Program
3rd Annual AIM Asia Week 2026 Penang Program
AIM Asia brings together leaders from the semiconductor, electronics, medical technology, and chemical sectors, alongside investors and government, to explore, “Sustainable Future Manufacturing Transformation: Human Capital, AI & Innovation”.
AIMxchange arena
Main Conference (VIP Only)
Future of AI, Innovation & Investment DAY
08:30 AM
Registration Networking
09:00 AM
Entrance Opening
09:30 AM
Opening Performance
09:35 AM
Chairperson Remarks

Renee Tan
Chairperson
Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing Asia
Renee Tan
Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing Asia
Chairperson
Renee Tan is the Founder and Managing Director of Hashtaqs®, which helps businesses to scale up and internationalise through brand transformation, omni-channel marketing and ecosystem development. She has more than 13 years of corporate experience in sales, marketing and ecosystem development for the MICE sector in various industries such as Life Sciences, Healthcare, Supply Chain & Logistics, Mining, Power Electricity, Private Banking, Hedge Funds, and recently been actively building the community in the technology, innovation, and sustainability arena.
She’s also the Founder of HER® Entrepreneur, an inclusive and diverse regional community and omni-channel media platform which inspires, educates, empowers and also connects the ecosystem of entrepreneurs, leaders, government and investors across Asia through online content, monthly LearnXNetwork sessions and the yearly summit that was held in Singapore and Malaysia. Her yearly conference gathers C-suites and Founders to discuss, connect and forge potential partnerships.
She’s the Chief Producer for the HASH Asia Summit which was recently held that gathers business owners, industry leaders, government and investors across Asia to discuss about innovation, technology and sustainability.
She’s also the Partner for Artificial Intelligence International Institute (AIII), a think thank that advocates Sustainable AI for Humanity, which is a strategic international partner to the World AI Conference (WAIC), that hosts the largest AI conference globally. AIII’s role is to build the ecosystem of the AI industry globally and venture build AI startups.
She was a recipient of the Brands For Good Award in 2019 and was featured in The Business Times. She’s also the recipient of the SME Excellence Business Award 2022/2023 and the Aspiring Woman Entrepreneurs 2022/2023.
She had been invited to speak in several SME events and events for the MICE industry across the region. Her business and herself was featured in several media platforms such as 938FM, Astro Radio, e27, The Economist, CNA, News5, Marketing in Asia, The Business Times, etc.
She is a Singapore certified management consultant by the certifying body, TUV SUD, an ACTA certified trainer, and a degree graduate who holds a Double Major in Psychology and Marketing from the Singapore Management University. She recently holds an advanced certificate in Venture Capital.
09:55 AM
Guest-of-Honour Opening

YB Goh Choon Aik
Exco, Trade and Community Unity
PENANG, MALAYSIA
YB Goh Choon Aik
PENANG, MALAYSIA
Exco, Trade and Community Unity
10:20 AM
Guest-of-Honour & Ecosystem Opening Commemoration
10:30 AM
Morning Networking Refreshment
Industrial & AI Transformation
11:00 AM
Opening Plenary Discussion: Redefining the Future of Manufacturing Through Visionary Leadership That Accelerates Innovation, Builds Competitiveness and Uplifts Workforce

Dato’ Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan
Chief Executive
NCIA
Dato’ Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan
NCIA
Chief Executive
Dato’ Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan is the Chief Executive of the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), leading the transformation of the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) into a globally competitive technology and investment hub. Since assuming the role in 2022, he has strengthened the region’s semiconductor and Electrical and Electronics (E&E) ecosystem while advancing inclusive and sustainable growth across Penang, Kedah, Perlis and Perak. In 2025, NCER facilitated RM78.55 billion in realised investments and created more than 23,000 high-value jobs.
A Chartered Accountant and member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants, he brings extensive experience in auditing, international finance and economic development, having previously served with Deloitte and as NCIA’s Chief Financial Officer. He also serves as a Board Member of Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science and Technology (CREST) and received Malaysia’s Most Outstanding Personality Award (Human Capital) at the Malaysian Education and TVET Awards 2023.

Dr. Aravinthan Vengettaraman
Head, MyMahir Workforce Solutions
TalentCorp
Dr. Aravinthan Vengettaraman
TalentCorp
Head, MyMahir Workforce Solutions
Dr. Aravinthan Vengettaraman is the Head of MyMahir Workforce Solutions at TalentCorp. He leads the development and delivery of industry-driven workforce solutions that align talent supply with Malaysia’s evolving economic and industry needs. His portfolio includes MyMahir Future Skills Talent Councils (FSTC), national talent solutions, industry council engagement, programme governance and strategic partnerships.
He works closely with government, industry and academia to strengthen talent pipelines and accelerate the development of industry-ready talent across high-impact sectors, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital technology, semiconductors, aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
Before joining TalentCorp, Dr Aravinthan held strategic leadership roles across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. His experience includes developing national strategic blueprints, talent incubation frameworks, workforce transformation initiatives and sector-specific roadmaps. He has also supported the establishment of innovation and technology parks and contributed to the development of the OIC Innovation Index.
Dr Aravinthan holds a Bachelor of Science in Computing from Leeds Metropolitan University, an MBA from the University of Leeds, a qualification in International Business from Harlem Business School, and a PhD from Universiti Malaya.

Ramu Iyer
Vice President & Managing Director
Micron Memory
Ramu Iyer
Micron Memory
Vice President & Managing Director
Ramu is a Dynamic Operations & Management Executive with strong domestic and international P & L management experience in driving market share, revenue and profit growth. He possesses expertise in both high tech and traditional manufacturing environments for multinational companies and talent for making rapid assessment of diverse situational challenges, developing solutions and providing the necessary leadership to achieve outstanding results

Dato’ Dr. Hari Narayanan
Chief Executive Officer
Penang Skills Development Centre
Dato’ Dr. Hari Narayanan
Penang Skills Development Centre
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Hari Narayanan has amassed over 40 years of rich experience spanning industry and academia. He spent more than two decades at Motorola Solutions, rising from a technical staff member to leading the R&D organization and serving as Managing Director for Penang operations. Dr. Hari transitioned to academia in 2019, joining APU as Senior Director of Organizational Development before assuming the role of Vice Chancellor in 2020 and later President in 2022. In the recent years he also took on several leadership roles, including Chairman of the Board of Governors at USM. In January 2024, Dr. Hari became CEO of Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC), focusing on talent development and positioning PSDC as a premier centre for TVET graduates.
Dr. Hari holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from UMIST, UK and various professional accolades, including being a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of IMechE and IET. Dr. Hari has received numerous awards for his management, leadership, and contributions to the industry, including the Public Bank-MIM Senior Manager of the Year, Best CEO by MOHE for his contributions in the CEO Faculty program and an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering from UMP. He continues to contribute to various national initiatives related to talent development and E&E local ecosystem growth.
Moderator

