Speakers Profile

Mr Angelo Kairos
Deputy Executive Director, Financial Futures Center

Kairos leads the Financial Future’s Center’s team in charge of crafting Penang’s Climate Prosperity Plan, an impact and investment- focused pathway that puts premium on the integration of climate action with development. Apart from being FFC’s adaptation consultant, Kairos is the Deputy Executive Director of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), an international think tank based in Quezon City, Philippines. Kairos leads ICSC’s climate finance and climate governance teams. ICSC works on fair climate policy, energy policy, climate finance, and accountability. ICSC is also the force behind the climate anthology books Agam and Harvest Moon, which provide a sideways approach to pushing for global climate action. Kairos is a graduate of the University of the Philippines and is currently an Executive Masters on Disaster Risk and Crisis Management student at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM).

Ms Arina Kok
Malaysia Assurance Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Leader and Partner

Arina is the Malaysia Assurance Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Leader, and Partner at Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn Bhd, as well as the EY Asean Integrated Reporting subject matter expert. Arina assists clients to integrate sustainability into long-term strategic and operational plans to create lasting value, enhance reputation and build public trust. Her experience is primarily in sustainability consulting, environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy, due diligence, framework development, outcome measurement and stakeholder management. Arina supported Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission Malaysia Joint Committee for Climate Change (JC3) to facilitate capability-building workshops under the UK Prosperity Fund’s ASEAN Low Carbon Energy Programme 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Ms Azreen Idayu Zainal
General Manager, Sustainability, Securities Commission Malaysia

Azreen is a General Manager in the Sustainability department of the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC). She leads the development of sustainable investment strategies and policies for the Malaysian capital market, and their implementation since 2014. Azreen is instrumental in the development of Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) Roadmap for the Malaysian Capital, and many other SRI initiatives. Azreen is the Chair of Sub-committee 3 (Product and Innovation) of the Joint Committee on Climate Change (JC3), an initiative established to pursue collaborative actions for building climate resilience within the Malaysia financial sector, and leads the SC’s Joint Secretariat for the JC3. At the regional level, Azreen is involved in developing sustainable finance initiatives for the ASEAN capital markets, through SC’s co-chairmanship of the Sustainable Finance Working Group of the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum and SC’s membership in the ASEAN Taxonomy Board. Azreen regularly represents the SC at various speaking engagements on sustainability regionally and internationally. Azreen joined the SC in 2010 where she was involved in the formulation and implementation of the Capital Market Masterplan 2, the 10-year strategy blueprint for the Malaysian capital market. Azreen started her career in PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2002 until 2010 prior to joining the SC.

Ms Sunita Lukkhoo
Head of the EIB Regional Representation for Southeast Asia and Pacific, European Investment Bank

Sunita Lukkhoo has been nominated as the Head of Regional Representation for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, having been previously the Principal Advisor in the Western Balkans Division and Global relationship for lending in Croatia. From 2003 to 2020, she has been the Country Manager for lending in South Asia & Pacific at the European Investment Bank (EU’s financing institution). She is in charge of originating, structuring and executing financial transactions in all the sectors (energy, renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate change mitigation and adaptation, water, manufacturing, FDI etc.) with sovereign, public entities, corporate and financial institutions. She leads in-house teams of engineers, economists and lawyers for project due diligence and transaction execution. Sunita has a strong commitment to strengthening the EIB’s visibility and impact in the Asia and Pacific region, through her unrivalled network of contacts across both the public and private sectors. In this regard, Sunita was instrumental in organizing numerous complex and intensive missions to the region, including separate meeting with a number of Prime Ministers and Presidents of the countries – e.g. India, Sri Lanka, Nepal to name but three – also in the presence of the EU Council and Commission Presidents. She has also been instrumental in organising among others, high-level roundtable on metro financing in India, Facebook-live discussions on gender equality, communication campaigns on high impact projects, press conferences in various countries of the region as well as many ministerial meetings. Sunita was the key actor in building up EIB’s portfolio of climate finance projects and other infrastructure in Southern Asia, and most notably almost EUR 3.5 bn in metro projects in India (including through co-financing with other MDBs and DFIs, particularly paving the way for the first cooperation with AIIB) and as such has positioned the EIB very well in the region. Sunita started her career as an accountant with the European Investment Fund (part of the EIB Group).She has worked for the European Investment Fund for 6 years. Since 2003, Sunita has been with the EIB. As such, Sunita has over 20 years of experience within the EIB Group. She has a Bachelor in Business Administration from Oxford Brookes University. She is an ACCA qualified Accountant. Sunita is a Strategic Board member of the Indian Business Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg.

