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Sarah Czarina Mashanis, Malaysia
Sarah Czarina is a feminist and nationality rights campaigner who has contributed to Malaysian civic space for over five years. In her current role as Programme Coordinator at Family Frontiers, she contributes to the mobilisation of the Malaysian Equal Citizenship Campaign which successfully pushed for a constitutional amendment to grant Malaysian women equal citizenship rights in December 2024.
Sarah is also committed to advocating for gender-sensitive and family-friendly immigration policies, with a particular focus on supporting Malaysian binational families. Her work focuses on addressing the unique challenges faced by marriage migrants, particularly through a gendered lens, advocating for the protection of women and children in mixed-nationality families. Driven by a commitment to equity, Sarah works to advance policies that promote fairness in migration and citizenship laws.
Samuel Nullai Anak Sawa, Malaysia
Mr. Samuel Nullai Anak Sawa is an undergraduate Psychology student at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and a recipient of the prestigious Biasiswa Tunku Abdul Rahman. He recently finished his undergraduate thesis, studying social support and mental health within indigenous populations in Sarawak. Passionate about community empowerment, Samuel has volunteered with grassroots organizations addressing mental health, education, and sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). Building on this experience, he co-founded MY Mind Comrade in 2024, a youth-led initiative that combats mental health stigma through community-based programs and advocacy campaigns across Malaysia. Samuel firmly believes in the transformative power of youth leadership, thus he believes in equipping young leaders with skills to drive social change. In his free time, you might find him doing spoken word poetry on stage!
Bryan Anak Wilson, Malaysia
Bryan Anak Wilson is pursuing a Bachelor of Petroleum Engineering with Honours at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP). Recognized for his academic and leadership excellence, he was awarded Valedictorian during the Foundation Studies Completion Ceremony (FSCC) 2023. Bryan has held key leadership roles, including President of the Ambassador of Centre for Foundation Studies (ACEFOS), Project Director for national and international programs, and Vice President of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). Passionate about community development, he has actively volunteered in civic-related programs and community services, particularly in Sarawak. As an Iban, one of the largest indigenous groups in Sarawak, Bryan is deeply committed to empowering Iban youth and fighting for a brighter future for his people. He firmly believes, "The strength of our community lies in the unity and empowerment of our youth—together, we rise."
Leo Wong De Quan, Malaysia
Mr Leo Wong De Quan, is a Yayasan TM Future Leaders Scholars’ Representative and a final year engineering student graduating in November 2025 with a B. Eng (Hons.) Electronics majoring in Telecommunications from Multimedia University Cyberjaya. He has completed his internship programme with Texas Instruments Kuala Lumpur as a product engineer in 2024. He is currently an active volunteering member in the Alliance of Malaysia Urbanists, and his current side project is on solving the challenge of high commuting times in the dense Greater Kuala Lumpur area through influencing commuters to switch to public transportation. Through civic engagement programmes, he hopes to better engage with his community for these improvements in public transit, its benefits and how can everyone reap its benefits.
Cathrin Chong Nget Yen, Malaysia
Miss Cathrin Chong Nget Yen recently graduated with a Bachelor of Media Studies from Universiti Malaya (UM). Born in Kota Belud Sabah, she has made remarkable strides on international platforms. During her time at university, she received the prestigious Whakatipu Award for Outstanding Indigenous Students, funded by Education New Zealand, as well as a fully funded scholarship from Yayasan Sime Darby.
Cathrin actively participated in international conferences focusing on discussions related to human and cultural rights, particularly advocating for Indigenous communities in Sabah, Malaysia. She has represented Malaysia in esteemed programs such as the Young ASEAN Leaders Policy Initiative (YALPI) and the NTU ASEAN Summer School, among others.
Beyond academia, she is passionate about volunteerism. Cathrin firmly believes in the importance of preserving and protecting Indigenous knowledge and rights to foster social cohesion, cultural preservation, and the development of a truly multicultural nation.
Lee Si Jie, Malaysia
Ms. Lee Si Jie is a dedicated advocate for public health and nutrition, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics with Honours at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Recognized for her academic and leadership excellence, she has earned accolades such as the Student Icon Award and Distinguished Scholar Award.
