PLENARY SESSION 2
Retention in Current Times Through World-Class Learning & Development
Datuk (Dr) Nora Manaf, The Chairman of Manaf Gardner Associates (MGA) / Board member of MBSB Group
The Chief People Officer Summit
Chief People Officer Summit 2025 | 12 & 13 November 2025 | M World Hotel
Chief People Officer Summit
100% HRDF CLAIMABLE
Early Bird: RM1,800 only (till 17 October 2025)
Group Price: RM1,620
Note: Group price applies for minimum 3 pax
Normal price: RM2,000
Note: The prices are excluding 8% SST
About The Summit
Empowering People, Shaping the Future
The workplace is undergoing a profound transformation. Rapid advances in AI, shifting workforce dynamics, and evolving business priorities are reshaping how organizations attract, engage, and lead talent.
The CPO Summit 2025 is designed for senior HR leaders who want to move beyond discussion and drive meaningful change. This summit delivers:
Strategic insights into emerging trends and technologies
Proven frameworks for leading organizational transformation
Actionable solutions to enhance both employee experience and business performance
Join distinguished peers and thought leaders to explore how HR can lead with clarity, agility, and impact in an era of constant change.
Target Attendees
Chief People Officers (CPOs)
HR Business Partner
Head of Human Resources
HR Consultants & Specialist
Vice Presidents
Employee Relations
Speakers
Group Chief Strategy Officer
Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp)
Nazrul Aziz is the Group Chief Strategy Officer at TalentCorp, where he leads the organisation’s strategic planning and alignment efforts. In this role, he works closely with stakeholders across government, industry, and academia to design and deliver demand-driven talent solutions that address Malaysia’s current and future workforce needs.
Council Member, MIHRM / VP Culture Transformation, FGV Holdings Berhad
Koljit (Ajit) Singh is a seasoned Human Resources leader with over 25 years of experience across multinational companies such as Flexsys Malaysia, BASF Petronas Chemicals, TNT Express, and JT International.
The Chairman of Manaf Gardner Associates (MGA) / Board member of MBSB Group
Datuk (Dr) Nora Manaf is the Chairman of Manaf Gardner Associates (MGA) and was recently appointed as an Independent and Non-Executive Director and Board member of MBSB Group. Nora is a qualified Chartered Accountant, Chartered Banker (CIB, Scotland), Master Professional (IHRP, Singapore), Chartered Fellow CIPD (CIPD, UK), Strengths Coach (Gallup) and Black Belt Sustainability Practitioner.
Senior General Manager Group HR
BM Greentech Berhad
Harvindar Singh is the Senior General Manager of Group Human Resources at BM GreenTech Berhad, where he drives culture transformation and leadership excellence across the Group’s solar, engineering, and bioenergy businesses.
Country HR Lead
Accenture Malaysia
Dionne is a seasoned HR practitioner and talent strategist with over 25 years of experience in the full spectrum of human resources in both in-house and service provider environments across multiple industries.
Chief Executive Officer
Optimal Insight
Michele is a passionate advocate for human-centric leadership and meaningful work, bringing 25 years of leadership, management, and finance experience across the UK and Malaysia. Having headed departments at prestigious organizations including Asia School of Business, UBS, HSBC, and CIMB, she has successfully grown business revenues and managed accounts up to RM2 billion.
Accredited Trainer and Certified Professional Coach
Kok Choong (KC) is a highly accomplished talent management leader, coach and facilitator with more than three decades of corporate experience, primarily in the financial services sector. Beginning his career as an auditor, he progressed into senior talent management leadership roles where he designed and led strategic initiatives that strengthened organizational capability and developed high performing leaders.
Head of HR in Business and HR Excellence
Sarawak Energy Berhad
Chiou Thien Ling GMBPSsS, better known as Michelle Chiou, is a highly regarded expert in the field of human resources, with over two decades of experience across diverse industries. She currently serves as the Head of HR in Business and HR Excellence at Sarawak Energy Berhad.
Head of Talent Management and Organizational Development
Gamuda Berhad
Tho Wei started his career as a Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Engineer in Gamuda and has more than 10 years’ experience in the field of engineering and infrastructure project management. With valuable experience from the ground in his early career, he made a shift from engineering to Talent Management and Learning and Development (L&D) role in recent years, aiming to add value by enhancing synergy between human capital and business strategy.
