STAY TIUNED COMING SOON!
LISTEN TO THE Keynote Speakers from BE in SABAH 2026
Bernard D’Alessandri (Monaco)
General Secretary & Managing Director, Yacht Club de Monaco cum President of the Chambre Monégasque du Yachting
Bernard D’Alessandri (Monaco)
General Secretary & Managing Director, Yacht Club de Monaco cum President of the Chambre Monégasque du Yachting
Bernard d’Alessandri is a leading figure in international yachting, renowned for advancing innovation and sustainability across the sector. As Managing Director and General Manager of the Yacht Club de Monaco, under the presidency of Prince Albert II, he has played a pivotal role since 1990 in positioning Monaco as a global centre of maritime excellence through initiatives such as the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge and Monaco Classic Week. A key architect of the “Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting” vision, he has united industry stakeholders around innovation, environmental responsibility, and excellence, while also championing education and knowledge transfer through La Belle Classe Academy. Recognised with prestigious honours in Monaco and France, he is widely regarded as a driving force in the transition towards sustainable yachting.
Dr. Senthil Gopinath (The Netherlands)
Chief Executive Officer, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)
Dr. Senthil Gopinath (The Netherlands)
Chief Executive Officer, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), brings over 20 years of expertise in the meetings, association, and leisure industry. A proven leader, he has held key roles, including CEO of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and Vice President at Kuoni. His experience spans pivotal positions in Dubai, notably at Congress Solutions International, driving large-scale international meetings in the UAE and the region. Senthil holds advanced degrees in business administration and a Ph.D., reflecting his dedication to growth and innovation. Recognized as Global Business Events Strategist of the Year by PCMA, he leads ICCA’s 1,150 members across 100+ countries, advancing the association meetings industry with unmatched data and development opportunities.
Toyoaki Fujiwara (Japan)
General Manager, Global Events and Conferences at Nikkei Inc.
Steen Jakobsen (United Arab Emirates)
Chief Executive Officer, GainingEdge
Steen Jakobsen (United Arab Emirates)
Chief Executive Officer, GainingEdgeSteen Jakobsen is Chief Executive Officer of GainingEdge, a specialist consulting firm advising the global tourism and business events sectors. He brings over 25 years of international leadership experience, having held senior roles in Denmark and the United Arab Emirates. Prior to GainingEdge, Steen served as Vice President at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, where he led Dubai Business Events, and previously as Director of the Copenhagen Convention Bureau. He has held numerous industry leadership positions, including Vice President of the International Congress and Convention Association, Chair and Board Member of the BestCities Global Alliance, Board Member of the Green Meeting Industry Council, and Executive Committee Member of the Dubai Association Centre. Steen holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Commercial Law and has received multiple international honours recognising his contributions to the global business events industry.
Ruud Janssen (Switzerland)
Co-Founder & Managing Director, Event Design Collective (EDCO Global)
Ruud Janssen (Switzerland)
Co-Founder & Managing Director, Event Design Collective (EDCO Global)Ruud Janssen, CMM, DES, CED, is a Switzerland-based innovator specialising in event design to drive meaningful change for NGOs, membership organisations, and corporations. As a trusted trainer and advisor, he has collaborated with esteemed clients, including the International Olympic Committee, United Nations, Google, Bayer, Wikimedia Foundation, and the Internet Society. Co-creator of the #EventCanvas and co-founder of the Event Design Collective, Ruud integrates functional, social, and technological advancements to transform business and event models. Fluent in English, Dutch, French, and German, Ruud is a sought-after global speaker and author on Event ROI, Virtual and Hybrid Events, and Event Innovation. A former MPI International Board Director and certified MPI Global Trainer, he brings a deep understanding of the complexities of designing impactful events for diverse industries worldwide.