Renee Tan
Chairperson
Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing Asia
Renee Tan
Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing Asia
Chairperson
Renee Tan is the Founder and Managing Director of Hashtaqs®, which helps businesses to scale up and internationalise through brand transformation, omni-channel marketing and ecosystem development. She has more than 13 years of corporate experience in sales, marketing and ecosystem development for the MICE sector in various industries such as Life Sciences, Healthcare, Supply Chain & Logistics, Mining, Power Electricity, Private Banking, Hedge Funds, and recently been actively building the community in the technology, innovation, and sustainability arena.
She’s also the Founder of HER® Entrepreneur, an inclusive and diverse regional community and omni-channel media platform which inspires, educates, empowers and also connects the ecosystem of entrepreneurs, leaders, government and investors across Asia through online content, monthly LearnXNetwork sessions and the yearly summit that was held in Singapore and Malaysia. Her yearly conference gathers C-suites and Founders to discuss, connect and forge potential partnerships.
She’s the Chief Producer for the HASH Asia Summit which was recently held that gathers business owners, industry leaders, government and investors across Asia to discuss about innovation, technology and sustainability.
She’s also the Partner for Artificial Intelligence International Institute (AIII), a think thank that advocates Sustainable AI for Humanity, which is a strategic international partner to the World AI Conference (WAIC), that hosts the largest AI conference globally. AIII’s role is to build the ecosystem of the AI industry globally and venture build AI startups.
She was a recipient of the Brands For Good Award in 2019 and was featured in The Business Times. She’s also the recipient of the SME Excellence Business Award 2022/2023 and the Aspiring Woman Entrepreneurs 2022/2023.
She had been invited to speak in several SME events and events for the MICE industry across the region. Her business and herself was featured in several media platforms such as 938FM, Astro Radio, e27, The Economist, CNA, News5, Marketing in Asia, The Business Times, etc.
She is a Singapore certified management consultant by the certifying body, TUV SUD, an ACTA certified trainer, and a degree graduate who holds a Double Major in Psychology and Marketing from the Singapore Management University. She recently holds an advanced certificate in Venture Capital.
Advancing Intelligent Factory Infrastructure
11:50 AM
Panel Discussion: Powering Intelligent Factory Operations & AI Transformation to Drive Sustainable Manufacturing

Fu Chin Lim
Associate Director Digitalization
First Asia mRNA Manufacturing Facility
Fu Chin Lim
First Asia mRNA Manufacturing Facility
Associate Director Digitalization
Full bio (~150 words):
FC Lim is the founder of BioPharma Advisory, a Singapore-based principal advisory practice on digital investment strategy for regulated manufacturing. Over more than twenty years, he has led digital transformation across pharmaceutical and biotechnology operations – including the design and regulatory approval of a greenfield biologics manufacturing facility with systems connected from shop floor to quality release, multi-country ERP deployments, manufacturing execution system implementations, and post-merger IT integration under live regulatory audit – working across organisations including GSK, Pfizer, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Takeda, and regulatory environments spanning US FDA, EU EMA, UK MHRA, Singapore HSA, and Australia’s TGA.
He is the creator of the FC Model™, a diagnostic framework mapping digital investment maturity from Compliant to Capable to Competitive across Customer, Product, and Operational Value – published with seven anonymised case studies in his free industry eBook, Before the Next Digital Investment. While his direct experience is pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing, the underlying pattern holds across regulated, complex manufacturing environments. FC is participating in AIM Asia Week 2026 in a personal capacity.

Jenn Lee
Director, Plant Operations
Ambu
Jenn Lee
Ambu
Director, Plant Operations
Jenn Lee is the Director, Plant Operation at Ambu Sdn. Bhd. where she directs cross-functional workforce across operations, engineering, validation, and project management. Beyond this, she also translates corporate direction into actionable strategies while optimizing CAPEX/OPEX budgets to drive cost savings and financial stability. Additionally, she oversees the entire medical device manufacturing lifecycles, driving lean and yield governance to minimize waste while consistently exceeding quality, compliance, safety, and delivery KPIs. During the course of her career, she has advanced machine technology through strategic upgrades and rigorous project validation, while cultivating a high-engagement workplace culture focused on talent development, career growth, and transparent communication.

Ts. Dr. Sian Siong Loo
Director, Operations
HP Malaysia Manufacturing
Ts. Dr. Sian Siong Loo
HP Malaysia Manufacturing
Director, Operations
Dr. SS Loo is a seasoned operations leader with over 20 years of experience in multinational
manufacturing environments, specializing in operations management, engineering, and strategic
transformation. He currently serves as Director of Operations at HP Malaysia Manufacturing,
where he leads large-scale inkjet supplies production, overseeing engineering, manufacturing,
and business performance across a diverse workforce.
He has built a strong track record in driving manufacturing excellence through operational
optimization, digital transformation, and scalable business strategies. His leadership spans end-
to-end manufacturing operations, sustainability initiatives, and productivity improvement. He has
successfully led global manufacturing initiatives, including technology transfer and plant start-
ups, while managing multi-site operations across Asia and Europe.
A strong advocate of Industry 4.0, lean manufacturing, and sustainability-driven operations, he
champions innovation to enhance operational efficiency, organizational resilience, and long-term
competitiveness. His experience includes spearheading transformation initiatives in automation,
data-driven decision-making, and workforce capability development. He is also recognized for
building high-performing, inclusive teams and fostering effective collaboration across global
stakeholders.
Beyond his corporate role, he actively contributes to the broader manufacturing ecosystem. He
serves on multiple industry advisory panels, including the Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas
Consortium, and collaborates with academic institutions to strengthen industry-academia
partnerships. An active member of IEEE and other professional bodies, he is committed to
developing future-ready talent and advancing the manufacturing industry.
His leadership philosophy centers on people engagement, sustainability, operational excellence,
and innovation in advanced manufacturing.
Moderator

Tobias Leong
Chief Technology Officer
Axium Industries
Tobias Leong
Axium Industries
Chief Technology Officer
Tobias Leong is the co-founder and CTO of Axium Industries, a Singapore-based AI company
building agentic systems for supply-chain reliant businesses across the region. Axium currently
serves listed companies spanning manufacturing, maritime, oil and gas, and other industrial
verticals, helping them drive operational efficiency at scale.
With over a decade of engineering and data leadership experience in top tech companies, Tobias
has built and scaled data platforms across some of the most demanding environments in the
industry. Most recently at Databricks (one of the most prominent data companies for AI), he
deployed complex data platforms for the largest enterprise customers in APAC.
Tobias has also led global full-stack engineering teams at Zendesk, building products used by
millions across the world. He had also spent four years at GovTech Singapore leading the Data
Engineering division, where his team designed and delivered the national contact tracing
platform during the COVID-19 pandemic.
12:40 PM
Speed Networking Session
01:00 PM
Networking Lunch
AI Hyperautomation & Lighthouse Factory
02:00 PM
Panel Discussion: Scaling AI Hyperautomation to Transform Pilot Projects into High-Performance Lighthouse Factories Driving Resilience, Productivity & Profitable Growth

Hean Tatt Lim
Chief Technology Officer
Dell Technologies
Hean Tatt Lim
Dell Technologies
Chief Technology Officer
Lim Hean Tatt serves as Chief Technology Officer for the Dell Technologies Presales Organization (SAEM). During his tenure at Dell, he has been a trusted advisor to customers across manufacturing, oil and gas, telecommunications, gaming and casinos, financial services, healthcare, astronomy, and trading. In his role, he regularly leads Digital Transformation and Business Value Discovery Workshops, including major initiatives in core banking transformation using big data, analytics, and AI. He has also supported ecosystem modernization programs spanning telecommunications, healthcare, education, and manufacturing, helping organizations align technology strategies with business outcomes and accelerate innovation across complex, multi-industry environments.

Cheng Kee Sim
Principal Engineer, Manufacturing, Global Operations & Quality
Altera
Cheng Kee Sim
Altera
Principal Engineer, Manufacturing, Global Operations & Quality
- Principal Engineer & MFG Chief Engineer Altera
- 2 decade in Semiconductor Manufacturing, Test Engineering, and Operations.
- Led FPGA and SoC products from concept to High-Volume Manufacturing (HVM)
- Built manufacturing organizations and technology roadmaps to improve cost, quality, and scalability
- Strengthened Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem through OSAT partnerships, ATE/SLT infrastructure, and yield excellence
Herve Charles
Vice President, Smart Manufacturing IT
NXP Semiconductors
Herve Charles
NXP Semiconductors
Vice President, Smart Manufacturing IT
Herve Charles is Vice President of Smart Manufacturing IT at NXP Semiconductors, where he leads the company’s digital manufacturing and factory IT strategy, driving smart factory initiatives, industrial automation, and digital transformation across NXP’s global manufacturing operations. Based in Kuala Lumpur, he has over 25 years of experience in manufacturing IT, industrial engineering, and factory automation. Since joining NXP (following the Freescale acquisition), he has held leadership roles including Head of IT Asia, Global Industrial Engineering, Director of Systems & Automation, and Senior Director of Smart Manufacturing IT. Prior to NXP, he spent more than a decade at STMicroelectronics in manufacturing systems and IT leadership positions. Herve is recognized for advancing Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, industrial AI, and digital factory transformation.
Moderator

