SPEAKERS
Khairy Jamaluddin, a former Malaysian Minister of Health, played a crucial role in the country’s COVID-19 response by leading healthcare digital transformation and vaccine distribution efforts. Before that, as Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, he was instrumental in vaccinating the population and combating misinformation. Khairy is also the co-host of Southeast Asia’s No.1 current affairs podcast, “Keluar Sekejap,” and is now a prominent public speaker and commentator on political and economic issues. An Oxford and UCL graduate, he is widely regarded as one of Malaysia’s leading voices.
Randi is a sustainability expert and social entrepreneur dedicated to empowering rural and Indigenous communities across Indonesia. As the founder of HANDEP, a social venture supporting sustainable crafts, he has been recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 (2022) and Impact Heroes of the Asia Pacific (2021). With expertise in rural development, supply chains, and cultural business, Randi works with communities, governments, and organizations to drive long-term impact through locally-adaptive and ethnographic approaches.
Malaysian-born Mr. Teo Ah Khing is a Harvard-trained architect, entrepreneur, and philanthropist renowned for his visionary leadership in master planning and nation-building projects. As Chairman of Teo A. Khing Design Consultants (TAK), he has led internationally recognized developments such as Meydan City and Kenyalang Smart City. With over three decades of cross-industry success, he is also known for his dedication to sustainability, innovation, and charitable initiatives—contributing over USD 50 million globally through the TAK Foundation.
Haji Abdul Saman is the President of the National Chamber of Commerce & Industry Brunei Darussalam (NCCIBD), where he champions private sector growth and regional economic collaboration. He plays a key role in strengthening cross-border business ties and actively supports the development of MSMEs and digital transformation, in line with Brunei Vision 2035.
Muhammad Saiful Azzam Haji Sarpudin is the Manager of Startup Development at the Brunei Economic Development Board, where he leads efforts to enhance the startup ecosystem and support the growth of emerging ventures. With over a decade of experience, Azzam heads a team responsible for developing early-stage programs and forging strategic collaborations that drive entrepreneurial growth. He also serves as the General Manager of Brunei Innovation Lab, a public-private partnership platform focused on advancing national innovation, cultivating digital talent, and empowering technopreneurs. Through both roles, Azzam plays an active part in shaping Brunei’s digital economy and innovation landscape.
Dr. Diana Cheong is the Executive Director and Chief Researcher at the Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies (CSPS) in Brunei. With over 20 years of experience in sociology, public policy, and economic development, she is a leading policy researcher and consultant in the country. She has led numerous groundbreaking studies in areas such as youth development, poverty, employment, and national planning. Her major projects include research on Brunei Futures and Strategic Foresight, drug abuse among youth, alternative energy, land use strategies, and financial literacy. She also played a key role in developing the Brunei National Youth Policy and Strategy 2020–2035. Dr. Cheong is also active in designing and leading executive development programmes in public policy, research methods, and strategic planning.
Firdaus serves as the Head of Facilitation and Coordination at the Investment Promotion and Facilitation Department (FAST), which works closely with investors across key sectors—including downstream oil and gas, food, tourism, services, and ICT—to navigate regulatory processes, establish operations, and deliver high-impact projects.
He oversees both the Investor Concierge Program, which provides personalized guidance and support to investors at the early stages of their business journey, and the Aftercare Program, which ensures the long-term success and integration of over 20 foreign direct investment (FDI) companies in Brunei’s economy.
Prior to his current role at the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), Firdaus spent over a decade at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focusing on bilateral relations and representing Brunei at the Permanent Mission to the United Nations
Irene Chow is the co-founder of Kommunihub Co., a Brunei-based social enterprise promoting experiential tourism through cultural immersion, team building, and community engagement. With a professional background in banking, investment, and tourism, Irene blends business acumen with a passion for cultural heritage. Since 2018, she has worked closely with rural communities to design impactful tourism programs that benefit local livelihoods while offering visitors an authentic Brunei experience. Under her leadership, Kommunihub has received national recognition for its innovative approach to grassroots tourism and continues to grow through cross-sector collaborations and purposeful storytelling.
Tiyah Yunsi is a dynamic ecosystem builder passionate about driving digital transformation, partnerships, and inclusive innovation across Southeast Asia.
A trained geologist turned tech leader, she currently serves as the Country Manager for PGI Data, an Indonesian system integrator expanding in Brunei. Tiyah brings over 7 years of experience in business development, project management, and stakeholder engagement, working across government, enterprise, and startup ecosystems.
Beyond her corporate role, she is an active advocate for youth empowerment, communitybuilding, and smart collaborations — believing that the strongest ecosystems are built through authentic connections and shared purpose.
Shazali Sulaiman is the Founder and Partner of Shazali & Partners and an Independent Director at Baiduri Finance Berhad. With over 36 years at KPMG Brunei, including time in KPMG London, he brings deep expertise in banking, finance, oil and gas, and government-linked companies. A UK-qualified Chartered Accountant, he chairs the Brunei National Accreditation Council on Accounting and Management and serves on various national and regional committees. Shazali is also a council member of the Brunei Institute of Certified Public Accountants and ASEAN Federation of Accountants, and has shared his insights as an adjunct professor and speaker at local and international forums.
