Retail Asia Forum - Kuala Lumpur - June 27, 2024

Edison Choong (鍾 萬 盛) is currently the Head of ESG Unit, and Deputy Director of Export Promotion & Market Access Division at Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

He has over 18 years of experience in MATRADE, including serving as a Consul/Trade Commissioner in Hong Kong and Brazil. In his previous roles in MATRADE, he was the Head of Planning, Monitoring and Transformation, Deputy Director of Oil & Gas, Chemical and Energy, Deputy Director of China & North-East Asia, Head of Trade Publication as well as Head of Talent & Competency Development and Senior Manager of ASEAN & Australasia.

Edison started his career and pioneered in many new projects whilst serving in the various organisations. They included the establishment:

- National Export Council, Sustainability External Taskforce and ESG Department in MATRADE

- Student Counselling Department in Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

- Stakeholders Engagement on Programming & Financing for NGOs & NPOs in Malaysian AIDS Council

- Industrial Park Management Committee with Local Council & programmes on industrial safety, health and environment in Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers

Edison obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Economics/Psychology) from the University of Manitoba, Canada. Being an advocate on sustainable development and ethical business, he has been a speaker and moderator at various public and private engagement sessions on future driven agenda, including KenalESG Nationwide Outreach programme by Ministry Investment, Trade and Industry.

Edison is also member of Global Chamber of Business Leaders and National Public Counselling Services Associate (AKRAB) Council.

Adeline is a Manager based in YCP's Malaysia office. She began her career in one of Malaysia’s biggest start-ups as an Accounts Executive before moving to an economics research firm where she worked with international organizations, such as JICA.  Prior to joining YCP Solidiance, she worked in a local boutique consulting where she worked with clients from both the public and private sector. She has over 6 years of advisory experience and has various experiences in the FMCG sector. This includes formulating go-to-market strategies for a beverage start-up, market assessment exercise for packaged agricultural products and nutritional powdered goat milk products. She also authored a Halal whitepaper in collaboration with Rakuten Analytics that focused on unveiling the potential of the Halal FMCG market in Southeast Asia. 

Siow Sue Swen, an energetic and outgoing pharmacist, excels in communication and performance. With extensive experience at Alpro Pharmacy as a Customer Engagement Manager and Professional Care and Development Manager, she has successfully developed and implemented sales strategies, increased brand visibility, and built strong client relationships. She also managed operations at CMH Specialist Hospital, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality patient care. Known for her public speaking and media experience, she actively participates in marketing videos and events, earning recognition as "Aunty Siow" for her engaging personality. Fluent in Bahasa Malaysia, English, and Mandarin, she is an engagement expert who believes in connecting hearts and crafting impactful experiences.  

Mugilan Chitambram is a Certified Digital Marketing Professional who has 18 years of senior management experience and deep knowledge in ecommerce marketing, digital innovation, social media marketing, digital transformation and digital strategy. Mugilan has worked with some of the leading brands’ ecommerce like Victoria’s Secret, Michael Kors, Rolex, Mont Blanc, Tory Burch, Swiss Watch Gallery, Bath & Body Works, Tumi and many more in telco, banking, education & media industries. He was recently awarded Malaysia’s Most Influential Digital Media Leader by World Brand Congress and nominated in MIT’s Top 25 Innovators Under 35. He has collectively handled media spend worth USD 245 million across 84 brands in 17+ countries, generating ROAS of average 7.8x. He’s also a certified trainer who has conducted classes to 3,670 students to date. Mugilan’s recent success was scaling a luxury brand in Malaysia from MYR 240,000 to MYR 5,200,000 .

Dr. Kasuma Satria is a distinguished HR leader with over 20 years of experience in enhancing business growth, people development, and organisational strength across Europe and Asia Pacific. His unique journey from business operations in the oil and gas sector to Human Resource (HR) at TechnipFMC has given him a profound understanding of workflows and the critical role of human resources in organisational success.

Initially working in business operations field, Dr. Kasuma transitioned to HR, bringing valuable insights from his hands-on experience. His career advanced, taking on roles such as Corporate Project Manager and Group Vice President of Sourcing and Recruitment at a global oil and gas company, where he worked at the Group HQ in Paris. He later returned to Malaysia as Regional Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Development in Asia Pacific, and then served as Vice President of East Malaysia and Brunei. Dr. Kasuma concluded his tenure at TechnipFMC as the Director and Vice President of Business Development Onshore and Offshore.

In 2018, after a long career in the oil and gas industry, Dr. Kasuma joined an education transformation consultancy focusing on human capital development.