Dr. Senthil Gopinath (The Netherlands)
Chief Executive Officer, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)
Dr. Senthil Gopinath (The Netherlands)
Chief Executive Officer, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), brings over 20 years of expertise in the meetings, association, and leisure industry. A proven leader, he has held key roles, including CEO of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and Vice President at Kuoni. His experience spans pivotal positions in Dubai, notably at Congress Solutions International, driving large-scale international meetings in the UAE and the region. Senthil holds advanced degrees in business administration and a Ph.D., reflecting his dedication to growth and innovation. Recognized as Global Business Events Strategist of the Year by PCMA, he leads ICCA’s 1,150 members across 100+ countries, advancing the association meetings industry with unmatched data and development opportunities.
Julinus @ Jeffery Jimit (Malaysia)
Chief Executive Officer, Sabah Tourism Board (STB)
Julinus @ Jeffery Jimit (Malaysia)
Chief Executive Officer, Sabah Tourism Board (STB)Julinus Jeffery Jimit is a Chartered Accountant by profession with over 12 years of experience at in Ernst & Young. Bringing a wealth of expertise in finance and management, he served as the Senior Product Manager and Chief Financial Officer of Sabah Tourism Board for over a decade, where he played a pivotal role in strategic initiatives before ascending to the CEO position. A certified Train the Trainer, Julinus is also a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants, the Malaysian Institute of Internal Auditors, and the Malaysian Institute of Management. Since 2014, he has been instrumental in spearheading the development of Sabah's Rural and Community-Based Tourism, showcasing his commitment to sustainable growth. With a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, he is well-versed in compliance and corporate governance, enabling him to drive excellence in all his endeavours.
Mike Williams (Australia)
Interim CEO / Senior Partner & Senior Consultant, GainingEdge
Mike Williams (Australia)
Interim CEO / Senior Partner & Senior Consultant, GainingEdgeMike is a seasoned professional in the MICE industry, with over 30 years of experience across the Asia Pacific region. Currently leading GainingEdge's in-market sales representation, he also provides consultancy for global convention bureaus and convention centers. He has played key roles in establishing the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, consulting for the Japan Global MICE Cities Programme, and developing Phase II of the China National Convention Center. Previously, Mike was the General Manager of Sales & Marketing at the Melbourne Convention & Visitors Bureau and held senior marketing roles at Tourism Australia. A pivotal figure in launching AIME and co-founding the BestCities Global Alliance, Mike has also served as National President of Meetings & Events Australia.
Dame Doria (DC) Cordova, Ph.D (Hon.) (USA)
Chief Executive Officer, Excellerated Business School®️ for Entrepreneurs
Dame Doria (DC) Cordova, Ph.D (Hon.) (USA)
Chief Executive Officer, Excellerated Business School®️ for EntrepreneursA pioneering educational entrepreneur and sustainability advocate, Dame Cordova has spent over four decades empowering purpose-driven leaders worldwide. As owner and CEO of Excellerated Business School®️ for Entrepreneurs and the transformative Money & You® program, she has impacted hundreds of thousands across 85+ countries in six languages, with her influence extending to millions through notable graduates like Robert Kiyosaki, co-author of Rich Dad Poor Dad. Her teachings focus on vital, non-traditional subjects, including leverage, economic engines, and building socially responsible businesses. A lifelong humanitarian, Dame Cordova champions innovative education systems and renewable energy solutions as key elements for eradicating poverty and hunger globally. Her dedication to uplifting humanity continues to inspire leaders and drive positive, lasting change.
Ruud Janssen (Switzerland)
Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Event Design Collective GmBH
Ruud Janssen (Switzerland)
Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Event Design Collective GmBHRuud Janssen, CMM, DES, CED, is a Switzerland-based innovator specialising in event design to drive meaningful change for NGOs, membership organisations, and corporations. As a trusted trainer and advisor, he has collaborated with esteemed clients, including the International Olympic Committee, United Nations, Google, Bayer, Wikimedia Foundation, and the Internet Society. Co-creator of the #EventCanvas and co-founder of the Event Design Collective, Ruud integrates functional, social, and technological advancements to transform business and event models. Fluent in English, Dutch, French, and German, Ruud is a sought-after global speaker and author on Event ROI, Virtual and Hybrid Events, and Event Innovation. A former MPI International Board Director and certified MPI Global Trainer, he brings a deep understanding of the complexities of designing impactful events for diverse industries worldwide.
Panelists from BE in SABAH 2026
Datuk Dr. M Gandhi (Malaysia)
Founder & Chairman of Bumiati Holdings Sdn Bhd cum President of MACEOS
Datuk Dr. M Gandhi (Malaysia)
Founder & Chairman of Bumiati Holdings Sdn Bhd cum President of MACEOSDatuk (Dr) M. Gandhi is a prominent figure in the Asia Pacific trade exhibition industry, with over 30 years of experience in sectors such as food, renewable energy, infrastructure, defence, and security. As Founder and Chairman of Bumiati Holdings Sdn Bhd, an investment holding company, he focuses on property, agriculture, renewable energy, business events, and tech start-ups. His leadership has enabled multinational companies to expand into India and ASEAN. He founded Kind Malaysia to bridge the corporate world with civil society through exhibitions. Currently, he serves as Director at DSA Group and President of MACEOS for the 2024/2026 term.
Margaret Ma Connolly (Hong Kong SAR)
President and Chief Executive Officer, Informa Markets Asia
Margaret Ma Connolly (Hong Kong SAR)
President and Chief Executive Officer, Informa Markets AsiaMargaret Ma Connolly is President & CEO of Informa Markets Asia, leading a diverse portfolio of more than 200 brands across 14 countries and regions, including industry-leading exhibitions and marketing services. She joined UBM Plc in 2008 and continued with Informa following the group’s merger in 2018. Over the past 16 years, she has driven significant growth across key market sectors through organic expansion and strategic partnerships. A strong advocate for talent development and MICE collaboration, Margaret is a member of WomenExecs on Boards and the National Association of Corporate Directors. She serves as a non-executive director on the boards of S4 Capital Plc and the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority. Her previous senior roles include TNT and Global Sources, and she co-founded ShanghaiExpat. Margaret holds an MBA from Oxford Brookes University and continues executive studies focused on AI and strategy.
Mubarak Hamad Al Shamsi (United Arab Emirates)
Director, Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi
Mubarak Hamad Al Shamsi (United Arab Emirates)
Director, Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), Department of Culture and Tourism Abu DhabiMubarak Hamad Al Shamsi is the Director of the Abu Dhabi Conventions & Exhibition Bureau and a senior leader in the UAE’s tourism and business events sector. A UAE national from Al Ain, he brings over 21 years of experience spanning tourism development, event management, and international market growth. He began his career in 2004 with the former Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and later served as Country Manager for the GCC market in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Appointed Director in 2014, Al Shamsi has played a key role in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s global positioning as a leading business events destination. His international leadership roles include Chairperson of the ICCA Middle East Chapter in 2018, 1st Vice President of the ICCA International Board, and Board Member of the IAEE MENA Chapter. He holds a master’s degree from LUISS Guido Carli University, Rome, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado.
Dr. Reza Soltani (Belgium)
President, Institute of Tourism
Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Halimah Badioze Zaman (Malaysia)
Chairholder / Emeritus Professor, Institute of Informatics & Computing in Energy (IICE), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Kuala Lumpur
Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Halimah Badioze Zaman (Malaysia)
Chairholder / Emeritus Professor, Institute of Informatics & Computing in Energy (IICE), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Kuala Lumpur
Kai Hattendorf (France)
Managing Director, jwc GmBH & Former CEO of UFI
Kai Hattendorf (France)
Managing Director, jwc GmBH & Former CEO of UFI
Kai Hattendorf is one of the most prominent thought leaders in the global business events and exhibition industry, building on a decades-long legacy of transformation and innovation across the sector. In his decade as CEO of UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, he spearheaded numerous initiatives and projects to develop the sector, drive public awareness, and grow the association’s reach and relevance. As Chair of the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), a global Council of international and global associations serving the Business Events Industry, Kai drove advocacy work like the “Global Industry Manifesto,” creating a joint narrative for the whole events sector. Working with industry associations and global organisations like UNFCCC, OECD, and ISO, he set up and supports initiatives like the “Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative”. Kai’s work in the events industry has been recognized through numerous awards and recognitions around the world.
Kai currently lives in Oslo, Norway.
Ts. Yusno Yunos, CMP (Malaysia)
Evenesis Commander (CEO), Evenesis
Ts. Yusno Yunos, CMP (Malaysia)
Evenesis Commander (CEO), EvenesisYusno Yunos is the Founder and CEO of Evenesis, a leading cloud-based end-to-end event management platform enabling seamless collaboration across planners, participants, and suppliers. A recognised innovator in event technology, he received the APIEM Professional Fellowship in 2023 and was named Most Influential Leader in the MICE Industry at the Global MICE & Luxury Travel Congress in 2020. Under his leadership, Y Us Sdn Bhd has been awarded Leading Event Technology Company of the Year 2022 and recognised among Malaysia’s Top 10 Most Innovative ICT Companies. Evenesis has also earned multiple international accolades, including the Event Technology Excellence Award 2024 and recognition by Capterra and Web Summit Dublin. Yusno began his career as a web developer at Carnegie Mellon University and later worked on major CRM and automation initiatives at Tenaga Nasional Berhad. He holds a Bachelor’s in Information Systems and a Master’s in Management Information Systems from Carnegie Mellon University.
Florence Chua (Singapore)
Managing Director, APAC Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)
Florence Chua (Singapore)
Managing Director, APAC Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)Florence “Flo” Chua is Managing Director, Asia Pacific at PCMA, where she drives the APAC regional strategy, thought leadership, and community growth. With over 25 years of experience across Asia Pacific — including more than a decade in China — Flo brings deep expertise in cross-border market development. She has worked extensively with US-based international associations entering new markets in the Asia Pacific region. During her tenure in China, she guided Chinese brands through successful international activations. Flo has broad experience leading a diverse portfolio of business lines, from market consulting, including business planning, to in-market strategic implementation. Her problem-solving approach with key stakeholders and clients has fuelled meaningful growth and long-term partnerships. Known for her strategic belief in walking the talk, cultural fluency, and collaborative spirit, she plays a pivotal role in bridging global and regional business event ecosystems.
Dr. Firdausi Suffian (Malaysia)
Chief Executive Officer, Invest Sabah Berhad
Kevin George Ukang (Malaysia)
Chief Investment Officer, Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA)
Kevin George Ukang (Malaysia)
Chief Investment Officer, Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA)An engineer by training with a Master of Business Administration, Kevincombines technical knowledge with strategic business acumen. He began his career in the private sector, overseeing the design and supervision of major infrastructure and land development projects. Since joining SEDIA in 2009, he has transitioned from project monitoring to high-level strategic planning, previously serving as Deputy Vice President in the Office of the CEO. Since 2021, he has led the Investment Development Section, where he spearheads efforts to attract and facilitate high-value investments for Sabah
Shreen Shafika Binti Ahmad (Malaysia)
Senior Assistant Director, Sekretariat Sabah Maju Jaya (SSMJ)
Hosea Andreas Runkat (Indonesia)
Chairman, Indonesia Companies Association (IECA)
Hosea Andreas Runkat (Indonesia)
Chairman, Indonesia Companies Association (IECA)Hosea Andreas Runkat, Chairman of the Indonesia Companies Association (IECA), brings over 32 years of experience across the MICE industry and hospitality sector. Throughout his career, he has consistently driven revenue growth while championing service excellence. His professional track record is marked by the successful development and implementation of strategies that have significantly increased event revenues and elevated venue quality standards. Hosea is highly skilled in optimising the utilisation and profitability of event spaces, supported by a strong ability to build and leverage industry networks. Equally recognised for his leadership approach, he fosters positive, collaborative relationships with teams, creating cohesive and high-performing work environments that support long-term organisational success.
Fiona Hagan (Malaysia)
General Manager, Shangri-La Rasa Ria Kota Kinabalu
Carina Montagut (Spain)
Events Department Director at Feria Valencia
Carina Montagut (Spain)
Events Department Director at Feria ValenciaCarina Montagut holds a degree in Tourism and a Master’s in Marketing and Commercial Management, supported by continuous professional development, including the Venue Digital Intrapreneurship programme. She began her career in the tourism industry across travel agencies, hotels, and campsites, and has been active in the MICE sector since 2002. At Feria Valencia, she progressed through commercial, investment, development, and events roles, advancing from Strategic Events Manager to Director of Events. Carina is also an experienced postgraduate lecturer, conference speaker, and moderator, with recent engagements at major international industry forums across Europe. An active ICCA member, she has served on the Iberian Chapter Executive Committee since 2014, managed the Chapter Secretariat since 2019, and joined ICCA’s International Board of Directors in 2022 as a venue representative. She is recognised for her energy, commitment, and focus on continuous improvement.
John Burke (Malaysia)
General Manager, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
John Burke (Malaysia)
General Manager, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
John Burke is the General Manager of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and a senior venue operations professional with over 30 years’ experience in venue and event management. Since joining in 2017, he has led the Centre’s transformation, including major refurbishments, digital innovation, smart technologies, and sustainability programmes. He also chairs the Kuala Lumpur City Centre Business Events Alliance (KLCCBEA), driving precinct-wide collaboration and global sustainability alignment. Previously, John held senior roles at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, the Qatar National Convention Centre, and the NEC Group in the UK. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Wolverhampton University.
Professor Datin Dr Lydia Abdul Latif (Malaysia)
President, Malaysian Society Of Association Executives (MSAE)
Professor Datin Dr Lydia Abdul Latif (Malaysia)
President, Malaysian Society Of Association Executives (MSAE)
Sumate Sudasna (Thailand)
President Emeritus, Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA) . 1st Vice President, AFECA . Managing Director, CDM - Conference & Destination Management
Sumate Sudasna (Thailand)
President Emeritus, Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA) . 1st Vice President, AFECA . Managing Director, CDM - Conference & Destination Management
Mr. Sumate Sudasna is a highly respected veteran of the hospitality and business events industry, with more than five decades of professional experience. Beginning his career in Bangkok’s leading hotels in 1972, he later transitioned into the business events sector, where he became a prominent leader and advocate for destination management and international meetings. He is best known for his long-standing leadership with the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), where he served as President for eight terms and was subsequently conferred the title of President Emeritus. Mr. Sumate is also actively involved at the regional level through AFECA, where he serves as 1st Vice President, and is an Honorary Member of SITE after over 30 years of contribution. He is the founder of CDM – Conference & Destination Management, a family-owned DMC and PCO serving premium global clients.
Sarah Fleming (United Kingdom)
Founder & Managing Director of SFA Connect
Sarah Fleming (United Kingdom)
Founder & Managing Director of SFA Connect
Sarah Fleming is the Founder and Director of SFA Connect, bringing over 30 years of experience in the global meetings and events industry. Formerly a board director of a leading Professional Conference Organiser in London, she managed major international events for high-profile clients including multinational corporations, financial institutions, and trade associations across the UK, Europe, the United States, and Asia. This background gave her strong expertise in event sales, marketing, finance, and logistics. Since 2004, Sarah has specialised in consultancy for venues, agencies, and convention bureaux, with a focus on sales research and lead generation within the international association market. She established SFA Connect in 2010, which is now supported by a dedicated research team serving more than 30 global clients. Sarah is an industry mentor, frequent speaker, Iceberg Project Ambassador, and a member of its inaugural Board of Trustees.
PH.D Peter Lee (South Korea)
Executive Director of Goyang Convention & Visitors Bureau (Goyang CVB)
PH.D Peter Lee (South Korea)
Executive Director of Goyang Convention & Visitors Bureau (Goyang CVB)Peter Lee is a respected and globally oriented leader in Korea’s Business Events industry, currently serving as Executive Director of the Goyang Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) under the Goyang International Expo Foundation, where he has been based since 2016. With over 20 years of experience across the MICE sector, he has held diverse roles spanning meeting planning and operations, Association Management & Consulting, and Destination Management Companies, including his tenure at MCI Korea, part of the Geneva-headquartered global event management group. A strong advocate for sustainability, Peter is a board member of the Global Destination Sustainability Movement and President of the Korea Green MICE Alliance. Under his leadership, Goyang ranked 15th on the Global Destination Sustainability Index. He holds a Ph.D. specialising in sustainability in the MICE industry and actively contributes to national industry competency development.
Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar (United Arab Emirates)
Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre
Martin Balmer (United Kingdom)
Account Director Asia, Europe & Middle East, Northstar Meetings Group
Martin Balmer (United Kingdom)
Account Director Asia, Europe & Middle East, Northstar Meetings Group
Martin Balmer is an experienced commercial leader with expertise in global MICE markets, commercial strategy, and digital revenue development. He has an extensive track record in live events, including leading The Meetings Show. Martin is skilled in designing integrated marketing solutions that align client objectives with audience insights and multi-channel campaigns. He has developed customised sponsorship packages, content-driven programmes, and brand-visibility solutions that deliver measurable ROI for partners. In addition, Martin brings strong experience in digital sales, spanning lead-generation products, data-driven advertising, virtual event solutions, and digital content monetisation. Recognised for his strategic mindset and collaborative leadership style, Martin consistently drives growth through innovation, client-centric thinking, and operational excellence. He excels at translating commercial opportunities into actionable strategies that elevate brand value and deliver sustained business results.
Ashwin Gunasekeran (Malaysia)
Chief Executive Officer, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB)
Dr. Bona Lee Nahyun, PhD (South Korea)
Chief Executive Officer, Born Tiger
Dr. Bona Lee Nahyun, PhD (South Korea)
Chief Executive Officer, Born TigerDr. Bona Nahyun Lee is the CEO of Born Tiger and a seasoned MICE strategist with over 18 years of experience in planning, marketing, and managing large-scale business events. She holds a Ph.D. in Tourism Studies from Kyung Hee University and a Master’s degree in International Studies from Seoul National University. Renowned for her strength in strategic communication, Dr. Lee serves as a content consultant for international projects and works closely with government and public-sector institutions. In recognition of her contributions to public relations development, she received a Commendation from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education in 2022. A leading advocate for practical AI adoption, Dr. Lee is the bestselling author of two books on applying AI in event planning. Her work focuses on integrating intelligent technology with human-centric strategy to drive efficiency, innovation, and creativity across the MICE ecosystem.
Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar (United Arab Emirates)
Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre
Moderators from BE in SABAH 2026
Waikin Wong (Malaysia)
Regional Director Asia Pacific, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)
Waikin Wong (Malaysia)
Regional Director Asia Pacific, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)With nearly two decades of expertise, Waikin Wong has made significant strides in medical communication, the meetings segment, and destination marketing/management. Her career has spanned major cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Shanghai, where she has collaborated with leading pharmaceutical clients and international medical associations. Waikin is highly skilled in association management, working closely with key opinion leaders, government divisions, and industry experts. Her extensive managerial experience includes developing effective communication strategies for bidding, conference management, and targeted educational programs. Passionate about nurturing the next generation of professionals in the meetings industry and associations, Waikin Wong is a dedicated and seasoned expert committed to advancing the field.
Mike Williams (Australia)
Senior Partner & Senior Consultant, GainingEdge
Mike Williams (Australia)
Senior Partner & Senior Consultant, GainingEdge
Mike is a highly respected expert in destination marketing and convention bureau development, with more than 30 years of experience in the tourism and business events sector. Since joining GainingEdge in 2007, he has led major consulting engagements worldwide across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the United States. He has served as lead consultant in establishing and strengthening convention bureaux, with expertise in strategic planning, destination sales and marketing, bidding, product development, and business development, while overseeing In-Market Sales Representation services. Previously, Mike held leadership roles at the Melbourne Convention & Visitors Bureau and Tourism Australia, driving international business development and market expansion. An influential industry leader, he contributed to global initiatives and served in governance roles industry.
Yap Li Ling (Malaysia)
President, Commonwealth Association Of Leadership Malaysia (CALM)
Yap Li Ling (Malaysia)
President, Commonwealth Association Of Leadership Malaysia (CALM)Yap Li Ling is the President of the Commonwealth Association of Leadership Malaysia (CALM), where she promotes leadership development through experiential learning, cross-sector collaboration, and values-based practice. CALM represents Malaysian alumni of Commonwealth leadership programmes and provides a platform to prepare emerging leaders for complex national and global challenges. Professionally, Li Ling serves as Corporate Affairs Director at Forest Solutions, focusing on governance, sustainability, and strategic development within responsible industrial forestry. Forest Solutions is recognised for its balanced approach to environmental stewardship and commercial operations. In addition, she serves on the board of the Association of Commonwealth Leadership Conferences and is a Board Trustee of the RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust. Through her leadership roles, Li Ling actively contributes to leadership advancement, conservation, and responsible business practices, consistently bridging sustainability principles with practical economic and organisational realities
Kurt Justin Santiago (The Philippines)
Founder of Earth Warriors Inc., Chief Executive Officer of Hongli Consumer Goods Trading, and Vice President of the League of Political Officers of the Philippines – Northern Luzon
Kurt Justin Santiago (The Philippines)
Founder of Earth Warriors Inc., Chief Executive Officer of Hongli Consumer Goods Trading, and Vice President of the League of Political Officers of the Philippines – Northern LuzonKurt Justin Santiago is an educator, leader, and entrepreneur with a strong commitment to service, sustainability, and regional development. Trained in education, he holds a Master’s degree in Organisational Leadership, shaping a strategic and people-focused approach to leadership. He currently serves as Vice President of the Political Officers Federation of the Philippines, contributing to leadership development and civic engagement initiatives. Kurt is also the founder of Earth Warriors Inc., a Philippine-based charitable organisation supporting underserved communities, particularly those affected by environmental and natural disasters. His environmental advocacy gained national recognition during his tenure as Mister Earth Philippines 2023. In the business sector, he is President and Chief Executive Officer of Hongli Consumer Goods Trading, leading the company’s expansion across Southeast Asia through import and export ventures, guided by a strong belief in partnerships for long-term impact.
Jane Vong Holmes (Malaysia)
Senior Manager of Asia GainingEdge
Jane Vong Holmes (Malaysia)
Senior Manager of Asia GainingEdgeJane Vong Holmes is Senior Manager – Asia at GainingEdge, leading regional business development and stakeholder engagement while supporting Future Partners. A recognised authority in the meetings industry, she has co-authored UN Tourism publications on the Asia meetings sector and produced research on universal accessibility in business events. Jane has served on numerous regional and international judging panels and received the IMEX Academy Award – Asia Pacific. Previously, she spent eight years as Regional Director APAC at International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) and currently holds leadership and advisory roles across key industry organisations in Asia Pacific.