Beyond academics, she served as the Deputy Vice President of UPM’s Student Representative Council, and organized impactful community programs, including an obesity intervention initiative and educational outreach for underprivileged communities. Passionate about global collaboration, she initiated and organized an international program to Japan from scratch, focusing on knowledge exchange, volunteerism, and cultural immersion. The program connected students with top Japanese universities and included hands-on community service, such as food bank volunteering and environmental cleanups.
With a belief that “health begins with education and access,” she aims to develop long-term, community-driven solutions to combat obesity and promote healthier lifestyles in Malaysia.
Wong Ji Kin, Malaysia
Mr. Wong Ji Kin (Stanley), is a final year Bachelors of Laws student at the University of Liverpool and is the Deputy President of the United Kingdom and Eire Malaysian Law Students Union. Hailing from Selangor, Malaysia, Stanley is a passionate advocate for the advancement of human rights education and awareness. Stanley founded Malaysia’s first ever Youth Activism Summit with the aim of creating a platform where young activists can network, collaborate and work with one another. With this growing passion, Stanley has been involved with Panduan Politik Untuk Belia, a youth-led organisation aiming at furthering political awareness for students in private institutions in Malaysia. With the strong belief of democratizing human rights education, through education and collaborative effort, anybody can be their own advocate.
Elvie Jen Teo, Malaysia
Ms Elvie Jen Teo is a fourth-year Marine Science student at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), specialising in sea turtles and marine conservation. She is currently an intern at the University of Maryland Center for Environment Science (UMCES). Previously, she was the club president of the Mariners Club of UMS. Elvie has actively represented Malaysia in international programs, such as the International Summer Course at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) and the French + Sciences Summer School at Ciel Bretagne, France. She actively volunteered in environment-related programs, including underwater and beach cleanups, plastic recycling programs, and wetlands restoration projects. Elvie believes that “small actions, when multiplied by many, can create lasting change for the environment”, and she strives to inspire others to take responsibility for protecting our planet.
Nur Alyaa Binti Hazrin, Malaysia
Ms. Nur Alyaa Binti Hazrin graduated with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Hons) from Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), earning the Dean’s List Award every semester. She was recognized as Best Ambassador for Skuad Media UNITEN (2019/2020) and actively participated in theatre. Beginning her career as a research assistant, she applied machine learning to environmental studies, including sea level rise prediction and rainfall forecasting. She later became a research engineer, leading projects on climate change impacts on power facilities and implementing UNDP’s Community-Based Resilience Analysis (CoBRA) to promote dam safety awareness. Alyaa volunteers with the Malaysian National Committee on Large Dams (MYCOLD) and serves as Secretary for MYCOLD’s Young Professional Forum (MYCOLD-YPF). Passionate about sustainability, she is dedicated to fostering environmental resilience and awareness among communities and stakeholders.
Thanees Sehkar, Malaysia
Mr. Thanees Sehkar is a final-year Software Engineering student at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). He has demonstrated strong leadership as an Executive Committee Member of the Computer Science Society and a Core Team Member of the USM Google Developer Student Club. Passionate about sustainability, Thanees led a mangrove tree plantation drive in Penang, planting 200 trees with government support and raising RM10,000 through fundraising. As Project Director of 'Nurture the Nature,' he organised activities like beach cleaning and mangrove restoration, raising awareness about environmental conservation. Thanees is committed to driving community-focused initiatives that address environmental challenges. Through the YSEALI Academic Fellowship, he hopes to gain insights and strategies to enhance his efforts in promoting sustainable development and fostering positive change in Malaysia and the region.
Oh Khang Chiang (KC), Malaysia
Oh Khang Chiang (KC), a graduated Biotechnology student from UCSI University, is driven by passion for creating meaningful impact through leadership. His journey began with active involvement in youth development and environmental initiatives, where he honed his ability to lead and innovate. At the 2024 Intervarsity Leadership Training Workshop, KC’s leadership shone as his team’s proposal for a smart, sustainable Penang won the Best Group award, earning him the Best Leader recognition.
Currently serving as Deputy Director of the Environment and Social Responsibility Office at YBB, KC is leading the design of the 2025 sustainability master plan, driving programs to foster environmental and social change. His achievements, including a third-place win in the Next Gen Eco Innovator competition, reflect his commitment to impactful solutions.
