Professor Datuk Dr Danny Wong Tze Ken FASc

Dean

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya

Professor Datuk Dr Danny Wong Tze Ken FASc, a respected historian, currently holds the position of professor in the Department of History at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, UM. His scholarly interests include the history of Champa, Sabah, and Vietnam, as well as the study of Sabah and the Chinese communities in Malaysia. Notably, he serves as the leader of UM’s Malaysian Chinese Research Group and assumes the role of Director at the Center for Global Planning and Strategy, UM.

In the realm of academia, his expertise shines in the fields of Social History, Communities Identity, and Diplomatic History. He has made substantial contributions to the understanding of Malaysian Chinese history and China's influence on the region. His impactful work has graced prestigious journals and boasts an impressive bibliography of 25 books in this domain.

Dr Danny's knowledge and insights are sought after at national and international levels, reflecting his influential stature in his field. Importantly, his research outcomes have played a pivotal role in fostering unity within Malaysian and regional societies through a deeper comprehension of history.

One of his notable publications, "Spirit of Borneo" (2009), underscores his commitment to preserving and exploring the rich cultural heritage of Sabah. He has also delved into the intricate history of the region with works like "The Nguyen and Champa during 17th and 18th Century" (2007) and "Historical Sabah: the Chinese" (2005).

Beyond his academic pursuits, Dr Danny passionately advocates for the preservation of personal family histories. He firmly believes that delving into one's own past is key to understanding the present and shaping the future.

Originating from Sabah, his insights resonated with the local audience, particularly on the vital role of history, stories, and memoirs in preserving Sabahan and Chinese heritage. He inspires people to contribute their own stories to the collective tapestry of knowledge, enriching our understanding of life.

Professor Dato' Dr Fariza Md Sham FASc

Director Institute of Islamic Civilisation, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Professor Dato’ Dr Fariza Md Sham FASc is a dynamo in the realm of religious studies, specialising in the fascinating domains of adolescent psychology and Islamic psychology. Her research focuses on contemporary issues, particularly the mental health of youth and women from an Islamic perspective. With a robust Google H-index of 15 and 887 citations, her contributions to Islamic studies and psychology are widely acknowledged.

Her leadership in the field of Psychology Da’wah and Islamic Psychology is nothing short of remarkable. She serves as a Member of the Board of Visitors at the Psychiatric Hospital, PPUM, and as a Council Member of the Pahang State Islamic Religious Council. Her expertise was particularly sought after during the Movement Control Order (MCO) in 2020 when she was invited as an expert to address stress and depression from an Islamic psychological perspective by various esteemed media outlets, including RTM Selamat Pagi Malaysia, TV3, and leading newspapers.

Dr Fariza is also deeply engaged with NGOs and government agencies, collaborating on pressing issues related to mental health amongst women and youth. Her impressive list of collaborators includes the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), Islamic Da’wah Foundation, Malaysia (YADIM), and State Islamic Religious Councils, amongst many others. She is essential in the development, evaluation, and accreditation of academic programmes in Islamic studies, da’wah, and Islamic Psychology by MQA, public universities, and private universities.

Amongst her recent accomplishments is the development of the Pahang Women’s Policy and Action Plan 2022-2026, addressing critical mental health issues exacerbated by COVID-19 from an Islamic perspective.

Her influence extends internationally, garnering national and international awards for her outstanding contributions to the field. A crowning achievement was her Honorary Award from the President of Uzbekistan during the 30th Year of Independence of Uzbekistan in 2021. This accolade recognises her instrumental role in fostering educational and cultural ties between Uzbekistan and Malaysia.

Mr Kiu Jia Yaw FASc Partner

Messrs Kiu & Co. Kuala Lumpur

Mr Kiu Jia Yaw FASc is not your typical lawyer; he's a legal virtuoso with a passion for sustainability law and a deep commitment to business responsibility. He earned his stripes in the legal arena when he joined the Malaysian Bar back in 2004. Since then, he's been a trailblazer in the field, championing sustainable development and environmental justice.

At the helm of the Bar Council Environment and Climate Change Committee (BCECCC), he's been a driving force behind empowering the public to take an active role in environmental issues. Through the BCECCC, he's been on a mission to democratise knowledge about climate change and environmental rights. His battle cry: transform business practices and push for institutional reforms that make information and justice more accessible to all.

Mr Kiu's influence goes beyond the legal sphere. He's also vital in the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia on the Sustainable Development Goals (APPGM-SDG). He's taken the knowledge gained from grassroots projects and worked hand-in-hand with academics and policymakers. Together, they're shaping policies that drive Malaysia closer to achieve the SDGs.

Currently, he's a key member of the National SDG Steering Committee, representing the Alliance in the Technical Working Group and Technical Working Committee. His goal is to help steer Malaysia towards success in the pursuit of the SDGs, collaborating closely with the United Nations Country Team.

In 2021, Mr Kiu lent his expertise to the ASM Task Force on Strengthening Environmental Governance in Malaysia. His collaborative spirit extends far and wide, sharing his insights and knowledge. Notably, he's represented the Malaysian Bar in public consultations on issues like transboundary haze pollution and environmental law reform. Through his tireless efforts, he's fostered greater public involvement in shaping laws and policies, making the world a greener place for all.