[28-Jun-2024]-[V1.0.0]-[PROD] – Global CEO Networking and Leadership Summit 2024

Tan Sri Ir. Kuna Sittampalam is a highly esteemed Malaysian engineer and entrepreneur, celebrated for his exceptional contributions to infrastructure development in Malaysia and internationally.

As the co-founder and Executive Vice Chairman of HSS Engineers Berhad (HEB Group), a prominent public-listed entity, Tan Sri Kuna has spearheaded numerous landmark engineering projects, including the KLIA,  the North-South Expressway, LRT, MRT, Westport, and the Penang Bridge Widening.

He has a bachelor's and a master's degree in civil engineering from University of Sheffield, UK where he received the esteemed Miller Prize by the Institution of Civil Engineers, underscoring his early promise in the field. He is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School and the Royal Military College, Malaysia.

In 2020, Tan Sri Kuna achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Malaysian ever to be elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in the United Kingdom.

With 30 years of business relationship with India,  he co-founded the Malaysian-Indian Business Council (MIBC). He is also the Co-Chair for Malaysia-India CEO forum appointed by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to represent Malaysia in bilateral business discussions with India.

Tan Sri Kuna’s leadership extends to the global stage, where he served as President of the TiE Malaysia Chapter from 2006 to 2011. TiE is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, with over 10,000 members across more than 50 chapters worldwide.

Throughout his illustrious career, Tan Sri Kuna has been the recipient of numerous prestigious accolades, including the "Outstanding Consulting Engineer Award" by The Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia, the "Leadership Excellence in Engineering" award at the 7th Middle East Business Leaders Awards in 2016, and the RMC "OP of the Year" award in 2015.

Dato’ Seri N Gobalakrishnan is a distinguished legal professional and entrepreneur, holding an LLB (Hons) from the University of East London, UK. As the Senior Partner at Messrs Khairil Sani, Gobal & Beng Tatt since 1997, he specializes in conveyancing, banking and finance litigation, criminal litigation, and general litigation.

Dato’ Seri N Gobalakrishnan is mainly a prolific entrepreneur with substantial interests in various sectors. His business ventures are diverse and expansive, demonstrating his versatile entrepreneurial acumen. He has made significant strides in the properties sector, where his keen insight and strategic investments have led to successful projects and developments. His involvement in the food and beverages industry highlights his ability to identify and capitalize on lucrative market opportunities, contributing to the growth and innovation within the sector.

In addition to his ventures in properties and F&B, Dato’ Seri N Gobalakrishnan has engaged in the sand mining industry, where his business acumen has driven sustainable and profitable operations. His investments in plantations showcase his commitment to the agricultural sector, supporting sustainable practices and contributing to the economy.

Further diversifying his portfolio, Dato’ Seri N Gobalakrishnan has ventured into the hospitality industry, owning and managing motels that cater to a wide range of clientele, ensuring high standards of service and customer satisfaction. His directorship positions in several companies underscore his leadership and strategic vision, enabling him to guide these enterprises towards growth and success.

Overall, Dato’ Seri N Gobalakrishnan's extensive business portfolio and his notable contributions to various industries highlight his exceptional entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to navigate and excel in multiple fields. His ongoing commitment to his legal practice, combined with his dynamic involvement in business, continues to set him apart as a leader and innovator.

Dato’ Seri N Gobalakrishnan is also highly engaged in Malaysian business chambers, notably serving as the National President of the Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) since 2018. He also holds positions of President in the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCIM).

Dato' Seri N Gobalakrishnan is also a member of the Board of Directors of SME Corporation Malaysia under the Ministry of Entrepreneur And Cooperatives Development (MECD), Malaysia India Business Council (MIBC), and actively participates in dialogues organized by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).

His dedication to the Malaysian Indian business community is evident through his continuous representation and assistance to Indian merchants, traders, and manufacturers across Malaysia.

Dato’ Praba Thiagarajah is a prominent leader in the IT industry with over three decades of experience. In 1996 he founded Basis Bay, which built Asia’s first Green Data Centre in 2009 and is now building Asia’s first Eco-Green Data Centre. Basis Bay has served over 300 global clients, particularly in the financial services sector, and has expanded its operations to 50 locations across 25 countries, including 6 regional offices in major global markets. Basis Bay is also the recipient of multiple industry awards owing to its innovation and leadership.

Dato’ Praba’s dedication to sustainability is further exemplified through Basis Bay’s Leading Clean IT initiatives. Apart from the building and operation of eco-green data centers that prioritize sustainability, Basis Bay also focuses on promoting smart procurement and cloud computing to minimize environmental impact, and advocating for anti-corruption practices. Dato’ Praba’s thought leadership in Data Sovereignty, Data Availability, and Cybersecurity has also established him as an authority in these emerging and critical areas.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dato’ Praba is deeply committed to philanthropy, focusing on empowering disenfranchised communities in Malaysia and abroad through education and social initiatives. His philanthropic activities extend to supporting educational foundations, providing technology access to underprivileged children, and sponsoring wildlife conservation efforts in partnership with WWF Malaysia.