Jenny Malai Ali, now the Managing Director of Kristal Media, is a distinguished figure in Brunei’s broadcasting and events industry. Known for her calm and commanding presence, she has been the voice behind numerous major state and corporate ceremonies. Her professionalism and eloquence have taken her to international stages, where she has introduced world leaders at high-level events and conferences. With years of experience and a strong media presence, Jenny now leads Kristal Media into a dynamic new era, shaping the future of communications and content in Brunei and beyond.
PROGRAMME
WEDNESDAY, 25TH JUNE 2025
Morning Session
WEDNESDAY
25 JUNE 2025
REGISTRATION AND NETWORKING
Arrival of VIPs & Delegates
Arrival of the Guest of Honour
Opening Speech by Ms Ting Chui San, Head of Corporate Communications, D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd
Welcoming Remarks by Yang Mulia Haji Abdul Saman bin Haji Ahmad, President of National Chamber of Commerce & Industry Brunei Darussalam (NCCIBD)
Followed by the Launching of CFTE31 & 2nd CONFAC
Presentation of Memento
Group Photo Taking
Keynote Address 1 – Brunei Economic Outlook in a Changing Global Environment
Speaker: Dr Diana Cheong, Executive Director of Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies (CSPS)
This keynote presentation offers a comprehensive overview of Brunei’s current economic landscape within the context of global economic transformations. It examines recent economic performance, key sectors driving growth, and the strategic positioning of Brunei amid shifting international trade dynamics and technological advancements. The discussion identifies emerging challenges and opportunities for Brunei, highlighting policy responses that can enhance economic resilience and sustainable development. By assessing regional and global economic trends, this session aims to equip stakeholders with insights into how Brunei can effectively navigate the complexities of the evolving global economic environment.
Keynote Address 2 – Transforming Economies: Strategic
Execution and Growth in Emerging Markets
Speaker: Khairy Jamaluddin, Former Minister of Health, Malaysia;
Visiting Senior Fellow, ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore;
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (2020 – 2021);
Co-host of Southeast Asia’s No.1 Current Affairs Podcast, ‘Keluar
Sekejap’
This address will provide a high-level perspective on today’s rapidly
shifting global economic environment, including macroeconomic
trends, financial system evolution, and geopolitical undercurrents.
The speaker will explore how smaller but strategic markets like
Brunei Darussalam can find strength through agility, collaboration,
and value-driven growth within an interconnected regional
economy
Cerita Sekejap
Moderated by Ms Jenny Malai Ali
5-min Audience Q&A
Elevated Conversations: Tea Networking
Exhibition Tour
Afternoon Session
The Ascend Forum: Knowledge Exchange & Regional Collaboration
WEDNESDAY
25 JUNE 2025
Spotlight Talk: “Smart Cities & Strategic Connectivity”
Speaker: Ar. Teo Ah Khing, Founder & Chairman TAK Group of
Companies, Founder & Chairman Teo A. Khing Design
Consultants, Founder & Chairman Imasa Dinasti Sdn Bhd,Founder
& Chairman Desert Star Holdings, Founder & Chairman China
Horse Club
A focused session on the Kenyalang Smart City initiative, this
presentation explores how future-ready infrastructure and
connectivity can act as economic multipliers, benefiting both Brunei
Darussalam and its regional partners through knowledge-sharing
and integrated development.
Panel 1: Brunei Darussalam and Beyond – Unlocking Regional Investment Pathways
Panellists: Ar. Teo Ah Khing (TAK Group of Companies)
Mr. Firdaus Abdul Kadir, Head, Facilitation and Coordination, Investment Promotion and Facilitation (BEDB)
Dr. Hazwan Haini, Researcher & Head of Economics and Finance Unit (CSPS)
Moderator: TBC
This panel brings together diverse voices from government, private sector, and regional development bodies to discuss how Brunei Darussalam and its neighbours can unlock new opportunities for trade and investment. Topics include infrastructure development, smart city partnerships, and sustainable growth strategies.
NETWORKING BREAK
Spotlight Talk: “Building Bold: Randi Julian Miranda’s Journey
from Kalimantan to the Region”
Speaker: Randi Julian Miranda – Founder & CEO of
HANDEP, Forbes Indonesia 30 Under 30 (Social Impact)
Hear the inspiring story of Randi Julian Miranda, a young
entrepreneur from Kalimantan who turned challenges into
opportunities. His journey offers a relatable roadmap for aspiring
founders and youth-led enterprises looking to make their mark in
emerging markets.
Panel 2: “Emerging Growth Hubs – Youth, Startups, and Smart Collaborations”
Panellists:
Randi Julian Miranda – Founder & CEO of HANDEP
Irene Chow, Co-Founder,Kommunihub Co.
Muhammad Saiful Azzam Haji Sarpudin, Manager, Startup Development Unit of Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB)
Tiyah Yunsi, Country Manager, PGI Data
Moderator: TBC
This dynamic panel brings together startup voices, business enablers, and policy reps to discuss how emerging hubs like Brunei Darussalam are cultivating a new generation of business leaders. The conversation will explore access to capital, digital tools, and strategic partnership.
Closing Segment
Day 1 Ends
