MEET OUR SPEAKERS

Dr. Non Arkara is an award-winning innovator, urban designer and thought leader recognized globally for his human-centered approach to smart city development. With a diverse background spanning architecture, urban planning, anthropology and public policy, Dr. Non brings multidisciplinary expertise to addressing complex urban challenges. He holds a PhD in Anthropology from Harvard University, a Master’s in Architecture Studies from MIT, and a Bachelor’s in Architecture.

As a Smart City Expert at Thailand's Digital Economy Promotion Agency, Dr. Non has spearheaded numerous digital transformation and smart city initiatives nationally. This includes launching Thailand's first smart city program, delivering training to 5000+ officials, and winning an award for an AI platform managing water infrastructure.

With over 15 years of experience spanning 6 countries, he is a frequent speaker at global conferences and events. Dr. Non also gives back through academic reviewing, educational mentoring and pro bono consulting. Driven by a passion to create equitable, resilient and people-centric cities, Dr. Non is a solutions-oriented visionary constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. He thrives on leveraging technology responsibly to improve lives worldwide.

Dr. Giancarlo Mangone is internationally recognized for his unique interdisciplinary expertise in planning, designing + implementing communities, strategies, + assets that maximize their socioeconomic+sustainability performance potential, in ways that achieve aspirational client objectives practically+within budget.

Implemented solutions have achieved world leading performance targets in diverse performance categories, such as: reducing municipal, business, and residence costs (up to 35% city capex + opex); economic, business, and industrial development; affordability; livability; circular economy; climate and disaster resilience; nature regeneration + community + economy integration.

Dr. Mangone currently implements sustainable masterplanning and policies with the United Nations in the Asia Pacific region, is a Senior International Planning Leader at DLR Group, and is Principal of the design research firm Wicked Solutions.

Wan Dazriq is the Non Executive Director of ETHIS Ventures Sdn Bhd. (ETHIS Malaysia) a recognised equity crowdfunding platform by the Securities Commission of Malaysia. ETHIS is also recognised as the first shariah compliant equity crowdfunding platform in Malaysia with an ambition to circulate good through ethical investments.

Aside from fintech and his passion for social entrepreneurship, Dazriq has experience in areas of digital ventures and innovation led transformation initiatives that includes multi stakeholders interests. His experiences include driving large scale transformation projects, implementing digital innovation efforts as well as change management initiatives with government linked companies in Malaysia as well as several Fortune 100 companies where he served most of his corporate career with a leading global technology management consulting firm.

Over 42 years of Technology passionate, through his wide spectrum of position in multinationals and local Technology corporate he has gained his skills in leading organizations to achieve the shareholders vision and to achieve set targets.

Eng. Taha through the years of managerial positions in different industries outside and inside Egypt. He is currently the General Manager at Citex Systems Ltd, and the Co-founder for Projecta Consult Co., covering Financial & Technology services.

He was the General Manager of Orascom Technology Solutions for five years, where he was responsible for all systems integration & Professional Consulting Services.

Prior to that he was the :

- General Manager “Advanced Computer Technology (ACT)” ,

- Regional Manager for North Africa at General Electric Information Services (GEIS) and

- Manager of Products Support and Services IBM/ SBM Saudi Arabia

- and the CIO of Sahara Petroleum Services Group.

Eng./ Taha has received a variety of achievements and awards both nationally and internationally, and recently during the WCIT2022 he was elected as a Board member in “WITSA” World Information Technology and Software Alliance.

Currently he serve as the Vice Chairman of Witsa for the MENA Region.

Locally in Egypt he is one of the founders for the largest Technology NGO “Eitesal”, Treasurer and Board member.

In addition, he was the vice-chairman of the Solar Energy Association SEDA.

Eng. / Taha graduated from faculty of Electrical Engineering, Alexandria University, and he also received a Diploma in Marketing Profitable Business and Trading from the British College in Jersey, Britain.

He combines his passion for Nature through his activity to Navigate and explore the Red Sea Treasures and Off Road Desert Mysteries with his beloved family & friends.

Special Course : Emerging Leaders Program

Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education

Harvard University- John F. Kennedy School of Government

79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States

November 3 – 8, 2019

Post Graduate : Master of Public Administration, Bukidnon State University

March 2015

Special Program : Fellow, 2nd Co-Hort, Mindanao Bridging Leaders Program

Asian Institute of Management

July 2011 – November 2012

OTHER REGIONAL DESIGNATION:

Chairman, Economic Development Committee

Regional Development Council - Region 10

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) R10

Congressman (Two-Terms)

House of Representative, Lone District of Iligan

a. July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2022 (2nd Term)

b. July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2019 (1st Term)

City Councilor (Two Terms)

Sangguniang Panlungsod, Iligan City

a. July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2016 (2nd Term)

b. July 2010 – June 2013 (1st Term)

Anna is an experienced smart city professional having worked with over 100 government organisations across local, state, and Federal jurisdictions. Her insights come from hands-on experience working with communities to understand their challenges, concerns, and areas of strength to be further supported by technology, data, and innovation.

Anna understands the intricacies of government and how clients can work within their organisations to build the skills, confidence and buy-in required for successful transformation programs.

Leveraging lessons on a global level, Anna applies insights and experiences from global leaders to her approach to smart cities, regions, places, and communities in Australia.

Hello, I'm Jacob, and my journey from aerospace engineering in Germany to the heart of Sarawak reflects my passion for startups and their potential to solve the nation’s problems. I'm a lifelong entrepreneur with a commitment to building impactful startups that contribute to a better world.

Currently, I have the privilege of working alongside the dedicated team at TEGAS, where we're fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. My enthusiasm extends beyond startups; I'm also deeply passionate about game development as a medium for creativity and problem-solving.

In addition to my professional pursuits, I host a podcast where I engage with fellow entrepreneurs and thought leaders, sharing their stories and insights. Through these conversations, I aim to humbly contribute to the global dialogue on innovation and inspire others to take action

Ruslena Ramli is an Islamic Finance advocate with 20+ years of experience. Her banking repertoire include corporate strategy, advising on sukuk/bond issuances, as well as development of Islamic banking products. She is an avid speaker in local and international Islamic Finance and Islamic Fintech conferences.

She leads MDEC’s Digital Finance and Islamic Digital Economy national-level Promoted Sector initiative. Her expertise in Shariah-compliant structures and established relationships with Islamic finance communities locally and aboard are among her valuable attributes. Ruslena holds a BA (Honors) in Accounting and Finance from Middlesex University of London and a Master’s Degree in Islamic Finance from International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF).

Maimunah joint Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) in 2007 and now she is one of IRDA’s Director and leads the Technology and Innovation workstream. She developed the Iskandar Malaysia Comprehensive Development Plan in 2005, and Smart City Iskandar Malaysia Framework in 2012. She leads the Smart City team in IRDA and Chief Smart City Officer for Johor Bahru in the ASEAN Smart City Network program alliances. Maimunah is currently the President for Malaysia Green Building Council Southern Chapter to promote building sustainability and energy efficiency and Council Member for Malaysia Smart Cities Alliance (MSCA), a newly Malaysia formed industry led association.

Mr. Minda is a seasoned technology professional with over two decades of experience in implementing digital solutions across both private and public sectors. Currently, serving as the Head of Digital Economy Project at Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC), he takes a leading role in guiding and overseeing transformative digital initiatives in Sarawak.

In this capacity, he takes on the responsibility of contributing to the transformation of Sarawak's economy through the effective use of digital technologies. His focus is on fostering innovation and nurturing valuable strategic partnerships, all with the aim of advancing the growth and progress of Sarawak's digital economy.