Committed to uplifting the Indian community in Malaysia, Dato’ Praba has a vision to empower the next generation through education. He initiated the Saraswathy English Challenge to improve English proficiency among underprivileged students, thereby enhancing their educational and career prospects. His broader philanthropic efforts focus on social contributions that benefit marginalized groups and promote inclusivity.

Dato’ Praba holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Physics from the University of Malaya, a Postgraduate Diploma in Computing & Information Technology from the University of Oxford (UK), Master Level Business Certificates from Heriot-Watt University (Scotland), and a Business Continuity Certification from the Disaster Recovery Institute International (1999) (Canada).

His numerous accolades include the Key Industry Leader Award from the National ICT Association, PIKOM (2005), the Young Indian Entrepreneur Award from the Social Entrepreneur Network (2006), the Excellence Award from GOPIO (2008), the Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Award from Enterprise Asia (2011), the Outstanding Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Award from Enterprise Asia (2011), the Entrepreneur Icon Award from Binary University (2011), and recognition as one of the Digerati50 by DNA (2018-2019).

Dato’ Praba is an active member of various organizations such as the Young Presidents’ Organisation (YPO), the Malaysian Dutch Business Council (MDBC), and the Singapore Computer Society (SCS). He is also a distinguished member of international societies, including the Computer Exchange (Netherlands) and the Association of Services & Computer Dealers (USA).

Ray has more than 25 years of experience in strategic communications, investor strategy and promotion, crisis and issues response. He is recognised as one of the few Malaysians with deep knowledge of the government and international affairs, with extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and management. He has led Investor Promotion engagements for the private and public sectors at the World Economic Forum at Davos for 5 years. Ray had led various IPOs in Malaysia and Indonesia, including the world’s second-largest IPO and the biggest in Asia in 2012. Ray was appointed as the Chief Marketing Officer of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) in October 2019. He assumed the Digital Investment portfolio as the Senior Vice President (SVP) Digital Investment in December 2020.

Faroze Nadar is an experienced corporate sustainability practitioner having led projects that have been featured in national level and Fortune 500 companies’ sustainability documents. He provides advisory and insights for various private sector, government and UN agencies on SDGs and corporate sustainability matters. He was previously Global Head of Sustainability at Emery Oleochemicals, a major natural chemicals multinational company, of which he has guided to become the first ASEAN based organisation to be invited to be part of the global SDG-Fund Private Sector Advisory Group. In his consulting capacity he has led projects to develop national-level SDG programs that catalyzes public-private-people partnerships to enable SDG related impact and formulated sustainability strategic frameworks for various private sector organizations.

He currently serves as the Executive Director for UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei, a local network of the United Nations Global Compact, where he is developing various strategic programs and digital tools to accelerate private sector SDG performance. He is a business sector representative to Malaysia’s National SDG Steering Committee and has presented at various national and global sustainability forums. Academically he holds a masters in knowledge management and is an Adjunct Professor (Sustainability) at Taylor’s University.

Murugason R. Thangaratnam is an energetic and visionary force in the world of cyber security, currently serving as the CEO and Co-Founder of bespoke and award-winning cyber security company, Novem CS. With a career spanning over 25 years in the corporate sector, Murugason has established himself as a consummate professional, blending business acumen with strategic foresight. His dynamic leadership and innovative approach has earned him the prestigious Internet 2.0 Conference Dubai 'Outstanding Leadership Award 2023.' Murugason is a recognised thought leader and sought-after speaker in cyber security. Regularly featured as a panelist and keynote speaker, he provides valuable insights into cyber defense, digital transformation, and strategic security. He also holds a law degree from Bond University, Australia, and is certified as a Cyber Security Practitioner, Digital Transformation Professional, and Cyber Defence Strategy Professional. His blend of legal and technical expertise allows him to tackle complex cyber threats effectively. Murugason is committed to pushing the boundaries of cyber security, driving advancements that protect and empower businesses in the digital age.

Sivi Moodley is a results-driven CEO with expertise in business development and management across operations, finance, marketing, and HR. An effective leader with strong communication and multitasking skills, he founded and grew a leading IoT company, showcasing his acute entrepreneurial skills. Sivi has successfully managed medium to large businesses in the Mobile Network, Retail, Property, IT, and IoT sectors. He founded and grew Macrocomm into a leading supplier of smart solutions for major South African corporates, and he has spearheaded IoT solutions to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs. Actively involved in all business facets, he collaborates with executives to drive growth and optimize team talents to achieve outstanding results, aligning with international best practices.