Renee Tan
Chairperson
Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing Asia
Renee Tan
Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing Asia
Chairperson
Renee Tan is the Founder and Managing Director of Hashtaqs®, which helps businesses to scale up and internationalise through brand transformation, omni-channel marketing and ecosystem development. She has more than 13 years of corporate experience in sales, marketing and ecosystem development for the MICE sector in various industries such as Life Sciences, Healthcare, Supply Chain & Logistics, Mining, Power Electricity, Private Banking, Hedge Funds, and recently been actively building the community in the technology, innovation, and sustainability arena.
She’s also the Founder of HER® Entrepreneur, an inclusive and diverse regional community and omni-channel media platform which inspires, educates, empowers and also connects the ecosystem of entrepreneurs, leaders, government and investors across Asia through online content, monthly LearnXNetwork sessions and the yearly summit that was held in Singapore and Malaysia. Her yearly conference gathers C-suites and Founders to discuss, connect and forge potential partnerships.
She’s the Chief Producer for the HASH Asia Summit which was recently held that gathers business owners, industry leaders, government and investors across Asia to discuss about innovation, technology and sustainability.
She’s also the Partner for Artificial Intelligence International Institute (AIII), a think thank that advocates Sustainable AI for Humanity, which is a strategic international partner to the World AI Conference (WAIC), that hosts the largest AI conference globally. AIII’s role is to build the ecosystem of the AI industry globally and venture build AI startups.
She was a recipient of the Brands For Good Award in 2019 and was featured in The Business Times. She’s also the recipient of the SME Excellence Business Award 2022/2023 and the Aspiring Woman Entrepreneurs 2022/2023.
She had been invited to speak in several SME events and events for the MICE industry across the region. Her business and herself was featured in several media platforms such as 938FM, Astro Radio, e27, The Economist, CNA, News5, Marketing in Asia, The Business Times, etc.
She is a Singapore certified management consultant by the certifying body, TUV SUD, an ACTA certified trainer, and a degree graduate who holds a Double Major in Psychology and Marketing from the Singapore Management University. She recently holds an advanced certificate in Venture Capital.
02:50 PM
Enhancing Productivity with AI & Hyperautomation to Drive Efficiency, Reduce Costs & Minimise Downtime.

Hoong Fei Lee
Director, IT
AMD
Hoong Fei Lee
AMD
Director, IT
Hoong Fei is a Director of Software Development at AMD, with over 25 years of experience in enterprise IT. Based in Penang, Malaysia, he holds an MBA from the University of South Australia and leads major transformation programs focused on Finance systems and process modernization. His work integrates enterprise SAP with cloud platforms and internal AI tools to deliver seamless user experiences.
Hoong Fei also heads the site IT organization, driving sustainable infrastructure and software development. He is a passionate advocate for AI adoption, spearheading the “AI First” movement at AMD Malaysia to align with the company’s leadership in the AI era. Prior to AMD, Hoong Fei spent over a decade at Intel, where he led IT initiatives across Supply Chain, Finance, and Advanced Analytics.
AI Compute, Cybersecurity & Humanoid Robotics
15:10 PM
Strengthening IT and OT Cybersecurity in Converged Environments to Protect Factories from Advanced Persistent Threats

Kenneth Sim
Chief Technology Officer
OneSystems Technologies
Kenneth Sim
OneSystems Technologies
Chief Technology Officer
Kenneth Sim is the Chief Technology Officer of OneSystems Technologies with over 20 years of experience in ICT infrastructure, technology consulting, and digital transformation. Having held leadership roles across presales, consulting services, and cloud technologies, he specialises in designing resilient, scalable, and future-ready technology environments. His current focus includes network automation, intelligent infrastructure, and the integration of physical ICT systems with emerging autonomous technologies.
03:30 PM
Stop Bolting on AI: Building the AI-Native Blueprint

Leonard Tan
Director, Product Operations Engineering
Dell Technologies
Leonard Tan
Dell Technologies
Director, Product Operations Engineering
Senior operations and engineering leader with 29 years at Dell Technologies, driving global product operations, engineering transformation, and digital innovation. Proven track record in scaling global engineering capabilities, optimizing end-to-end operational workflows, and delivering measurable improvements in quality, efficiency, and revenue generation.
Recognised for building high-performing teams, modernizing systems, and leading cross-regional initiatives across APJ, EMEA, and the Americas. Strong expertise in AI-enabled transformation, product configuration services, quality systems, and operational excellence.
03:50 PM
Afternoon Networking Refreshment
04:10 PM
Shaping the Future of Manufacturing with Humanoid Robotics and Industry 4.0 Aligned Product Innovation

Dr. Andreas Herold
Vice President, Process and Project Engineering & Industrialisation
B Braun
Dr. Andreas Herold
B Braun
Vice President, Process and Project Engineering & Industrialisation
Dr. Andreas Herold is a senior engineering and industrialization leader with more than 25 years of international experience spanning plastics processing, automation, special machinery, and advanced manufacturing. He currently serves as Vice President of Process and Project Engineering & Industrialization at B. Braun Medical Industries in Penang, Malaysia, where he established the B. Braun Technology Center Asia Pacific back in 2024 as a recognized hub for engineering excellence, equipment design, and industrialization.
A mechanical engineering major with a subsequent Ph.D. in plastics processing technologies, he has been acquiring vast experiences in different industries in the US (consumer products) and in several European countries (automotive industry and medical) over his professional career. Since 2014 he has been working for B. Braun Melsungen AG as an engineering leader. A special focus of his responsibilities was the conception, projecting and build of manufacturing equipment, ranging from injection moulds, moulding cells and automated assembly machines to completely integrated production lines including online testing and full digital interfacing to manufacturing execution systems.
As one of the world’s leading medical technology companies, B. Braun aims to protect and improve the health of people around the world. For more than 180 years, the company has shaped health care with pioneering spirit and groundbreaking contributions. More than 63,000 employees work for the B. Braun Group worldwide, the company has over 300 subsidiaries in 64 countries. With a portfolio including 5,000 healthcare products clinical therapies (infusion, pain and enteral nutrition treatments) as well as ambulatory care (dialysis, incontinence and wound treatment) are supported. B. Braun’s product line is completed by surgical instruments, implants and sutures.
04:30 PM
Redefining the AI Compute Ecosystem as Accelerated Computing Evolves from Silicon Supply Constraints to Scalable, Efficient and Sustainable AI Infrastructure.

Ben Oon
Director, Data Center Graphics & Accelerated Computing
AMD
Ben Oon
AMD
Director, Data Center Graphics & Accelerated Computing
Ben is an internationally acclaimed and accomplished Validation Principle Engineer/Director with strong System Architecture End-to-End knowledge, memory subsystem, system agents, platform boot flows and high volume validation experience.
Authored numerous task forces to intercept critical customer program milestone. Holder of 1 Patent on Post Silicon Debug. He is highly energetic, committed, and a team leader with passion on teamwork, integrity and synergy. Currently Ben is serving as Site Lead / Director of Data Center Graphics and Accelerated Computing (AI accelerator) in AMD Penang.
Commercialisation & Capital Raising Strategies
04:50 PM
Panel Discussion: Unlocking Capital Raising Opportunities for Deep Tech Innovators & Manufacturing Scale ups to Fuel Growth, Competitiveness & Global Expansion

Harmender Singh
SVP, Group BD & Innovation Advisory
Cradle Fund
Harmender Singh
Cradle Fund
SVP, Group BD & Innovation Advisory
Harmender leads Cradle’s Group Business Development and Innovation Advisory, driving strategic partnerships and advancing Malaysia’s innovation landscape. With over two decades of cross-sector leadership, he integrates commercial, legal, and operational insight to build high-impact collaboration platforms. He previously led the Malaysian Startup Ecosystem PMO and now heads Cradle Innovation Advisory (CIA), accelerating enterprise–startup adoption and measurable growth