Director - People
MODEC
Zacharias Rajagopal is currently the Director of People at MODEC’s Floating Production Systems Business Unit with over two decades of experience in Human Resources across various industries such as Aviation, Banking, Manufacturing, FMCG, Property Development, Hospitality and Oil & Gas, he plays a pivotal role in driving MODEC’s people strategy across its project execution centers.
Vice President Global Human Resources
Lumileds
Meet Shankar Nagalingam, a transformational global HR leader whose three decades of multinational excellence have redefined organizational success across continents. As Vice President of Human Resources at Lumileds, this visionary executive orchestrates talent growth and change management strategies that drive innovation across LED operations and worldwide R&D centers.
Chief Human Resources Officer
Touch ‘n Go Group
Erlny Greiss is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Touch ‘n Go Group, where she leads the transformation of HR into a digitally driven, strategic enabler of business growth. With over 20 years of experience in the financial and banking sectors, Erlny brings a strong foundation in human capital strategy, supported by her background in Accounting & Finance from Oxford Brookes University.
Founder
AIHQ Training & Consultancy
Pang Sern Yong is one of Malaysia’s leading voices in applied AI and the founder of AIHQ Consultancy. An accredited HRD Corp trainer, he equips professionals with practical skills to use tools like ChatGPT for real business outcomes that enhance productivity, creativity, and decision-making.
HR Leader
Ecolab International Sdn Bhd
With 27 years in strategic HR across diverse industries including Healthcare, Energy, Oil & Gas, and F&B, Sri has led with purpose, placing people at the heart of every decision. Guided by humility and kindness, she believes people growth drives business success. Recognised with multiple honours and awards, she contributes beyond the workplace as a speaker, Royal Commonwealth judge, CSR initiatives and IR advisor.
Chief Talent Officer
IPG Mediabrands
Debica Sigamani is the Chief Talent Officer at Mediabrands Malaysia, leading the Human Resources and Talent team for the country.
Director
Pinnacle Connexion
Khim is a seasoned Human Capital leader with 30 years’ experience strengthening talent, leadership, and organisational performance across banking, insurance, stockbroking, professional services, consulting, IT, FMCG, and finance in 14 Asia-Pacific markets.
Founder & Managing Director
Agensi Pekerjaan VHR Consultancy Sdn. Bhd.
FangKai Low comes with a combined 20 years of Corporate and HR experience. Trained as an engineer, and passionate about developing talent. He founded VHR Consultancy --- a multiple-awards-winning HR service provider since 2012 --- and now focusing on serving the HR community.
General Manager Human Relations and Performance Operations APAC
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
Reuben is a purpose-driven HR leader who believes that people are the core of every thriving organization. Passionate about fostering high-performing, engaged workplaces, he champions a people-first approach, ensuring that HR is not just a function but a strategic enabler of business success.
Chief People Officer
Boost
Sarah Yon is the Chief People Officer at Boost, where she leads with values-driven and purpose-led approach, rooted in deep expertise in fintech, digital banking, and organisational change. She believes that building a future-ready fintech workforce should also be fun, human, and based on a shared purpose by creating an environment where people and progress thrive together.
Head, Human Capital Division
Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad
Rayyan Irwan is the Head, Human Capital Division at Bank Muamalat, with 15+ years of experience in strategic human resources, talent management, retail, sales and fitness industries. Rayyan excels in bonding teams, engaging stakeholders through relatable stories, and driving business success.
Founder
Chapter Advisory
Norlida is Founder of Chapter Advisory focusing on advisory, facilitation and coaching specializing in change management, coaching, leadership and culture. She is currently an independent non- executive director with Peoplelogy, an Adjunct Professor at UNITAR, a TF50 Fellow with TalentCorp and a Wavemaker of Well-Being@Work. She is a Chartered Fellow CIPD, ICF Certified Coach and Accredited HRDC Trainer.
Vice President of Human Resources Shell Business Operations
Shell
Shazmi Ali is a global HR leader currently serving as Vice President of Human Resources for Shell Business Operations (SBO) and Shell Malaysia, where he oversees HR strategies for 30% of Shell’s workforce (30,000+ employees including contractors) across international hubs in Asia and Europe.
Chief Human Resources Officer
UOA Group
Haikal Akmar serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer of United Overseas Australia Ltd (UOA Group) and Chief Executive of UOA Academy. UOA Group, a listed entity, stands among the region’s leading real estate development and property investment companies, with operations spanning Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
Employee Experience Service Line Lead, APMEA & Europe
Kerry Group
As the Employee Experience Service Lead for Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Europe at Kerry, Reena drives strategic initiatives that ensure a seamless and enriching work environment for employees across the regions, supporting Kerry’s vision to be the first choice for the best talent.
Group Chief People Officer
Pos Malaysia Berhad
Natalia brings a wealth of experience in human resources and organisational transformation, with a career spanning legal practice and strategic HR leadership across the Asia Pacific region. She began her professional journey as a legal practitioner specialising in industrial relations and employment law, before transitioning into key HR roles where she has successfully led transformation efforts, organisational turnarounds, and cultural change initiatives.
Chief People Officer
PayNet
Shafenaz is the Chief People Officer at PayNet, where she is on a mission to shape a workplace culture that inspires high performance, innovation, and inclusivity. With over 22 years of experience across consulting, government, non-profits, and multinationals, she has been at the forefront of organisational transformation, helping businesses align people strategies with long-term success.
Vice President - People & Culture
Volvo Malaysia, Singapore & Japan
Sharmeel (Sharm) believes lifelong learning should not be limited by age or perceived ability. She believes everyone is born with talent and can succeed with the right career path, development, tools, and techniques. Armed with the right skillset, knowledge, and attitude, anyone can perform to the highest standards.
Director, Human Resources
Ninja Van Malaysia
With a career spanning over 15 years, Rilla Amrullah’s journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, a passion for innovation, and a steadfast commitment to driving organisational success.
Partner
PwC's Academy
Hsern Wei is a Partner and Head of PwC’s Academy at PwC Malaysia, recognised for his expertise in learning, strategic foresight, and organisational development. As an award-winning learning leader, he has shaped forward looking learning strategies that help prepare organisations for tomorrow’s challenges and adopting the skills needed to stay resilient.
Head of Human Resources - eCommerce Solutions
NTT DATA Payment Services
Cho Chun Loong is a seasoned HR Leader with more than 20 years of progressive experience in Learning & Development, Management Consulting, Executive Search & Selection, HR Shared Services, Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding, Corporate HR Policies & Procedures, HR Kaizen and Strategic HR.
Chief Executive Officer
Yayasan Peneraju
Ibrahim Sani has extensive experience in finance, banking, strategy, business intelligence, capital markets and media. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree (Hons) in Accounting from the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and a Fellow of CPA Australia.
Co-founder and Director
Work Inspire
Mallory Loone is the co-founder of Work Inspires, a people engagement and development company that has worked with numerous Fortune 500 companies, both locally and internationally, customising solutions for various employee levels. Mallory also regularly shares insights on various platforms, including BFM 89.9, The Economist Impact, HRM Asia, and the HR Tech Festival, among others.
Development Consultant & Registered Clinical Psychologist
PwC's Academy, PwC Malaysia
Simpson Khoo leads Learning & Development for Consulting and ESG practices at PwC Malaysia, where he designs strategic capability-building programs that empower professionals across industries. With over 15 years of experience in transformation, sustainability, and social impact, he blends deep psychological expertise with business strategy to elevate human capital.
Founder & CEO
Thriving Talents Sdn. Bhd.
Michael Teoh Su Lim is the Founder & CEO of Thriving Talents, Malaysia’s award-winning leadership and talent development firm that has served over 30% of Fortune 500 companies across 42 countries since 2012.
HR Leader, Consulting & Technology
Michelle is an accomplished HR leader with over 15 years of experience across global organizations in FMCG, Energy, Chemicals & Consulting Industries. She has cross-functional expertise spanning Talent Management, HR Business Partnering, Digital & HR Transformation, Organisational Development and HR Consulting.
Director People & Culture Malaysia & Singapore
Philip Morris (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Sunny Sharma, HR Director for Philip Morris Malaysia & Singapore, brings around 15 years of HR leadership experience with global FMCG leaders across diverse geographies like India, Malaysia, Hong Kong and UAE. Sunny specializes in business and cultural transformation, driving strategic HR initiatives that align people, performance, and purpose to accelerate organizational growth and resilience.
Partner
Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill
Amardeep handles both litigation and advisory matters across all aspects of employment and industrial relations law. He regularly represents employers in the Industrial Court for unjust dismissal and trade dispute claims, as well as in the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Federal Court.
President
Malaysian Institute of Human Resource Management (MIHRM)
Simon Benjamin is the President of the Malaysian Institute of Human Resource Management (MIHRM). He is known for his commitment to promoting a humanized approach to workplace management, especially in the context of hybrid work models.
Founder & Coach
Coaching Moments Consultancy
Shereen Kaur Sandhu is a Founder & Coach, ICF-ACC, EMCC-Practitioner, Gallup CS Certified Coach, Accredited Certified Facilitator, HR & DEIB Expert.
Independent Non-Executive Director
Asia Brands Berhad
Dato’ Dr Lim Weng Khuan has over 34 years of experience in Industrial Relations (IR) and Human Resource Management (HRM) in Lion Group, F&N Group, HSBC Bank and Tan Chong Group. He was a Council member of the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) and a member of the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) in 2018, 2020 and 2022 till Sep 2024.
Head of Malaysian Smart Factory (MSF)
SHRDC
Ts. Dr. Chua Wen-Shyan is currently the Head of Malaysian Smart Factory 4.0 (MSF 4.0) under the Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC). Dr Chua was part of the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME) Process Development team at Western Digital in which he worked successfully with the Global Engineering team to complete several projects which improved production quality and yield.
Chief People Officer
Mewah Group
Eddie is a transformational strategist and HR leader, currently the fractional CPO at Mewah Group and holds other portfolios, such as the Founder of Future Of Talent Economy (FOTE) Network and HumAIn. A trusted ICF-certified coach to SMEs and startups on business and people strategy.
Regional HR Advisor
Huacomm Telecommunications Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd
Laurence Yap is a seasoned HR strategist, AI pioneer, and thought leader with over 20 years of experience in human resources, learning and development (L&D), talent management, and organizational development (OD).
Founder & CEO
Stellar SparX International
Founder and CEO of Stellar SparX International (SSI), an international business and management consulting company and LeaderSparX Academy. She also serves as the Executive Director of Maxwell Leadership in Malaysia and Singapore.
Programme Schedule
Day 1, Wednesday, 12 November 2025
0800 – 0900
Registration & Morning Coffee
0900 – 0940
PLENARY SESSION 1
Aligning HR Strategy with RMK13’s Goal of a High-Value, Innovation-Driven Economy
Nazrul Aziz, Group Chief Strategy Officer, Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp)
0940 – 1020
1020 – 1050
Coffee Break
1050 – 1130
PLENARY SESSION 3
The Key to Productive Industrial Relations – Encouraging Open Dialogues
Koljit Singh (Ajit), Council Member, MIHRM / VP Culture Transformation, FGV Holdings Berhad
1130 – 1210
PLENARY SESSION 4: PANEL DISCUSSION
Shaping a Future Workforce Through Skills-Based Approaches
Moderator:
Lee Kok Choong, Accredited Trainer and Certified Professional Coach
Panelists:
Michelle Chiou Thien Ling, GMBPsS, Head of HR in Business and HR Excellence, Sarawak Energy Berhad
Tan Tho Wei, Head of Talent Management and Organizational Development, Gamuda Berhad
1210 – 1330
Networking Lunch
1330 – 1430
BREAKOUT SESSION
Track: AI & Digital Transformation
Enhancing Employee Experience and Engagement with AI
Moderator:
Harvindar Singh, Senior General Manager Group HR, BM Greentech Berhad
Panelists:
Dionne Bain, Country HR Lead, Accenture Malaysia
Dr. Michele Sagan, Chief Executive Officer, Optimal Insight
Track: HR Leadership & Employee Engagement
The Power of Employee Recognition: Small Actions, Big Impact
Moderator:
Esther Yap, Founder & CEO, Stellar SparX International
Panelists:
Zacharias Rajagopal, Director – People, MODEC
Shankar Nagalingam, Vice President Global Human Resources, Lumileds
Erlny Greiss, Chief Human Resources Officer, Touch ‘n Go Group
1430 – 1530
BREAKOUT SESSION
Track: AI & Digital Transformation
Efficient and Humanised Automated HR and Workforce Agility
Moderator:
Pang Sern Yong, Founder, AIHQ Training & Consultancy
Panelists:
Sri Thevi, HR Leader, Ecolab International Sdn Bhd
Debica Sigamani, Chief Talent Officer, IPG Mediabrands
Khim Tan, Director, Pinnacle Connexion
Track: HR Leadership & Employee Engagement
Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence
Panelists:
Norlida (Oli) Azmi, Founder, Chapter Advisory
Shazmi Ali, Vice President of Human Resources, Shell Business Operations, Shell
Haikal Akmar, Chief Human Resources Officer, UOA Group
1530 – 1630
BREAKOUT SESSION
Track: AI & Digital Transformation
AI and the Gig Economy: Managing a More Flexible, On-Demand Workforce
Panelists:
- Rilla Amrullah, Director, Human Resources, Ninja Van Malaysia
Track: HR Leadership & Employee Engagement
Managing a Multi-Generational Workforce
Moderator:
FK Low, Founder & Managing Director, Agensi Pekerjaan VHR Consultancy Sdn. Bhd.
Panelists:
Reuben Rethinalingam, General Manager, Human Relations and Performance Operations APAC, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
Sarah Yon, Chief People Officer, Boost
Rayyan Irwan, Head, Human Capital Division, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad
1630
COFFEE BREAK & NETWORKING
END OF DAY 1
Day 2, Thursday, 13 November 2025
0800 – 0900
Registration & Morning Coffee
0900 – 0940
PLENARY SESSION 5
ESG – Building a Sustainable and Responsible Workforce
Reena Talla, Employee Experience Service Line Lead, APMEA & Europe, Kerry Group
0940 – 1020
PLENARY SESSION 6
HR Leadership in a Changing World
Shafenaz Farouk, Chief People Officer, PayNet
1020 – 1050
Coffee Break
1050 – 1130
PLENARY SESSION 7
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion as a Leadership Priority
Sharmeel Kaur, Vice President – People & Culture, Volvo Malaysia, Singapore & Japan
1130 – 1210
PLENARY SESSION 8
Empowering Workplace Culture that Drive Innovation
Natalia Navin, Group Chief People Officer, Pos Malaysia Berhad
1210 – 1250
PLENARY 9: PANEL SESSION
Talent Crunch: Building Your Pipeline
Moderator:
Ling Hsern Wei, Partner, PwC’s Academy
Panelists:
Cho Chun Loong, Head of Human Resources – eCommerce Solutions, NTT DATA Payment Services
Ibrahim Sani, Chief Executive Officer, Yayasan Peneraju
1250 – 1330
Networking Lunch
1330 – 1430
BREAKOUT SESSION
Track – AI & Digital Transformation
Gen Z at Work: Balancing Flexibility, Expectations and Organizational Goals
Panelists:
Sunny Sharma, Director People & Culture Malaysia & Singapore, Philip Morris (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Track: HR Leadership & Employee Engagement
“It’s Okay Not to Be Okay”: Normalising Mental Health Conversations at Work
Moderator:
Mallory Loone, Co-founder and Director, Work Inspires
Panelists:
Simpson Khoo, Development Consultant & Registered Clinical Psychologist, PwC’s Academy, PwC Malaysia
Shereen Kaur, Founder & Coach, Coaching Moments Consultancy
1430 – 1530
BREAKOUT SESSION
Track: AI & Digital Transformation
Ethical & Transparent Use of AI in HR
Moderator:
Michael Teoh Su Lim, Founder & CEO, Thriving Talents Sdn. Bhd.
Panelists:
Michelle Yong, HR Leader, Consulting & Technology
Track: HR Leadership & Employee Engagement
Governance and Labour Law: Protecting Organisations and Employees
Moderator:
Simon Benjamin, President, Malaysian Institute of Human Resource Management (MIHRM)
Panelists:
Amardeep Singh Toor, Partner, Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill
1530
COFFEE BREAK & NETWORKING
END OF DAY 2
RM2,500 per pax only
Partners & Sponsor
Strategic Partnerships
Supporting Sponsor
