Datuk Wira (Dr.) Aria Putera Ismail is a highly dynamic and results-driven corporate leader with over 21 years of extensive experience in banking and investment. Renowned for his strategic decision-making and teamwork-oriented approach, he excels in driving organizational vision through the effective utilization of people, processes, and technology.

As the former Group President and Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank Malaysia, Datuk Wira spearheaded comprehensive cultural, business, and digital transformation programs, positioning the institution as a leading Development Financial Institution (DFI). Under his leadership, the bank played a pivotal role in advancing the Malaysian Government’s economic initiatives, including the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030.

His illustrious career includes serving as President Director/CEO of Maybank Syariah Indonesia and Director/Executive Vice President of Global Markets Islamic at Maybank Islamic Berhad, where he championed cross-border Islamic financial initiatives. He also successfully established the first Islamic window in Hong Kong during his tenure at Hong Leong Islamic Bank.

A respected industry figure, Datuk Wira has held prominent board positions, including Chairman of ADFIM and Board Member of ADFIAP. His foundational years at Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) further solidified his expertise in Islamic financial market development and government securities execution.

Dato’ Faris Yahaya is a distinguished corporate leader and advisor with over three decades of experience spanning audit, financial restructuring, investment banking, and executive management. He began his career in 1991 at Arthur Andersen & Co., later transitioning to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where he honed his expertise in strategy and financial restructuring over six years.

His strategic acumen led to his appointment as Chief Financial Officer at Prokhas Sdn Bhd, a Ministry of Finance (MoF) Inc. company, where his team successfully converted nearly RM4 billion in residual recovery assets. Dato’ Faris subsequently served as Head of Investment Banking at Asian Finance Bank, facilitating pivotal cross-border deals between Qatar, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Recognized for his leadership, the MoF appointed him Managing Director of Cyberview Sdn Bhd, where he spearheaded the development of Cyberjaya’s tech ecosystem. Most recently, he served as the Group Chief Executive Officer of MK Land Holdings Berhad until June 2024. Currently, Dato’ Faris leads FY & Associates, a consulting practice dedicated to providing premier corporate advisory services, specializing in executive and leadership mentoring, culture and business transformation, and change management.

Prof. Dr. Mohd Nor Hakimin Yusoff is a distinguished academic and seasoned professional with extensive expertise in entrepreneurship, management, and behavioral accounting. He holds a Ph.D. in Management from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, an MBA from Universiti Utara Malaysia, and a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Universiti Teknologi MARA. His professional credentials include being a Chartered Accountant (MIA), an ASEAN Chartered Professional Accountant, and a Certified Trainer for both the Malaysian Financial Planning Council and the Human Resources Development Fund.

Currently serving as the Senior Director of the UMK Entrepreneurship Institute at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Prof. Dr. Hakimin has held numerous pivotal leadership roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Entrepreneurship & Business and Director of the Institute of Small Medium Enterprise. Before his illustrious academic career, he gained valuable industrial experience in the banking sector, holding managerial positions at the Development Bank of Malaysia and SME Bank of Malaysia.

A prolific researcher and author, Prof. Dr. Hakimin has published extensively on SME development, government business support services, and entrepreneurial orientation. His profound commitment to fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems seamlessly bridges the gap between academic research and practical industry application, making significant contributions to Malaysia’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Mr. Teo Kah Chin (KC Teo) is a distinguished Principal Consultant at VeriSustain MyESG Solutions, specializing in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and sustainability advisory. With a profound commitment to fostering sustainable business practices, he provides expert strategic guidance to Public Listed Companies (PLCs) and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). His advisory expertise encompasses a comprehensive range of global frameworks, including Bursa Malaysia guidelines, GRI, SASB, CSRD, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

As a registered lead associate auditor with SIRIM QAS, KC has successfully spearheaded numerous ESG audits across diverse industry sectors, ensuring robust compliance and operational excellence. His academic foundation is anchored by a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Leicester.