Dr. Wan Raihana Wan Aasim
VP I, Developmental Fund Management Department Head
Malaysian Technology Development Corporation
Dr. Wan Raihana Wan Aasim
Malaysian Technology Development Corporation
VP I, Developmental Fund Management Department Head
Dr. Wan Raihana Wan Aasim is an innovation funding leader with extensive experience supporting technology-based companies from early-stage development through commercialisation and scale-up. As Vice President I and Head of the Developmental Fund Management Department at MTDC, she oversees more than RM200 million across national funding programmes supporting over 150 active companies, including deep technology ventures and technology-driven manufacturers.
Her work spans the entire funding lifecycle, giving her practical insight into what makes technology ventures fundable and investment-ready. She works closely with founders, technical experts and public-sector stakeholders to address the financing, commercial and execution gaps that often constrain capital raising, manufacturing scale-up and market expansion.
Dr. Wan Raihana also leads the development of the National Technology Sovereignty Framework for the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. The framework is intended to identify and prioritise technologies of strategic national importance, guide investment and capability-building decisions, and strengthen Malaysia’s resilience, competitiveness and technological sovereignty.
With more than a decade of experience in technology transfer, innovation funding and commercialisation, she is a Registered Technology Transfer Professional, Certified HRD Corp Trainer and Certified Master Performance Coach. She is frequently invited to speak and train on innovation strategy, funding and commercialisation, and serves as an evaluator for several national research and grant schemes.
She holds a PhD in Pharmacology and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Universiti Sains Malaysia, as well as an MBA in Technology Management from The Open University, United Kingdom. She also serves as Vice President of the Innovation and Technology Managers Association Malaysia. Her early career in neuroscience research continues to inform her evidence-based approach to connecting science, capital and commercial execution.

Imran Hafiz
Investment Director
Gobi Partners
Imran Hafiz
Gobi Partners
Investment Director
Imran Hafiz is an Investment Director at Gobi Partners Malaysia, focused on growth-stage investments across Malaysia and Southeast Asia, with an emphasis on semiconductors, healthcare, consumer, and education.
He began his career at PwC Malaysia in the Financial Services practice, auditing equity, bond, and feeder funds with NAVs exceeding RM1 billion. He later moved into earl-stage venture investing at Fatima Gobi Ventures before joining Gobi Partners Southeast Asia.
At Gobi Partners, Imran has led several notable semiconductor and deep-tech transactions in Southeast Asia, including a pre-IPO investment in SkyeChip, the region’s leading IC design company; a seed investment in GreatASIC, the leading SoC design team in Southeast Asia; and the backing of a Malaysia-based deep-tech start-up focusing on graphene applications in the semiconductor space, nanoSkunkWorkX.
Moderator

Shaun Yeoh
General Manager
Entrepreneur Growth Hub
Shaun Yeoh
Entrepreneur Growth Hub
General Manager
As an intrapreneur, investor and general manager. Shaun has a total of 18 years of experience in business development, sales and marketing. Now, he leads the EGH as the premier startup community builder in Malaysia’s northern region…bringing together VCs, alternative investments firms, startup founders, government agencies and other ecosystem players into melting pot for funding and growth.
05:40 PM
Closing Remarks

Renee Tan
Chairperson
Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing Asia
Renee Tan
Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing Asia
Chairperson
Renee Tan is the Founder and Managing Director of Hashtaqs®, which helps businesses to scale up and internationalise through brand transformation, omni-channel marketing and ecosystem development. She has more than 13 years of corporate experience in sales, marketing and ecosystem development for the MICE sector in various industries such as Life Sciences, Healthcare, Supply Chain & Logistics, Mining, Power Electricity, Private Banking, Hedge Funds, and recently been actively building the community in the technology, innovation, and sustainability arena.
She’s also the Founder of HER® Entrepreneur, an inclusive and diverse regional community and omni-channel media platform which inspires, educates, empowers and also connects the ecosystem of entrepreneurs, leaders, government and investors across Asia through online content, monthly LearnXNetwork sessions and the yearly summit that was held in Singapore and Malaysia. Her yearly conference gathers C-suites and Founders to discuss, connect and forge potential partnerships.
She’s the Chief Producer for the HASH Asia Summit which was recently held that gathers business owners, industry leaders, government and investors across Asia to discuss about innovation, technology and sustainability.
She’s also the Partner for Artificial Intelligence International Institute (AIII), a think thank that advocates Sustainable AI for Humanity, which is a strategic international partner to the World AI Conference (WAIC), that hosts the largest AI conference globally. AIII’s role is to build the ecosystem of the AI industry globally and venture build AI startups.
She was a recipient of the Brands For Good Award in 2019 and was featured in The Business Times. She’s also the recipient of the SME Excellence Business Award 2022/2023 and the Aspiring Woman Entrepreneurs 2022/2023.
She had been invited to speak in several SME events and events for the MICE industry across the region. Her business and herself was featured in several media platforms such as 938FM, Astro Radio, e27, The Economist, CNA, News5, Marketing in Asia, The Business Times, etc.
She is a Singapore certified management consultant by the certifying body, TUV SUD, an ACTA certified trainer, and a degree graduate who holds a Double Major in Psychology and Marketing from the Singapore Management University. She recently holds an advanced certificate in Venture Capital.
6:00 PM
End of Day 1
TALENT, SUSTAINABILITY & INTERNATIONALISATION DAY
08:30 AM
Registration Networking
09:30 AM
Chairman Opening

Renee Tan
Chairperson
Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing Asia
Renee Tan
Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing Asia
Chairperson
Renee Tan is the Founder and Managing Director of Hashtaqs®, which helps businesses to scale up and internationalise through brand transformation, omni-channel marketing and ecosystem development. She has more than 13 years of corporate experience in sales, marketing and ecosystem development for the MICE sector in various industries such as Life Sciences, Healthcare, Supply Chain & Logistics, Mining, Power Electricity, Private Banking, Hedge Funds, and recently been actively building the community in the technology, innovation, and sustainability arena.
She’s also the Founder of HER® Entrepreneur, an inclusive and diverse regional community and omni-channel media platform which inspires, educates, empowers and also connects the ecosystem of entrepreneurs, leaders, government and investors across Asia through online content, monthly LearnXNetwork sessions and the yearly summit that was held in Singapore and Malaysia. Her yearly conference gathers C-suites and Founders to discuss, connect and forge potential partnerships.
She’s the Chief Producer for the HASH Asia Summit which was recently held that gathers business owners, industry leaders, government and investors across Asia to discuss about innovation, technology and sustainability.
She’s also the Partner for Artificial Intelligence International Institute (AIII), a think thank that advocates Sustainable AI for Humanity, which is a strategic international partner to the World AI Conference (WAIC), that hosts the largest AI conference globally. AIII’s role is to build the ecosystem of the AI industry globally and venture build AI startups.
She was a recipient of the Brands For Good Award in 2019 and was featured in The Business Times. She’s also the recipient of the SME Excellence Business Award 2022/2023 and the Aspiring Woman Entrepreneurs 2022/2023.
She had been invited to speak in several SME events and events for the MICE industry across the region. Her business and herself was featured in several media platforms such as 938FM, Astro Radio, e27, The Economist, CNA, News5, Marketing in Asia, The Business Times, etc.
She is a Singapore certified management consultant by the certifying body, TUV SUD, an ACTA certified trainer, and a degree graduate who holds a Double Major in Psychology and Marketing from the Singapore Management University. She recently holds an advanced certificate in Venture Capital.
09:50 AM
Keynote Opening