In 2020, Dr. Kasuma Satria joined AEON CO. (M) BHD. as Chief Human Resources Officer, successfully guiding the HR team through the pandemic. Under his leadership, AEON emerged stronger, implementing transformation plans effectively. Dr. Kasuma aims to position AEON as a leading company admired for its people, performance, and partnerships. He currently oversees HR, sustainability, corporate services, and communications, and is also an expert at HRD Corp and a board member of the Government-Industry TVET Coordination Body (GITC), exemplifying transformative HR leadership

Based in Mumbai, Ankit is a Principal Consultant for global Retail Clients at eClerx with 13+ years of experience in analytics and data science consulting.
Ankit has a proven track record for delivering strategic solutions to complex business problems, specializing in Digital Commerce,
RGM, Customer Journey Optimization, Personalization, and experience analytics. He is passionate about the power of analytics
and data-driven storytelling and its ability to unlock insights which can transform organizations through better decisions.

Speakers' full name: Ankit Sharma
Speakers' job title: VP - Retail Solutions, Digital Transformation, Analytics & Data Science -
Speaker's presentation title/topic – Insights Led Strategy for Scaling Cross Border Commerce
Speakers' Mobile number: +91 9915244872
Speakers' Email address: [email protected]
Speakers presentation slide in ppt format - TBD 

Daria Tulubenskaia is the Partner of the Consumer practice at Page Executive Malaysia, the executive search arm of Page Group, which also includes the Michael Page and Page Personnel brands. She brings over 15 years of experience in executive search, talent strategy, and senior leadership development in the industry. She leads executive search projects for CEO and C-level roles in Retail, e-Commerce, Fashion and FMCG. Highly proficient in profile assessment, Daria is certified in SHL and Hogan Assessments for personality assessment and competency-based interviews.

Selena Chua, a highly accomplished and experienced professional, boasts over 30 years in retail and mall management. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Estate Management from the National University of Singapore, she currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Malls Management at WCT Holdings Bhd. Her role encompasses the management of various prominent malls within WCT Group, including Paradigm Mall Petaling Jaya, Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru, gateway@klia2, SkyPark Terminal, and Aeon Bukit Tinggi Shopping Centre. Prior to her position at WCT, she held significant roles, such as Managing Director/Retail Director at Synergistic Retail Consultancy, General Manager at John Little Department Store, and Head of Group Retail Leasing Singapore at CapitaLand Retail Limited. Selena's extensive experience and remarkable leadership have been pivotal in the growth and success of WCT Group's mall portfolio.

Shaakir Siraj, the Managing Director of Tri Shaas Sdn Bhd, is the visionary behind MYDIN MART, a franchisee of MYDIN overseeing supermarkets and mini markets. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and an MBA in International Business. Shaakir's career began in Australia, where he worked as a tax accountant and part-time consultant for the British High Commission, while also serving as a tutor at Monash University in Melbourne. After returning to Malaysia, he joined KPMG as a tax consultant before transitioning to the retail industry with Tri Shaas and MYDIN. At Mydin, he played a crucial role in the operational support team and later became the Supply Chain Lead. Recognizing his passion for the field, Shaakir ventured out and began exploring the mini market format. Today, he focuses on expanding and refining the mini market business model under the MYDIN MART brand.

Anthony holds a degree in Accounting &  Management from University of 
Auckland New Zealand 

Anthony has extensive experience in the FMCG and service industry. He has worked in Australasia and Asia and has held senior financial positions with Dairy Farm (DFI), HJ Heinz (Indonesia), CDL Hotels New Zealand and Coles Myer (NZ).

Educated and trained in New Zealand, he moved to Asia early 2005, initially as Finance Director with HJ Heinz then DFI in Indonesia before moving to DFI Malaysia late 2009.  He took early retirement from DFI Malaysia in 2013 and returned to New Zealand. 

Back in Malaysia late 2015 on consulting basis before his appointment to the current position as CFO and Executive Director for TF Value-Mart Sdn Bhd. 

Kimberly Xavier is a dynamic business leader with a robust background in technology and retail sectors. She spent eight years at Grab, leading various initiatives, including the regional safety arm and new-transport business, before joining Jaya Grocer’s leadership team following Grab’s acquisition in 2022. 

At Jaya Grocer, Kimberly has championed a “data-first” culture, overseeing strategic projects that drive growth and innovation, particularly in supply chain and fresh goods merchandising. Through these efforts, Jaya Grocer has evolved to make stronger business decisions based on changing customer preferences and trends. Her current role is focused on transforming the grocery space, leveraging Grab's strength in tech and driving new business ideas.

Kimberly is passionate about contributing back to society, demonstrated by co-founding a mentoring platform earlier in her career. She aims to drive positive change for Malaysians through her work with Grab and Jaya Grocer. 

Ngu Heng Sing is a Partner of KPMG in Malaysia and also the leader for the Consumer and Retail sector. In this role, he oversees the firm’s approach in supporting clients operating in an evolving consumer sector with a focus on customer-centricity. Working with KPMG’s global network, he enables clients to gain access to industry-focused insights, leading practices and the latest innovative solutions. Heng Sing’s professional expertise is in Deal Advisory, specifically in Transaction Services where he has worked on due diligence engagements for private equity firms, corporate investors, government agencies, and government-linked companies. His clientele covers a broad range of industries including food and beverage, retail, consumer goods, healthcare, technology, telecommunications, and financial services.