Ms Melanie Kengen
Blending and Investment Operations in Asia, European Commission

Melanie Kengen works for the European commission since 2007. She worked in India, Brussels and Thailand, and has experienced in various aid modalities of the EU. Since 2015, she specialised in blended finance, which at this time, started gaining momentum in the European Union but was also relatively new to many development actors and partner countries. She is closely involved in the management of the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD +), the latest EU programme supporting investments. Under the Asia and Pacific Unit of DG International Partnership (INTPA), from EU Bangkok office, she supports EU Delegations of the region in the identification and implementation of their portfolio of blending projects. She also liaises with EU Financial Institutions (FIs) and regional FIs, main implementers of blending projects for the EU.

Mr Bhavit Sharma
Investment Officer, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

Bhavit is an investment professional with more than 11 years of experience in investments, lending, Public sector and Financial Institutions origination, sovereign & sub-sovereign advisory and syndications across Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) and international commercial banks. He is currently working with Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as an Investment Officer in their Financial Institutions and Syndications team, and is based in Beijing. Prior to joining AIIB, Bhavit was part of Standard Chartered Bank’s regional Public Sector & Development Organization (PSDO) team based in Singapore where he played an instrumental role in driving client relationships by offering bespoke solutions to PSDO clients including sovereigns and sub-sovereigns in South Asia and South East Asia region. During this role, Bhavit was also privileged to be the sovereign rating advisor for a large South Asian sovereign and contributed to mobilizing capital for infrastructure related needs for few of the State Govts in India and Malaysia.

Mr Michael Oh-Lau
CEO, Maybank Investment Banking Group, Maybank

Michael Oh-Lau Chong Jin is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Maybank Investment Banking Group (Maybank IBG) where he leads the investment banking, advisory, research, broking and prime broking services in Malaysia, and across Maybank IBG’s regional platform. Michael has extensive wholesale banking experience over his 27-year tenure with Maybank Group, covering investment and corporate banking services. His deep knowledge and understanding of corporate customers, ranging from product and solutioning, to client relationship management and risk management, has enabled him to develop strong networks and relationships. Under his leadership, Maybank has cemented its position as the leading sukuk arranger in Malaysia and globally. Maybank has also been recognised with multiple award wins for its landmark achievements in the debt capital market and sustainable finance space. Michael shares the Group’s commitment to customer-centricity and serving as a force for good. He was instrumental in designing and implementing the repayment assistance programmes for Maybank corporate clients during the COVID-19 pandemic. In recognition of his exemplary leadership in debt capital market, Michael was named the Asian Banker’s Promising Young Banker in 2011.

Ms Chua Huey Sian
Head of Sustainable Finance, Corporate Banking Malaysia, CIMB Bank

Chua Huey Sian heads the Sustainable Finance team in Corporate Banking Malaysia, CIMB Bank Berhad as part of CIMB Group’s commitment as a sustainable bank towards driving and imparting sustainable principles towards our borrowing customers. With over 15 years of corporate banking experience over various financing structures including cross border transactions, Huey Sian has led CIMB Bank Corporate Banking’s first cross border Sustainability Linked Loan in 2020 and was instrumental in setting up the internal framework on CIMB’s Sustainability Linked Loan with cumulative financing target of up to RM6.0 billion over the course of 7 years. This enabled CIMB to be amongst the pioneer banks in Malaysia to launch Sustainability Linked Loans.