J. Philip Vincent
Special Advisor, Industry to the Deputy Chief Minister II Penang
Penang, Malaysia
J. Philip Vincent
Penang, Malaysia
Special Advisor, Industry to the Deputy Chief Minister II Penang
Mr. J. Philip Vincent is the Group Director of GSH Group of Companies in Malaysia, with a career spanning auditing, manufacturing, and global business expansion. He started as an auditor with Kassim Chan & Co (Deloitte) in the 1980s, thereafter ventured into manufacturing in Penang in 1990, and led his company to a public listing in 1997. He then expanded operations internationally across Asia and the U.S., serving multinational clients. His expertise includes semiconductor tooling, automation, robotics, equipment design, ERP systems, and machine integration. Under his leadership, the company adopted smart manufacturing aligned with Industry 4.0 and IoT, earning industry recognition and awards. Beyond his corporate role, he is active as a board member, advisor, and industry speaker, and contributes to academia in the Industry Advisory Panel and a Adjunct Professor at universities in Malaysia and India.
10:50 AM
Morning Networking Refreshment
Human Capital & Ecosystem Development
11:10 AM
Panel Discussion: Building Resilient Industrial Ecosystems by Upskilling Talent for AI, Robotics, and Next-Generation Digital Operations

Joseph Fernandez
Senior Director, Chief of Staff, Sustainability, Strategy
Sandisk
Joseph Fernandez
Sandisk
Senior Director, Chief of Staff, Sustainability, Strategy
Joseph Fernandez is the Senior Director, (Chief of Staff, Sustainability, Strategy at Sandisk. He leads the Backend Operations Chief of Staff Office and Sustainable Operations, focusing on sustainability, strategy, people transformation, and communications. His role is key in aligning departmental goals with broader organizational strategies, advancing sustainable practices, and strengthening operations. He also supports executive agenda management and the execution of strategic business priorities.
With over 25 years of experience in manufacturing, he has held roles in Quality Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Process Engineering, Plant Management, Operational Excellence, Strategy, and Sustainability. He played a key role in leading Sandisk Storage Malaysia to be recognized as the first Advanced 4IR Lighthouse in Malaysia and the first Sustainability Lighthouse in Asia by the World Economic Forum.
Prior to joining Sandisk, he was with Honeywell UOP’s oil and gas business unit, where he served as site leader for the start-up of a greenfield plant in Penang, Malaysia. He led technology transfer from the US and successfully scaled up operations to serve both onshore and offshore customers.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from Nottingham Trent University (UK) and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Universiti Utara Malaysia. He is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt by ASQ USA and Green House Gas (GHG) Practitioner by BSI.

Gowre Saseedaran
Director, APAC Talent Planning & Acquisition
Intel Corporation
Gowre Saseedaran
Intel Corporation
Director, APAC Talent Planning & Acquisition
Gowre Saseedaran is the APAC Talent Acquisition Director at Intel, bringing over 18 years of experience redefining how organizations attract, engage, and hire talent across all levels from early careers and high-volume hiring to specialized technical and executive leadership recruitment.
A recognized thought leader in Talent Acquisition, Gowre is known for driving innovation at scale, integrating data-driven hiring practices, digital transformation, and evolving sourcing strategies to meet the demands of a rapidly changing talent landscape. She has led the design and execution of advanced RPO and MSP models, enabling organizations to build agile, future-ready workforce capabilities across Asia-Pacific.
Gowre is particularly passionate about leveraging technology, analytics, and market intelligence to enhance candidate experience, strengthen employer branding, and deliver sustainable hiring outcomes. Her cross-industry experience, including Semiconductor, Aerospace, Engineering, IT, and Telecommunications allows her to bring a holistic, insight-driven approach to talent strategy.
With over 12 years of leadership experience, Gowre is widely respected for building high-performing, diverse teams and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. She is committed to shaping the future of Talent Acquisition by aligning people strategies with business transformation and long-term growth.
Dr Rnathan Raman
Country Manager, Workforce Development & Semiconductor Sector, Chairman, Future Skills Talent Council, Electrical & Electronics
Micron Technology & Talentcorp
Dr Rnathan Raman
Micron Technology & Talentcorp
Country Manager, Workforce Development & Semiconductor Sector, Chairman, Future Skills Talent Council, Electrical & Electronics
With over 23 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, currently serving as Country Manager, Workforce Development for Micron Memory. In addition to this role, I lead the Future Skill Talent Council ( FSTC ) for Malaysia’s Electrical and Electronics sector as chair person , driving strategic initiatives to shape the nation’s future workforce upskilling .
Educational background includes a Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, complemented by an MBA in Business Management from the University of Derby, UK. Presently pursuing a PhD in Management, further deepening expertise in organizational leadership and strategic development.

Ts. Teresa Toh
Program Director, Market and Industry Development
CREST
Ts. Teresa Toh
CREST
Program Director, Market and Industry Development
Teresa is a Program Director in Market and Industry Development in Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science and Technology (CREST), working at the intersection of industry, government and universities to strengthen collaboration and innovation. She brings over 20 years of corporate experience across program management, quality engineering and large-scale product execution in the semiconductor and electronics sectors.
She has been part of an AI task force within a multinational organisation, contributing to early efforts in building AI awareness, shaping culture and exploring ways to improve efficiency. A certified coach, she is passionate about developing people, supporting leaders, mentoring students and building capabilities that help individuals and organizations grow with purpose.
Moderator

Renee Tan
Chairperson
Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing Asia
Renee Tan
Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing Asia
Chairperson
Renee Tan is the Founder and Managing Director of Hashtaqs®, which helps businesses to scale up and internationalise through brand transformation, omni-channel marketing and ecosystem development. She has more than 13 years of corporate experience in sales, marketing and ecosystem development for the MICE sector in various industries such as Life Sciences, Healthcare, Supply Chain & Logistics, Mining, Power Electricity, Private Banking, Hedge Funds, and recently been actively building the community in the technology, innovation, and sustainability arena.
She’s also the Founder of HER® Entrepreneur, an inclusive and diverse regional community and omni-channel media platform which inspires, educates, empowers and also connects the ecosystem of entrepreneurs, leaders, government and investors across Asia through online content, monthly LearnXNetwork sessions and the yearly summit that was held in Singapore and Malaysia. Her yearly conference gathers C-suites and Founders to discuss, connect and forge potential partnerships.
She’s the Chief Producer for the HASH Asia Summit which was recently held that gathers business owners, industry leaders, government and investors across Asia to discuss about innovation, technology and sustainability.
She’s also the Partner for Artificial Intelligence International Institute (AIII), a think thank that advocates Sustainable AI for Humanity, which is a strategic international partner to the World AI Conference (WAIC), that hosts the largest AI conference globally. AIII’s role is to build the ecosystem of the AI industry globally and venture build AI startups.
She was a recipient of the Brands For Good Award in 2019 and was featured in The Business Times. She’s also the recipient of the SME Excellence Business Award 2022/2023 and the Aspiring Woman Entrepreneurs 2022/2023.
She had been invited to speak in several SME events and events for the MICE industry across the region. Her business and herself was featured in several media platforms such as 938FM, Astro Radio, e27, The Economist, CNA, News5, Marketing in Asia, The Business Times, etc.
She is a Singapore certified management consultant by the certifying body, TUV SUD, an ACTA certified trainer, and a degree graduate who holds a Double Major in Psychology and Marketing from the Singapore Management University. She recently holds an advanced certificate in Venture Capital.
Sustainability, Alternative Energy & Resilience
12:00pm
Panel Discussion: Driving Sustainable Manufacturing by Embedding AI-Enabled Circular Economy Models to Optimise Resources and Reduce Emissions

Joyline Chai
Vice President, Strategic Alliance Chairperson
ESG Association of Malaysia
Joyline Chai
ESG Association of Malaysia
Vice President, Strategic Alliance Chairperson
Joyline Chai is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Global Hemisphere Group Sdn Bhd, a sustainability and ESG advisory firm supporting organisations in ESG strategy, sustainability reporting, climate readiness, governance improvement, and business transformation.
She currently serves as Vice President and Strategic Alliance Chairperson of the ESG Association of Malaysia for the 2026–2028 term, after previously serving as Academy Chairperson from 2022 to 2026.
Through her role in the association, she actively contributes to industry collaboration, ESG education, capacity building, and the advancement of Malaysia’s sustainability eco-system.
With over a decade of experience spanning ESG advisory, sustainable business development, stakeholder engagement, and leadership training, Joyline has worked with corporates, SMEs, institutions, and industry stakeholders to strengthen ESG literacy, enhance governance practices, and translate sustainability commitments into practical business strategies.
Her areas of expertise include ESG framework alignment, sustainability reporting, IFRS S1 and S2 under ISSB, NSRF readiness, stakeholder engagement, materiality assessment, climate strategy, GHG accounting, and impact measurement.
Joyline is a recognised ESG Subject Matter Expert and has delivered programmes and sessions for institutions including Bursa Malaysia Academy and the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.
She has also been featured in an interview on AiFM, RTM, where she shared insights on ESG trends, business transformation, and the evolving sustainability landscape.
Beyond professional advisory work, Joyline began her leadership journey as a grassroots community leader through Junior Chamber International, where her strategic thinking, communication skills, and results-driven execution led her to serve in various national and international leadership roles.
She has served as Vice President of JCI Malaysia and was appointed as the 2024 JCI Skills Development Committee Chairperson, contributing to large-scale training initiatives, international collaborations, and leadership development programmes across borders.
Her contributions have been recognised locally and internationally.
She was conferred as a JCI Senator, awarded the JCI World Most Outstanding Member Award in 2023, and later received the JCI World Most Outstanding Committee Chairperson Award in 2024.
In recognition of her community service and sustainability contribution, she was also awarded the Pingat Jasa Masyarakat by the Governor of Penang.
In the sustainability and business sector, Joyline has also been recognised through the ESG PLUS Award 2025, named among the Top Ten Leaders in Sustainability and Environmental Consulting in Malaysia 2025, and contributed to the growth and recognition of Global Hemisphere Group as an emerging ESG advisory firm in Malaysia.
Her leadership philosophy is grounded in co-creation, empowerment, integrity, and practical impact.
Known for her ability to bridge strategy with execution, Joyline adopts a collaborative and business-driven approach by connecting businesses, communities, institutions, and industry partners to build sustainable ecosystems that are inclusive, resilient, and future-ready.
Academically trained in Accounting and Finance, Joyline continues to strengthen her professional capabilities through ongoing certifications, capacity-building programmes, and active participation in Malaysia’s evolving ESG and SDG landscape.
She is frequently engaged in thought leadership, training, advisory, and public awareness initiatives, including platforms such as the ESGAM Mandarin podcast, 《了不起的 ESG》.
Widely regarded as an emerging ESG voice in Malaysia, Joyline continues to play a pivotal role in bridging global sustainability frameworks with local business implementation.
Her work focuses on helping organisations transform ESG from compliance into strategy, resilience, stakeholder value, and long-term business growth.
Looking ahead, she remains committed to building a resilient, inclusive, and impact-driven sustainability ecosystem in Malaysia and across ASEAN, guided by her principle: “Create Sustainability. Impact Together

Sanatkumara Rajeswaran
Operations Strategy Director
Mölnlycke Health Care
Sanatkumara Rajeswaran
Mölnlycke Health Care
Operations Strategy Director
Sanatkumara Rajeswaran is a manufacturing and operations strategy leader with experience spanning industrial project development, manufacturing excellence, and digital transformation. As Operations Strategy Director for Mölnlycke Health Care’s Gloves Operations, his responsibilities cover strategic initiatives, process engineering, digitalization, manufacturing excellence, and project portfolio management.
His background includes serving as Project Manager for the construction of a glove production plant, as well as developing biomass plant projects and establishing the associated business operations. This experience gives him a broad perspective on translating business ambitions into operational facilities and building the capabilities needed to sustain performance.
Today, he leads cross-functional programmes to strengthen process stability, improve quality and productivity, and establish the foundations for data-driven manufacturing that will enable us to be AI ready. His work connects people, processes, and technology through process controls, industrial automation, and SAP S/4HANA transformation.
Sanatkumara brings a practical perspective to the panel: how to turn transformation ambitions into meaningful improvements on the factory floor. He believes sustainable progress starts with understanding the process, developing people’s capabilities, and ensuring technology solves a clearly defined business problem.

Syed Mubarak
Managing Director, Vice Chairman, Head of ESG
HyCee, SMART Cities Network
Syed Mubarak
HyCee, SMART Cities Network
Managing Director, Vice Chairman, Head of ESG
Syed is a Sustainability and Engineering veteran with over 30 years of proven experience in leading the change within organizations to adopt technologies, innovation, business process improvement, and stakeholder engagement to future proof assets, and achieving triple-bottom-line goals – People, Planet, and Profit with Purpose. He has held several senior leadership positions at various organizations in Asia in leading diverse group of teams, and deliver multi-million-dollar projects across commercial, industrial, hospitality and corporate real estate assets.
He has managed multi-million sq. ft of facilities in Asia to lead teams in delivering Facilities Management, Engineering and Sustainability services to improve asset performance, risk mitigation, improve health & safety of environment, realize carbon reduction, cost savings, water conservation, waste minimization, and engaging stakeholders for common goal. He has raised multi million in funding to execute asset improvement and green initiatives which includes process improvement, digital transformation and adoption of low carbon technologies.
He has implemented several management systems such as ISO 9001, 18001, 45001,
55001 and 21021 to overcome operational challenges, improve quality, eliminate wastages/mundane functions, increase productivity and common data environment for system visibility. He has pivoted the execution of SDGs, ESG and ERM reporting adoption of standards/requirements like CDP, GRI, SBTi, GHG, AA1000, TCFD, ISO14064, SGX, HKEx and so on.
He has been pivotal in forming consortium to develop blue and green hydrogen projects in SEA of multi megawatt scale. Also providing advisory, consulting, engineering design and technology selection to facilitate the project intent.
He holds qualifications in Business Sustainability, Financial Management, Electrical & Electronics Engineering. He is the recipient of the CSR Award, ASHRAE Technology Award and published several papers on decarbonization and technologies. He is an alumnus of S P Jain Global Institute of Management and CISL, UK.
Moderator

Germain Thomas
Executive Committee Member
MICCI
Germain Thomas
MICCI
Executive Committee Member
Germain is a French citizen with 20 years of working experience in Southeast Asia, including 12 in Malaysia.
Founder of the consulting firm Asiance Sdn Bhd in 2022 providing international companies with market access and business development services, Germain is also the Sales
Director of the Swiss company Conica AG for the Far East and Oceania region, the Asia representative of the OSCI federation, a foreign trade advisor to the French embassy in Malaysia, and last but not least a GenCo member of MICCI.
12:50 PM
Speed Networking Session
01:00 PM
Networking Lunch
Regional & Global Positioning
02:00 PM
Panel Discussion: Malaysia’s Next Semiconductor Leap: From OSAT Strength to IC Design Leadership in Asia

SL Foo
Design Engineering Lead, Silicon Design Engineering
Altera
SL Foo
Altera
Design Engineering Lead, Silicon Design Engineering
Engineering leader with +25 years of industrial experience in IC design, testability, and high-volume manufacturing. Currently serving as the Senior Engineering Manager and DFX site leader at Altera Corporation. A proven innovator with multiple patent contribution to the semiconductor industry. An appointed committee member and panel of industrial expert for the National Occupational Skills Standard (NOSS) development in IC Design under the Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran (JPK), contributing to shaping national talent standards and fostering industry-academic alignment in Malaysia.