Melissa is a seasoned shopping mall manager with 25 years of experience. She began her career with Subang Parade, where she helped grow its tenant portfolio prior to joining Sunway Pyramid and Berjaya Times Square. In 2007, she began her career with Tesco Malaysia and played a key role notably, in the conversion of Makro stores to Tesco Extra. She then proceeded to introduce the Food Hall concept, Bon Appetite in Carrefour Malaysia. Instrumental in the design and development of Quill City Mall, her vision and drive led to its successful opening within a short period of 18 months. Melissa then furthered her career with GuocoLand Malaysia, where she was responsible for the management of DC Mall and leasing of commercial for Tower REIT. 

Stepping away from shopping malls, Melissa then joined PLUS Malaysia as the Head of Retail & Leasing Operations. Here, she introduced thematic RnR concepts and designs for Seremban and Rawang. She had also introduced many renowned international brands into its rest areas nationwide.  

Melissa joined Lotus’s Malaysia in 2023 as Head of Malls, accountable for creating experiential retailing in 63 Lotus’s Malls across the country to enhance its customer’s journey. 
 

Over 20 years of experience in strategy development, transformation and operation excellence for consumer goods companies and retailers, mostly in Asia. Expertise in FMCG, grocery retail, luxury, cosmetics, spirits, sportswear, and beverages. Led multiple projects in Asia including growth strategy development, corporate re-structuring, e-commerce, organization design, sourcing optimization, new retail format design, supply chain transformation, innovation, digital transformation, digital marketing, AI and integrated operations.

Quan Yao is a Senior Analyst (Channels) at Euromonitor International, leading research for the Retail and Digital Consumer sectors in Southeast Asia. He has a keen interest in the impact of retail digitalisation and evolving business models, and its implications for businesses and consumers within the region. 

Over his time in the company Quan Yao has engaged and advised clients on the industries’ competitive landscape, market trends & strategic outlook through his analysis on Euromonitor's Passport database, external publications, and client and industry conference engagements. He is the Co-Author of Euromonitor’s “Top 100 Retailers in Asia Pacific 2021” White Paper, and his sector commentary has been featured on prominent regional publications such as Singapore Business Review, Tech in Asia and DealStreetAsia. 

Quan Yao holds a Bachelor of Business Management degree with a Double Major in Operations Management and Analytics from the Singapore Management University

Mário Braz de Matos is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Flying Fish Lab, the Controlled Disruption™ company comprising brand catalysts driving breakthrough growth for businesses. His journey of nearly three decades in the field across 5 continents is marked by exciting contributions in the FMCG, technology and brand services industries. Having worked at Nokia, and Unilever, as well as running entrepreneurial ventures like Cookwork, world’s largest online chef community, the brand maverick combines a challenger mindset with a zeal for continuous innovation. He has worked in 35 countries, lived in over 10, and is known for his adaptability and international expertise. A polyglot, Mário is fluent in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French, with a sprinkling of Dutch and Mandarin phrases. A power networker, connecting with other people, and expanding his network are what keep Mário inspired as an entrepreneur. Mário has won several industry awards, including the 2008 Global Marketing Activation Grand Prix, during his tenure at Nokia and secured multiple Unilever Golden Triangle awards for driving exceptional business expansion. Mário is also an Executive Trainer at The Marketing Institute and a member of the Portuguese Business Society in Singapore, where he has trained executives and delivered courses for companies. Mário graduated from the Nova School of Business and Economics in Lisbon.

Matej joined the Operations team at ZALORA in 2015. He has been instrumental in designing, growing, and adopting ZALORA’s eCommerce services and solutions. He launched ZALORA’s multi-channel platform solutions, including fulfillment, data analytics, and eProduction services.

With 10 years of experience in the e-commerce industry, Matej now leads the regional roll-out of ZALORA’s platform services. He engages with strategic brand partners, providing expert guidance on eStore development, catalog management, content and translations, data analytics, customer service, and ZALORA’s fulfillment services, including warehousing and last-mile logistics.

Prawn Cheng is the Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer at Presto, Malaysia’s first and largest loyalty e-commerce aggregator. In her role, she oversees merchandising, e-commerce operations, and marketing, with a firm belief that exceptional customer experiences are key to building long-lasting brands and maximizing ROI.

Before joining Presto, Prawn was the General Manager at Pictureworks, where she managed operations in Singapore, Malaysia, China, and Hong Kong. Her work served millions of customers in the tourism and hospitality industry, collaborating with top-tier brands like Shanghai Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Universal Studios Singapore, and LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort.