabeth Elroy is Micron’s vice president of Global EHS and Sustainability, leading a worldwide team responsible for developing and implementing EHS and sustainability strategies. Beth joined Micron as an environmental engineer and has served in a wide range of roles, including Environmental Manager, Engineering and Construction Manager, and Senior Director of Facilities.
Nor Fadhilah
Nor Fadhilah, a Malaysian chartered accountant, has been the Chief Corporate Officer of TM since June 2024, overseeing strategic communications, regulatory affairs, sustainability, risk management, and programme management. She began her career at PwC before joining TM in 1993, advancing through various roles in finance, strategy, and business development, including Group CFO. Recognised as Malaysia’s Best CFO in 2019, she later served as Chief Financial & Strategy Officer at MCMC, leading multi-faceted portfolios in strategy, finance, and innovation.
Isaac Lee
Isaac Lee is the Asia-Pacific Lead for Bloomberg’s Sustainable Finance Solutions, overseeing business development, market strategy, and client adoption of ESG and climate-related tools. Based in Singapore, he drives sustainable finance integration across Bloomberg’s platforms and contributes to industry consultations, including as a member of the MAS GFIT Taxonomy Working Group. With 17 years at Bloomberg, Isaac has held leadership roles across Asia and holds a B.Eng (Hons) from Nanyang Technological University.
Nadia Azmi
Nadia Azmi is a bilingual event emcee, moderator, trainer, and seasoned media professional with over a decade of experience in communications. A law graduate turned broadcaster, she is a primetime news anchor for TV3’s Buletin Utama and Nightline, and hosts talk shows Helo Doktor and Women Talk. Beyond TV, she trains in public speaking and creates educational content, simplifying English for her social media audiences.
Victoria Ong
Ms Victoria Ong is an accomplished journalist, host, and producer with over 15 years of experience across international media and live events. Formerly with Channel NewsAsia, she excels in storytelling and content creation for diverse audiences. As a seasoned emcee and moderator, she has hosted conferences, award ceremonies, and large-scale events worldwide, working with clients across Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Japan, and beyond.
Rizal Van Geyzel
Rizal, a father of three, is a celebrated comedian performing across Asia and internationally. He co-hosts 22 shows with Douglas Lim at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and undertakes month-long tours at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Recently, he performed for 3,000 attendees at Kings & Queens of Comedy Asia in Singapore. Known for his bubbly and relatable humour, Rizal continues to captivate audiences and bring laughter to the masses.