Suman Dua is a visionary leader and a highly respected Registered Migration Agent in Australia. As the founder of Nationwide Migration and Education, she has successfully guided hundreds of applicants through the complexities of achieving Permanent Residency in Australia. Her expertise and dedication have earned her recognition on global platforms, including being featured in Forbes. Suman is also the proud founder of the Migrant Achievers Awards Australia, celebrating the success and contributions of migrants across the country. A TEDx Speaker, she inspires and empowers others with her knowledge and experience in the migration field.

Paul Narula is a Thai Person of Indian Origin (PIO), with roots tracing back to his grandfather who migrated from India to Bangkok, Thailand, in the late 1800s. Born and raised in Bangkok, he has grown into a dynamic figure, known for traveling across Thailand and the globe to inspire, motivate, and share ideas through public speaking. A passionate advocate for a vegan and healthy lifestyle, Paul enjoys making new friends, promoting wellness, and engaging in activities such as reading, walking, swimming, cycling, and dancing. His academic journey began with a High School Diploma (GCE) from the University of London, followed by a BBA from the University of Western Pacific in Hawaii. He further honed his business acumen with an Executive Diploma from Sasin School of Business and a Mini MBA from Thammasat University in Bangkok.

Paul is currently a Motivational Speaker, Digital Media Talk Show Host, Sales and Marketing Innovator, Trainer, Real Estate Educator, and Entrepreneur. His diverse background includes experience in export and import, textile printing, healthcare equipment retailing, and magazine publishing. With a core competency in conducting training programmes on high-impact personality development, sales superpower, real estate, entrepreneurial leadership, and doing business with India, Paul continues to make significant contributions to their community and beyond.

Thillai Raj T. Ramanathan, has over 30 years of global leadership and technology expertise, he earned the recognition as one of ASEAN's top 50 senior technologists driving digital innovation by the International Data Group (IDG). He served as the CTO of MIMOS (Malaysia's National R&D Centre), overseeing 500 researchers and guiding MIMOS to secure 600+ patents from the ground up. His career includes roles as Director of Flextronics, Director of Solectron, General Manager of Motorola, and establishing Motorola's software center in Malaysia.

Thillai Raj holds a Bachelor's in Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), India, and is a Six Sigma Black Belt with 9 patents to his name. Currently, he serves as the CTO of the BAC Education Group, where the group received the Malaysia Technology Excellence Award for Online Services - Education under his leadership.

Raja Singham is a prominent educator, entrepreneur, and social leader with over 30 years in the education sector. Named “Education Man of the Year” by the Brand Laureate, Raja’s innovative approach aims to impact 10 million lives by 2030 through education and social good. His vision for the BAC Education Group is to transform a million lives through knowledge, with over 30 entities dedicated to this mission. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Raja launched digital platforms to upskill and reskill students, unemployed graduates, retrenched workers, and B40 communities. His Learn Different concept integrates Learn, Work, Play, and Impact, to foster holistic development and engagement. Raja also leads several initiatives, including Pertubuhan Bangkit (Uplift Organisation), the Make It Right Movement, and BACFlix, Malaysia’s largest private sector free education initiative. He has served as Secretary of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Malaysia and Lead Mentor for the ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network (AMEN). Under his leadership, BAC has received multiple ASEAN Business Awards for CSR and the ASEAN Business Special Award in 2022.

Raja’s dedication to innovation and educational excellence is reflected in numerous awards and government initiatives aimed at improving the Malaysian education sector. His guiding principle is inspired by Henry Ford’s quote: “To do more for the world than the world does for you — that is success.”

Mrs. Essay Reddy has led an impressive career as a leader and visionary in her 30+ years in business, driving high growth businesses in various industries with a prime focus in the Gas and Oil sector. She is a decorated leader, revered for her excellency in marshalling innovation-led businesses and functional competencies. She sits as executive chairperson and CEO for the Rajen Reddy Group of Companies, which includes subsidiaries such as KZN Oils, KZN Oils Gas, KZN Oils Transport, Champion Health Care, Ko-Lay, JD Telecoms, KVK Properties, and the Rajen Reddy Foundation.

In the past three years, she has been recognized with prestigious awards such as Business Women of the Year for three consecutive years, Business Personality of the Year, Ulaga Thamizha Maamani’ (Crown Jewel of World Tamils – Highest honour to be bestowed by the Tamil Economic Foundation and Mandras Development Society), and Top 100 Most Influential Supply Chain Business Leaders of the Year. These accolades were bestowed upon her by esteemed institutions, including Standard Bank KZN Top Business of the Year, Standard Bank KZN Top Business Women, Chatsworth Rotary Annes, AWISCA, and the Tamil Business Warriors. Her efforts in advocating for women in business and implementing socio-economic programs to improve the quality of life for the people of KwaZulu-Natal have not gone unnoticed.

Dhananjay Tripathi, a naturalised Ghanaian of Indian origin, is an Industrial Pharmacist and Entrepreneur, and he holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Gulbarga, and a Diploma in Business Management from the University of Bombay. He began his career in India, holding roles in Quality Assurance and Production before moving to Ghana in 1999. He founded Pharmanova in 2005, leading the company to produce groundbreaking products locally, including suppositories, cardioactives, and antidiabetics. He also established Pharmanova Cote d’Ivoire and Pharmanova DNA Diagnostic and Forensic Services. Under his leadership, Pharmanova diversified into agricultural equipment with "Hifarm" and inaugurated Atlantic Lifesciences Limited, a state-of-the-art sterile plant in Ghana, specializing in vaccines and antiserum production.

In 2024, Mr. Tripathi was a key speaker at the Global Forum for Vaccine Sovereignty and Innovation in France, where he announced a collaboration with Innovax Biotech to produce the HPV vaccine in Ghana. His leadership roles include Vice President of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Ghana and Treasurer of the West African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association. He was named "Pharmaceutical’s Chief Executive Officer of the Decade" in 2021 and is a committed mentor to pharmacy students in Ghana.

Naveen Jindal is an Indian industrialist, philanthropist, and politician serving as the Member of Parliament for the Kurukshetra constituency in Haryana. The youngest son of the late Om Prakash Jindal, a notable industrialist and politician with the Indian National Congress, Naveen Jindal was re-elected to the Lok Sabha in the 2024 Indian general election for his third term. He previously represented Kurukshetra in the 14th and 15th Lok Sabha from 2004 to 2014.

In addition to his political career, Jindal is the Chairman of Jindal Steel and Power Limited and the Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University. His leadership roles underscore his influential presence in both industry and education.

Dr. Amit Lath is a prominent Indian entrepreneur with over 25 years in Poland, leading the Sharda Group of Companies and QVK Foods, with a presence in over 30 countries. His ventures have garnered numerous accolades, including a spot in Forbes Diamond 2012 and top rankings for trade between India and Poland.

Amit has pioneered business initiatives in Europe and played a vital role in humanitarian efforts during the pandemic, including transporting oxygen concentrators to India and donating medical equipment. He was instrumental in #OperationGanga, evacuating Indian citizens from Ukraine, and has led multiple delegations promoting Indian trade in Europe.

Fluent in Polish and well-connected across continents, Amit is active in various international organisations, including the Europe India Chamber of Commerce, CEOWORLD Magazine, and India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (I.I.M.U.N). He is also the Vice Chairman of the Europe India Centre for Business & Industry (EICBI) and Vice President of the Indo Polish Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Umesh Chandra OAM is the president of GOPIO Australia and the highest-ranking officer for GOPIO International in this region. He is a true beacon of community service, and is the founder, past president, life member, and member of the GOPIO Queensland board of trustees. Umesh, a figure of immense national and international respect, was bestowed with the prestigious OAM, the highest civilian honour in Australia, in 2020. He attended the Global Community Leaders G20, in India and has just returned from Korea, where he participated in the Global Leaders peace summit. Umesh is also a founder member and board of trustee of the Queensland Multicultural Council, and serves on the police ethnic advisory group, Lord Mayors Multicultural round table. He is the Chair of the White Ribbon Queensland State Committee and has been a long-standing ambassador for White Ribbon. Umesh has also won many community service awards, including the Bharat Gaurav Award 2011, and was named Brisbane City Council’s Citizen of the Year in 2019.

Rohn has over 33 years expertise in leadership training, coaching and consulting. He is also an author and motivational speaker who was the first to bring large scale, open programmes to China, India, ASEAN, Middle East and Africa. A Sports Physiologist by qualification, Rohn has in-depth knowledge and understanding of human potential and behavior modification. He has a Masters in Human Resource & Corporate Culture from UniSa, Australia and is currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree from the UNITEN. Starting in 2007, Rohn realised that his proven portfolio of training programmes, and his leadership coaching assignments were producing diminished returns for his client. The amplitude and speed of change had simply surpassed the standard approach to capability development. His quest for more effective training and coaching solutions led to his founding of consulting group called Human Capital Group Asia Limited in Hong Kong and have extended its reach to the rest of Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East. He is currently the CEO of Asia Centre for Leadership and Civilization addressing the global need to develop future leaders for the Digital Economy. As the founding partner of ACLC, Rohn focuses on development, and research on Ancient Wisdom of the Eastern Philosophy, Advance Technology and Future Economy.