Further solidifying his professional credentials, KC is certified as both an Environmental and Quality Systems Auditor by IEMA and IRCA, UK. He is also recognized as a Fellow of the Institute of Quality Malaysia and serves as an HRD Corp Accredited Trainer. Through his multifaceted roles, KC Teo seamlessly integrates rigorous auditing standards with strategic sustainability initiatives, empowering organizations to achieve their ESG objectives and drive long-term value creation of value.

YBhg. Dr. Haji Tengku Khairi bin Tengku A. Rahman is a distinguished leader and academic figure, currently serving as a Member of the Board of Governors at University College Bestari (UC Bestari). An alumnus of Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), he brings a wealth of expertise in management, entrepreneurial development, training, and professional coaching.

Dr. Tengku Khairi’s extensive career is marked by significant executive leadership roles, including his tenure as a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He has been instrumental in driving entrepreneurial growth, notably through his active involvement with the Yayasan Pembangunan Usahawan Terengganu (Terengganu Entrepreneur Development Foundation), where he has championed initiatives to empower local businesses and foster economic resilience.

Beyond his corporate and academic commitments, Dr. Tengku Khairi is a passionate advocate for business education and personal development. He actively engages with a broader audience through his social media presence, particularly on Instagram (@khairirahman), where he shares valuable insights on business strategies and motivational content. His multifaceted career seamlessly blends executive acumen with a profound dedication to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.

Prof. Dr. Fakhrul Anwar Zainol is a distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Malaysia. With over two decades of experience spanning academia, development banking, and executive leadership, he is a recognized authority in entrepreneurship education, SME development, and strategic management. His robust scholarly impact is evidenced by over 2,000 citations and extensive research in entrepreneurial orientation, family business, and social entrepreneurship.

Beyond academia, Prof. Dr. Fakhrul has demonstrated exceptional leadership as the Group Chief Executive Officer of UniSZA Holdings Sdn Bhd, where he spearheaded successful commercial ventures like the Melon Manis Terengganu project, bridging academic-industry integration. He has also served as Director of various university centers, driving significant revenue-generating initiatives.

As an internationally certified business coach (CPBA) and the inaugural President of the Institute of Advisors (Malaysian Chapter) and the Association of Malaysian Business Advisors, he has mentored hundreds of SME owners across diverse sectors. His innovative pedagogical approaches, including practice-based and consulting-based learning, have cultivated a new generation of competitive entrepreneurs. Prof. Dr. Fakhrul seamlessly integrates academic rigor with practical industry insights, making profound contributions to Malaysia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Mr. Darren Kong is a highly experienced board member and finance director with a distinguished track record across public listed companies. His extensive expertise spans a diverse array of industries, including automotive, manufacturing, property, technology and data analytics, and consumer dairy.

Currently serving as a board member for a prominent listed company, Darren plays a pivotal role in corporate governance and risk management. He actively contributes to the organization’s strategic oversight by sitting on its audit, risk, nomination, and remuneration committees. Furthermore, he champions sustainable business practices as a Risk & Sustainability Lead of the board.

Darren is deeply passionate about empowering organizations to achieve growth strategies and operational excellence. Leveraging his comprehensive background, he has successfully served as a business, operational, financial, and strategy advisor for numerous companies and enterprises. His commitment to professional development and advisory excellence is further demonstrated in his current role as a Programme Director for an Institute of Advisors, where he continues to shape and guide the next generation of corporate leaders and strategic consultants.

Darren is a fellow member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA), a member of Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) Australia, a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors Malaysia (ICDM), a global associate member of Singapore Institute of Directors (SID), a member of the Institute of Advisors (IoA), an associate member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), a fellow member/accredited professionsal trainer/senior sustainability advisor of the ESG Institute, as well as certified/accredited trainer of HRDF. He graduated from Oxford Brookes University, the United Kingdom with a BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting, a professional qualification from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and a Certified Capital Market Professional in Sustainable & Responsible Investment from the Securities Industry Development Corporation / Securities Commission. He is also an Associate Certified Sustainability Assurance Practitioner certification from AccountAbility.

Datuk Ts. Ir. Mohd Faiz Zulkifli is a distinguished General Manager and entrepreneurial leader with over a decade of experience driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and business development. Since 2016, he has spearheaded operations at Permula Sdn Bhd, an ISO 9001:2015 and GDPMD-certified company, where he excels in risk management, team development, and stakeholder engagement. His career is marked by a strong commitment to continuous improvement and fostering a performance-driven culture.

Beyond corporate leadership, Datuk Faiz is a certified Industrial Safety Trainer and Respiratory Fit Tester, dedicated to promoting workplace safety and compliance. He holds numerous professional certifications, including Certified Industry Specialist (Is.) and Professional Technologist (Ts.). An active entrepreneur, he has co-founded and managed several ventures, including F&F Associates and multiple Rollie Cafe franchises.

A recognized industry icon, his accolades include the 2025 Industry Specialist Award, the Nusantara Entrepreneurial Excellence Award, and the Anugerah Usahawan Negara 2024. He actively contributes to academia and society as an Industry Advisor Panel member, keynote speaker, and leader in various NGOs, such as the Majlis Tindakan Pengguna Negara. Armed with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Datuk Faiz seamlessly bridges technical expertise with visionary business leadership.

Dr. Hashim Bin Ahmad Shiyuti is a distinguished academic, entrepreneur, and Islamic finance expert with over two decades of experience spanning education, banking, and corporate leadership. He holds a Ph.D. in Business Management from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, where he developed the innovative QASEM model for Zakat Asnaf entrepreneurship. His academic foundation is further strengthened by an MBA in Islamic Banking and Finance and a Bachelor’s in Accounting from the International Islamic University Malaysia.

Currently serving as a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Dr. Hashim previously held the position of Head of Program for Business Studies at University College TATI. His extensive corporate background includes pivotal roles such as Managing Director at Zee’s Industries Sdn Bhd, Project Accountant at Ahmad Zaki Resources Berhad, and various credit analysis positions within the banking sector.

As the Founder and Managing Director of Daya Fikir Solutions, he actively conducts specialized training in Islamic banking and corporate ethics. Dr. Hashim is also a prolific researcher and author, contributing significantly to the discourse on SME development, Zakat institutions, and Islamic finance. His dynamic career reflects a profound commitment to bridging academic insights with practical industry applications.

Muhammad Asrar Bin Zulkifli is a seasoned professional business coach and Principal Consultant at Ilhami Advisory Services Sdn. Bhd. Holding prestigious credentials as a Certified Professional Business Advisor (CPBA), FCCA, and Chartered Accountant (MIA), he specializes in Strategic Financial and Business Management. His expertise spans financial reporting, fundraising, treasury management, mergers and acquisitions, and business valuation across diverse industries, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and services.

Beginning his career as an auditor at Grant Thornton Malaysia, Muhammad Asrar developed a robust foundation in audit and cross-industry business knowledge. He subsequently transitioned to a Private Investment Company, where he advanced to the roles of Director, Group Chief Financial Officer, and Group Company Secretary. His entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his involvement with various start-ups in the food and beverage, animation, and tech sectors.

Driven by a mission to elevate SMEs in Southeast Asia, he founded his advisory firm to nurture local businesses, preparing them to become investment or IPO-ready. His notable achievements include successfully raising RM 9 million in funds and investing in a company now valued at RM 30 million. Through services like Virtual CFO and Strategic Business Advisory, he consistently creates substantial value for his clients.

Zuhri Hazwan is a seasoned professional business coach and Principal Consultant at Ilhami Advisory Services Sdn. Bhd. Holding prestigious credentials as an FCCA and Chartered Accountant (MIA), he specializes in Strategic Financial and Business Management. His expertise encompasses financial reporting, fundraising, treasury management, mergers and acquisitions, and business valuation across diverse industries, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and services.

Beginning his career as an auditor at Folks DFK/Azman, Wong Salleh & Co, Zuhri developed a robust foundation by leading audit teams across various sectors. He subsequently transitioned to an asset management company as a manager, where he honed his skills in stock market investing and trading, actively representing his firm at numerous AGMs and EGMs. Embracing innovation, he later joined a tech startup as a project manager, contributing to the development of a digital bank.

Driven by a mission to elevate SMEs in Southeast Asia, Zuhri joined Ilhami, an education company, and spearheaded the establishment of Ilhami Advisory Services Sdn Bhd (IAS) to provide comprehensive financial services. Through offerings like Virtual CFO and Strategic Business Advisory, he is dedicated to nurturing local businesses, preparing them to become investment or IPO-ready.

Mizal Azman Malek is a distinguished Strategic Advisor specializing in People, Governance, and Organizational Capability. As a Certified Professional Business Advisor (CPBA), he brings over 25 years of leadership experience across multinational corporations, regional institutions, and large enterprises in the Asia Pacific region. His expertise lies in aligning people strategy, governance structures, and organizational capability to drive business transformation and ensure long-term institutional sustainability.

Mizal’s comprehensive advisory portfolio encompasses human capital strategy, organizational design, leadership pipeline development, and performance management architecture. He has successfully guided organizations across diverse sectors, including financial services, infrastructure development, consumer industries, property development, healthcare, and government-linked corporations.

Driven by a vision to build capable, well-governed, and sustainable institutions, Mizal offers a robust suite of services spanning consulting, training, and coaching. His professional philosophy centers on empowering boards and leadership teams to strengthen their people strategies and governance frameworks. By fostering strong leadership, disciplined people systems, and effective organizational design, Mizal ensures that strategic ambitions are seamlessly translated into sustainable organizational performance.

Khairul Zaire Zainuddin is a distinguished Chartered Accountant (M) with a robust foundation in financial management and strategic operations. A graduate of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) with a Degree in Accountancy, he commenced his professional journey by completing rigorous audit and accounting training at reputable medium-sized firms, including RSM Malaysia PLT and Grant Thornton Malaysia PLT.

Upon earning his Chartered Accountant credential from the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA), Khairul expanded his expertise across a diverse array of industries. His dynamic career trajectory includes impactful roles in training, lecturing, oil and gas, motorsports, and the banking sector, demonstrating his versatile financial acumen.

Currently, Khairul serves as the Head of Finance Operations at Bank Pembangunan. In this pivotal leadership role, he oversees critical functions including Financial Accounting, Settlement and Payment, and Treasury Operations. His comprehensive expertise spans the entire spectrum of finance operations and strategic finance. Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Khairul is deeply passionate about education, actively teaching and sharing his extensive industry experience in accounting-related subjects to mentor the next generation of financial professionals.

Tn Hj. Mohd Haither Hussin is a seasoned business consultant, project manager, educator, and certified business coach with over 40 years of comprehensive experience spanning business development, strategic management, and higher education. He holds an MBA in International Business and Finance from Oklahoma City University and is a Certified Business Coach and Advisor by MAUS Business System, Australia.

Currently serving as the Deputy Chairman of Koperasi Permodalan Sahabat Terengganu Berhad and Principal Consultant at Centrist Solutions, Mohd Haither excels in driving sustainable growth and operational efficiency. His extensive corporate background includes pivotal roles such as Business Development Director at EraWibawa Sdn Bhd and Senior Project Planner for the New Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) project.

As a dedicated educator, he has imparted his expertise in project marketing, knowledge management, and financial management at institutions like Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). Mohd Haither seamlessly bridges academic theory with real-world application, making him a highly sought-after lecturer and corporate trainer. An active researcher and speaker, he is deeply committed to mentoring aspiring professionals, guiding businesses toward success, and advancing the fields of business education and knowledge management.