Mr Chong Paul Wee
Director, Corporate Banking, Maybank

Paul has 20 years of banking experience, and spent the last 10 years in Maybank in various positions, including Investment Banking, Client Coverage and Corporate Banking. With Maybank, Paul has particpated in circa RM1.5bn of sustainability related financing transactions, in addition to being the primary relationship manager to a portfolio of Midcap clientele.

Mr Andy Cheah Shu Kheem
Managing Director, Country Head of Wholesale Banking, United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd

Andy is currently responsible for the Wholesale Banking business for UOB Malaysia, which encompasses Corporate Banking, Commercial Banking, Business Banking, Financial Institutions, Transaction Banking and Investment Banking. Before returning to Malaysia, he was the Country Head of Wholesale Banking for UOB Thailand from 2018 to 2022, positioning UOB as a strong growth enabler for Thai SMEs, corporates and institutions in the domestic and ASEAN markets. Between 2013 and early 2018, Andy was responsible for managing the European operations of UOB based out of London. This role included building close relationships with European corporates and institutions in enabling and financing their Asian strategies and operations, as well as assisting Asian corporates who wished to expand into Europe. Before London, Andy was the Head of the Oil and Gas Centre of Excellence which he established under the Corporate Banking Overseas unit in 2011 based at the UOB Headquarters in Singapore. Prior to joining UOB, Andy worked for Royal Dutch Shell in both its regional offices in Singapore, and global offices in The Hague, across the Gas and Power, and Chemicals sectors. Andy holds a BSc (Econs) degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science, a MBA from IMD, Lausanne, Switzerland and is a qualified Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

Ms Navina Balasingam
General Manager, Capital Markets Malaysia

Navina is currently General Manager of Capital Markets Malaysia (CMM), an affiliate of the Securities Commission Malaysia mandated with promoting Malaysia’s capital market both domestically and internationally. Navina joined CMM in 2017, with expertise in international stakeholder management and communications. In her current role, Navina focuses on stakeholder engagement with capital market regulators and intermediaries, both domestic and foreign, to support the development and profiling of Malaysia’s capital market. She also oversees content development for CMM’s programmes and engagements, which prioritise sustainable finance and investment, the private markets, digital markets as well as the Islamic capital market. Navina leads the secretariat of the three CMM-led centres of excellence – the Malaysian Sustainable Finance Initiative, the Centre for Sustainable Corporations and the Sustainable Investment Platform, and is a member of the Steering Committee of the UNDP Financial Centres for Sustainability.

Mr Kevin Yee
Investment, RHL Ventures

Kevin Yee is an Investor at RHL Ventures, a Series A&B Venture Capital focusing on Southeast Asia and Korean startups. RHL has a Co-GP fund with KB Investments together with Penjana Kapital. Kevin focuses on Fintech, Consumer, Education, Agri and Foodtech with investments in Versa, SoftSpace, StackUp etc.

Mr BK Sinha
Council Member Of Malaysia Green Building Council

BK Sinha has over 30 years experience in Project Management, Building Services and Waste to Energy project development and management. The combination of his experience and wealth of knowledge is fueled by his deep-rooted passion for the emergence of truly sustainable developments in this country. BK Sinha is the Founder and Director of C2C Project Managers Sdn. Bhd. (www.c2cpmc.com) – Consultants for Sustainable Projects and Practices, that comprises four clusters, namely Cleantech, Policy, Awareness and Carbon Management. Specialized in a unique style of integrated design management (IDM), providing sustainable project development and management, where he applies ‘green’ concepts and disciplines to traditional projects, resulting in buildings and infrastructure with benefits of sustainable developments. He holds a tenacious belief in a holistic approach of all stakeholder inclusivity that he applies to all his projects. Sinha is respected as a thought leader and mentor in many notable sustainable projects in Malaysia, Maldives, India and Vietnam. He is passionate about the environment and endeavors to create sustainable communities. As project managers in the construction industry and taking into account that the built environment accounts for 40 percent of all waste worldwide, he holds personal the task and responsibility to contribute towards making sustainable buildings and infrastructure in Malaysia the norm rather than the exception.

Ms Syarina Hyzah Zakaria
Partnerships Lead at Funding Societies

Prior to joining FS, she was a founding member of Malaysia’s first privately driven venture debt fund and has a background in investments and deal structuring. Her experience has led her to various industries namely technology, media, oil & gas, and finance. Her background is both in public and private investments.

Mr Teoh Soon Beng
Executive Director, Area Head of Wholesale Banking (North Area Centre),United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd

Soon Beng has more than 20 years’ experience in banking and finance, covering the corporate and commercial banking segments in various roles based in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Penang. His areas of coverage includes regional business development, cross-border business, structured trade finance and sustainability financing. Soon Beng’s current role is Executive Director, Area Head of Wholesale Banking for North Area Centre for UOB Malaysia.

Mr Max Teh
Senior Associate, 1337 Ventures

Max comes from a background of being an entrepreneur, with 7 years experience ranging from starting his own startup. He also has experience in acquiring, operating, and growing e-commerce companies (US$1m> revenue). Having been in 1337 Ventures for the past 5 years, Max has experiences in programme management, startup mentoring, investments, and digital transformation.

Mr Ruberneshan A/L Chandrasakaran
Assistant Vice President, Group Sustainability, CIMB Bank

A sustainability advisor and practitioner with over 11 years of working experience specializing in energy efficiency, renewable energy, low carbon and green building design & operations, contributing towards international benchmarks including LEED, GBI, WELL, SITES and GRESB. 8 Years as a green building consultant, followed by 4 years with Lendlease, an Australian based developer before joining CIMB in 2022.

Mr Azmir Abdullah
Head of Sustainable Finance, Commercial Banking CIMB Bank 

Azmir started his CIMB career in 2009. He had obtained his certificate of Certified Expert in Sustainable Finance in 2021 and attended “Leading the Sustainability Transformation in Banking” course in 2022 both by the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. Currently, he is the Head of Commercial Banking – Sustainable Finance, CIMB. Prior to that, he had a diverse exposure of 13 years with CIMB Islamic Commercial Banking, CIMB Corporate Banking as well as CIMB Private Banking. He was instrumental in structuring the CIMB GreenBizReady proposition that was launched in 2021, a one-stop sustainability solution for companies by leveraging on unique offerings of various associates (including key government agencies).

Mr S. Dorairam
Head, Business Centre, Maybank

Bachelor in Economics, Masters in Business Administration, Certified Credit Professional. Experience; 5 years in Banking Operations, 20 years in Commercial & Corporate Credit.

Mr Roy Heong Beng Wai
Head of Strategic Partnerships and Innovation, Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad

Mr Roy Heong is the Head of Strategic Partnerships for Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad (ABMB).

He has over 20 years of banking industry experience covering the areas of digital, innovation and strategic partnerships. During this time, he has spearheaded change and transformation within the industry. Prior to this, he held digital roles in OCBC and Citibank.

Roy’s focus is to work with external partnerships to deliver value both to them and the clients of the bank. Via this role, Alliance Bank has launched the Sustainability Assistance Program that enables businesses in Malaysia to improve their sustainability capabilities, making them more competitive globally and saving costs.

Under his leadership, the department also manages the most comprehensive B2B site that is BizSmart Solution Portal. The portal contains both banking and non-banking solutions that help SMEs succeed in 7 key areas. These are in reaching new customers, digitizing business, sustainability, managing operational cost, selling globally and upskill employees whilst enjoying preferential rates from solution providers and financial offerings.

He seeks to collaborate with businesses and ecosystems to develop new ways towards achieving new customers, revenue and cost efficiency.