Yu Wei Png
Vice President
GreatAsic Technology
Yu Wei Png
GreatAsic Technology
Vice President
Mr. Png Yu Wei is the Vice President of GreatAsic Technology focusing on custom ASIC and SoC solutions. He brings more than two decades of IC design leadership experience across world class companies. His expertise encompasses IP & SoC design, including Arm and RISC-V based solutions.
At StarFive Technology, he served as the Director of IP & SoC Design Engineering where he successfully led the development and delivery of several RISC-V based SoCs. Prior to that, he was the Senior IP Design Engineering Manager at Intel PSG leading the design of PCIe Subsystem and Memory Controller IP. Earlier, during his tenure as Staff Design Engineering Manager at Marvell, he successfully delivered more than 10 Arm based SoCs into high-volume production. He began his career as a Test Development Engineer in the semiconductor division of Agilent Technologies, which subsequently became Avago Technologies.
Mr. Png graduated with a B.Eng. (Hons) in Computer Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

Hemalatha Murugiah
Chief Executive
INTI Penang
Hemalatha Murugiah
INTI Penang
Chief Executive
Hemalatha Murugiah is the Chief Executive of INTI International College Penang and a visionary leader in education, STEM and AI. With a background in Civil Engineering and Business Administration, she has driven academic growth while promoting “Education is for All.”
She champions entrepreneurship, STEM and AI initiatives, reaching over a thousand students annually and collaborating with government agencies, businesses, NGOs, industries and international organisations to expand opportunities and develop future-ready talent.
She also serves as committee member of professional and NGO organisations, contributing to education, talent development, STEM advancement and community initiatives.

Soon Lee Yeap
Executive Vice President, Managing Director
Oppstar Berhad
Soon Lee Yeap
Oppstar Berhad
Executive Vice President, Managing Director
Visionary leader with 30+ years of experience in integrated circuit (IC) design, validation, and emulation platforms. Distinguished career at Intel Malaysia and currently serving as Executive Vice President at Oppstar Berhad, Malaysia’s first publicly listed IC design house. Recognized for driving innovation, building sustainable ecosystems, and advancing STEM education to position Malaysia as a regional hub for semiconductor validation and talent development. Active council member for TalentCorp MyMahir FSTC (Future Skills Talent Council) for the E&E Sector, contributing to national workforce transformation initiatives.
Moderator

Dato’ Seri Abdul Halim Hussain
Former Penang State Exco for Trade, Industry & Entrepreneur Development
Dato’ Seri Abdul Halim Hussain
Former Penang State Exco for Trade, Industry & Entrepreneur Development
Dato’ Seri Dr. Abdul Halim Hussain is the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Foundpac Bhd and a Board Member of JKP Sdn Bhd, a Ministry of Finance subsidiary. He previously served as the Penang State EXCO for Trade, Industry and Entrepreneur Development (2018–2023), where he led record-breaking investment growth, drove digital transformation through the establishment of Digital Penang, and championed SME and entrepreneurship initiatives. With more than three decades of experience spanning government, corporate banking, and leadership in industry bodies, he continues to contribute as National Honorary Advisor to SAMENTA and Advisor to CREST’s SME Committee, shaping Malaysia’s industrial and entrepreneurial landscape.
02:50 PM
Panel Discussion: Unlocking Growth, Talent, and Global Market Opportunities to Positioning Asia as the Global Hub for Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing

Har Man Ahmad
Director
MATRADE Northern Region
Har Man Ahmad
MATRADE Northern Region
Director
Har Man Ahmad is the Director of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Northern Regional Office. He has extensive experience in international trade promotion and export development, having previously served as MATRADE Trade Commissioner at the Embassy of Malaysia in South Africa and in Jakarta, Indonesia. He is actively involved in supporting Malaysian businesses to expand into international markets through export development, market intelligence and strategic partnerships.

Afdzal Syahadat
Chief Executive Officer
MIMOS Technologies
Afdzal Syahadat
MIMOS Technologies
Chief Executive Officer
Afdzal Syahadat is the Chief Executive Officer of MIMOS Technologies Sdn Bhd (MTSB), a wholly owned subsidiary of MIMOS Berhad, Malaysia’s national applied research and development agency. He leads MTSB in translating advanced R&D and emerging technologies into commercially viable products, services and industry solutions, with a strong focus on technology commercialisation, strategic partnerships, contract R&D and business sustainability.
With extensive experience spanning technology development, product engineering and innovation, Afdzal has held roles with Motorola, Jaalaa, a fabless IC design company, and MIMOS. His industry experience includes global 2-way radio product development, semiconductor post-silicon validation and end-product characterisation, as well as leading multidisciplinary teams in advanced technology development.
His career sits at the intersection of technology, innovation and business, giving him a practical perspective on how organisations can move from R&D and engineering excellence towards market adoption, commercialisation and sustainable growth. As CEO, he is particularly focused on strengthening Malaysia’s technology and manufacturing ecosystem through industry collaboration, talent development and the deployment of advanced technologies.

Aziz Kevin Lee
Head, Northern Region, State Digital Economy Office
MDEC
Aziz Kevin Lee
MDEC
Head, Northern Region, State Digital Economy Office
Aziz Kevin Lee is a creative storyteller, ecosystem builder, and strategic firestarter with over 30 years of experience turning bold ideas into impactful realities. His career has spanned leadership roles across MDEC, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, the Ministry of Youth & Sports as Special Officer to the Minister, and advisory work with UN-Habitat, where he has helped shape initiatives in entrepreneurship, innovation, urban regeneration, creative industries, and public policy. He has been instrumental in establishing national initiatives such as Think City, CREST, the Khazanah Nationwide Entrepreneurship Outreach (KNEO), and the Cornerstone Co-Investment Fund, while also conceptualising creative intellectual properties, producing live wrestling events and designing innovation districts that bridge arts, technology, and community.
Moderator

Chong Seng Lim
Director, Ecosystem Development
Digital Penang
Chong Seng Lim
Digital Penang
Director, Ecosystem Development
Cseng is currently the Director, Ecosystem Development of Digital Penang where his primary work involved the development of local technology innovation industry that encompasses venture development, capital ecosystem, local and international partnerships and community building in making Penang the hub for ASEAN startup ecosystem.
He is also the Head of Corporate Communication and Marketing where he is responsible for the development of Digital Penang’s brand, managing corporate communication and implementation various strategic initiative for engagement with relevant stakeholders.
His work translate vision into sustainable measurable results through well thought strategies, leverage on the right network, disciplined execution and performance-driven frameworks. He mentors and groomed high performance team and experience in navigating complex landscapes shaped by AI disruption, capital constraints, and business challenges.
His efforts have seen Digital Penang being accorded Startup Ecosystem Rising Star Award – Best in Class Startup Programs by International Chambers of Commerce & Mind the Bridge in Paris, France in 2025 and Outstanding Ecosystem among Medium-Sized Population Cities in Southeast Asia by StartupBlink, Switzerland in 2023.
03:40 PM
Short Break
Masterclass Roundtable
04:00 PM
Roundtable Discussions:
1. Navigating AI Transformation for Workflow Optimisation: Overcoming Challenges, Lessons Learned & Pathways to Success
2. Transforming AI Talent: Building the Workforce for Today and the Future
3. Applying Sustainable Innovation & Manufacturing Practices
Facilitators

Germain Thomas
Executive Committee Member
MICCI
Germain Thomas
MICCI
Executive Committee Member
Germain is a French citizen with 20 years of working experience in Southeast Asia, including 12 in Malaysia.
Founder of the consulting firm Asiance Sdn Bhd in 2022 providing international companies with market access and business development services, Germain is also the Sales
Director of the Swiss company Conica AG for the Far East and Oceania region, the Asia representative of the OSCI federation, a foreign trade advisor to the French embassy in Malaysia, and last but not least a GenCo member of MICCI.

Fu Chin Lim
Associate Director Digitalization
First Asia mRNA Manufacturing Facility
Fu Chin Lim
First Asia mRNA Manufacturing Facility
Associate Director Digitalization
Full bio (~150 words):
FC Lim is the founder of BioPharma Advisory, a Singapore-based principal advisory practice on digital investment strategy for regulated manufacturing. Over more than twenty years, he has led digital transformation across pharmaceutical and biotechnology operations – including the design and regulatory approval of a greenfield biologics manufacturing facility with systems connected from shop floor to quality release, multi-country ERP deployments, manufacturing execution system implementations, and post-merger IT integration under live regulatory audit – working across organisations including GSK, Pfizer, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Takeda, and regulatory environments spanning US FDA, EU EMA, UK MHRA, Singapore HSA, and Australia’s TGA.
He is the creator of the FC Model™, a diagnostic framework mapping digital investment maturity from Compliant to Capable to Competitive across Customer, Product, and Operational Value – published with seven anonymised case studies in his free industry eBook, Before the Next Digital Investment. While his direct experience is pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing, the underlying pattern holds across regulated, complex manufacturing environments. FC is participating in AIM Asia Week 2026 in a personal capacity.

Syed Mubarak
Managing Director, Vice Chairman, Head of ESG
HyCee, SMART Cities Network
Syed Mubarak
HyCee, SMART Cities Network
Managing Director, Vice Chairman, Head of ESG
Syed is a Sustainability and Engineering veteran with over 30 years of proven experience in leading the change within organizations to adopt technologies, innovation, business process improvement, and stakeholder engagement to future proof assets, and achieving triple-bottom-line goals – People, Planet, and Profit with Purpose. He has held several senior leadership positions at various organizations in Asia in leading diverse group of teams, and deliver multi-million-dollar projects across commercial, industrial, hospitality and corporate real estate assets.
He has managed multi-million sq. ft of facilities in Asia to lead teams in delivering Facilities Management, Engineering and Sustainability services to improve asset performance, risk mitigation, improve health & safety of environment, realize carbon reduction, cost savings, water conservation, waste minimization, and engaging stakeholders for common goal. He has raised multi million in funding to execute asset improvement and green initiatives which includes process improvement, digital transformation and adoption of low carbon technologies.
He has implemented several management systems such as ISO 9001, 18001, 45001,
55001 and 21021 to overcome operational challenges, improve quality, eliminate wastages/mundane functions, increase productivity and common data environment for system visibility. He has pivoted the execution of SDGs, ESG and ERM reporting adoption of standards/requirements like CDP, GRI, SBTi, GHG, AA1000, TCFD, ISO14064, SGX, HKEx and so on.
He has been pivotal in forming consortium to develop blue and green hydrogen projects in SEA of multi megawatt scale. Also providing advisory, consulting, engineering design and technology selection to facilitate the project intent.
He holds qualifications in Business Sustainability, Financial Management, Electrical & Electronics Engineering. He is the recipient of the CSR Award, ASHRAE Technology Award and published several papers on decarbonization and technologies. He is an alumnus of S P Jain Global Institute of Management and CISL, UK.
04:40 PM
Before the Next Digital Investment: Where is the Pay Off?

Fu Chin Lim
Associate Director Digitalization
First Asia mRNA Manufacturing Facility
Fu Chin Lim
First Asia mRNA Manufacturing Facility
Associate Director Digitalization
Full bio (~150 words):
FC Lim is the founder of BioPharma Advisory, a Singapore-based principal advisory practice on digital investment strategy for regulated manufacturing. Over more than twenty years, he has led digital transformation across pharmaceutical and biotechnology operations – including the design and regulatory approval of a greenfield biologics manufacturing facility with systems connected from shop floor to quality release, multi-country ERP deployments, manufacturing execution system implementations, and post-merger IT integration under live regulatory audit – working across organisations including GSK, Pfizer, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Takeda, and regulatory environments spanning US FDA, EU EMA, UK MHRA, Singapore HSA, and Australia’s TGA.
He is the creator of the FC Model™, a diagnostic framework mapping digital investment maturity from Compliant to Capable to Competitive across Customer, Product, and Operational Value – published with seven anonymised case studies in his free industry eBook, Before the Next Digital Investment. While his direct experience is pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing, the underlying pattern holds across regulated, complex manufacturing environments. FC is participating in AIM Asia Week 2026 in a personal capacity.
05:10 PM
Maximising ROI in Sustainable Manufacturing & Alternative Energy

Syed Mubarak
Managing Director, Vice Chairman, Head of ESG
HyCee, SMART Cities Network
Syed Mubarak
HyCee, SMART Cities Network
Managing Director, Vice Chairman, Head of ESG
Syed is a Sustainability and Engineering veteran with over 30 years of proven experience in leading the change within organizations to adopt technologies, innovation, business process improvement, and stakeholder engagement to future proof assets, and achieving triple-bottom-line goals – People, Planet, and Profit with Purpose. He has held several senior leadership positions at various organizations in Asia in leading diverse group of teams, and deliver multi-million-dollar projects across commercial, industrial, hospitality and corporate real estate assets.
He has managed multi-million sq. ft of facilities in Asia to lead teams in delivering Facilities Management, Engineering and Sustainability services to improve asset performance, risk mitigation, improve health & safety of environment, realize carbon reduction, cost savings, water conservation, waste minimization, and engaging stakeholders for common goal. He has raised multi million in funding to execute asset improvement and green initiatives which includes process improvement, digital transformation and adoption of low carbon technologies.
He has implemented several management systems such as ISO 9001, 18001, 45001,
55001 and 21021 to overcome operational challenges, improve quality, eliminate wastages/mundane functions, increase productivity and common data environment for system visibility. He has pivoted the execution of SDGs, ESG and ERM reporting adoption of standards/requirements like CDP, GRI, SBTi, GHG, AA1000, TCFD, ISO14064, SGX, HKEx and so on.
He has been pivotal in forming consortium to develop blue and green hydrogen projects in SEA of multi megawatt scale. Also providing advisory, consulting, engineering design and technology selection to facilitate the project intent.
He holds qualifications in Business Sustainability, Financial Management, Electrical & Electronics Engineering. He is the recipient of the CSR Award, ASHRAE Technology Award and published several papers on decarbonization and technologies. He is an alumnus of S P Jain Global Institute of Management and CISL, UK.
05:40PM
Closing Remarks

Renee Tan
Chairperson
Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing Asia
Renee Tan
Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing Asia
Chairperson
Renee Tan is the Founder and Managing Director of Hashtaqs®, which helps businesses to scale up and internationalise through brand transformation, omni-channel marketing and ecosystem development. She has more than 13 years of corporate experience in sales, marketing and ecosystem development for the MICE sector in various industries such as Life Sciences, Healthcare, Supply Chain & Logistics, Mining, Power Electricity, Private Banking, Hedge Funds, and recently been actively building the community in the technology, innovation, and sustainability arena.
She’s also the Founder of HER® Entrepreneur, an inclusive and diverse regional community and omni-channel media platform which inspires, educates, empowers and also connects the ecosystem of entrepreneurs, leaders, government and investors across Asia through online content, monthly LearnXNetwork sessions and the yearly summit that was held in Singapore and Malaysia. Her yearly conference gathers C-suites and Founders to discuss, connect and forge potential partnerships.
She’s the Chief Producer for the HASH Asia Summit which was recently held that gathers business owners, industry leaders, government and investors across Asia to discuss about innovation, technology and sustainability.
She’s also the Partner for Artificial Intelligence International Institute (AIII), a think thank that advocates Sustainable AI for Humanity, which is a strategic international partner to the World AI Conference (WAIC), that hosts the largest AI conference globally. AIII’s role is to build the ecosystem of the AI industry globally and venture build AI startups.
She was a recipient of the Brands For Good Award in 2019 and was featured in The Business Times. She’s also the recipient of the SME Excellence Business Award 2022/2023 and the Aspiring Woman Entrepreneurs 2022/2023.
She had been invited to speak in several SME events and events for the MICE industry across the region. Her business and herself was featured in several media platforms such as 938FM, Astro Radio, e27, The Economist, CNA, News5, Marketing in Asia, The Business Times, etc.
She is a Singapore certified management consultant by the certifying body, TUV SUD, an ACTA certified trainer, and a degree graduate who holds a Double Major in Psychology and Marketing from the Singapore Management University. She recently holds an advanced certificate in Venture Capital.