Looking to the future, KC aims to leverage technology to build sustainable ecosystems, transforming challenges into opportunities for a sustainable, better world.
Adnin Sofia Binti Samsudin, Malaysia
Adnin Sofia or known as Addy is currently pursuing Bachelor of Architecture at University Technology Malaysia (UTM). Passionate about the intersection of architecture and environmental sustainability, she focuses on creating designs that harmonize with nature and minimize ecological footprints.
Actively involved in the university's architecture club (ARCHITECH), she has participated in various workshops, competitions, and collaborative projects to deepen their understanding of architecture and its environmental implications.
Architecture has the power to transform how we live and protect the world we share.
Wong Jie, Malaysia
Ms. Wong Jie is a Year 3 Bachelor of Computer Science (Computer System & Network) student at Universiti Malaya with a proven track record of excellence.
Excelling in both business and technology, she has claimed victory in multiple national and international business case competitions and hackathons, showcasing her ability to merge innovation with strategic thinking.
Wong Jie has proudly represented Malaysia on the global stage, including at the prestigious Huawei Seeds for the Future Summit 2023. As a student leader, she is committed to nurturing the next generation of change-makers.
She actively engages in pro-bono consulting projects, using her expertise to drive impactful solutions for communities.
She is deeply passionate about how technology and entrepreneurship can integrate to create meaningful, real-world impact. With an unwavering commitment to entrepreneurship, she believes that innovation is not just about creating products—it's about solving real-world problems and shaping a better future for all.
Khairul Iznill Bin Rusli, Malaysia
Mr. Khairul Iznill Bin Rusli is a final-year Computer Science diploma student at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). A recipient of the Vice Chancellor Award and consistently on the Dean’s List, Khairul is passionate about innovation and technology. He has led workshops on robotics, taught programming, and co-founded CoSA Techworks, a student-run computer store providing affordable services and employment opportunities to financially struggling students. He has contributed to impactful projects, such as designing an automated stamping machine that earned a bronze award at an international competition and streamlined the university’s exam unit processes. As an executive committee member of UiTM’s Volunteering Club, Khairul actively engages in community service initiatives.
Tanusha Saktivelu, Malaysia
Tanusha Saktivelu is a passionate Food Technology graduate with a keen interest in innovation, sustainability, and community development. She has actively participated in academic competitions, including the MIFT Food Bowl Quiz, showcasing her analytical and problem-solving skills in the field of food science and technology.
Beyond academics, Tanusha is deeply committed to social impact and volunteerism. She has played a vital role in organizing events such as the SSI Talent Show for Specially Abled People 2.0 and the Bilingual Masters Workshop for students from vernacular Tamil schools.
Her dedication extends to community outreach, where she has actively worked with initiatives supporting the homeless, striving to make a difference in their lives. Tanusha believes in the power of collective action and the importance of giving back to society. She holds the inspiring philosophy that "True fulfillment is found in uplifting others and creating a world where kindness and compassion lead the way."
Vhinoth A/L Magenthran, Malaysia
Vhinoth A/L Magenthran, a Biomedical Engineering graduate from Universiti Malaya, conducted research on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for stroke rehabilitation and contributed to multiple medical technology projects. He currently works at Stryker and co-founded LegoLift, a social enterprise promoting STEM education for underprivileged students. He played a key role in optimizing operations at Malaysia’s largest vaccination center and has actively participated in global health initiatives and leadership programs. He has received multiple accolades, including the International Innovation Awards Gold Award and the MTE Malaysia Innovation Award for his contributions to medical technology and STEM education. Passionate about healthcare innovation, he aims to bridge disparities and drive meaningful change through biomedical advancements, inspired by the words of Dr. Atul Gawande: "Better is possible. It does not take genius. It takes diligence. It takes moral clarity. It takes ingenuity. And above all, it takes a willingness to try."
Julia Jasmine Binti Jovyn Faizal, Malaysia
Julia Jasmine Binti Jovyn Faizal, a fourth-year undergraduate at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Seremban 3, is currently pursuing a double degree in Business Economics and Mathematics Management. She serves as the Deputy Director of Media & Marketing for the Association of Malaysian Economics Undergraduates (AMEU) and has spearheaded a CSR project offering free tutoring and career readiness workshops for underprivileged students at PPR Lembah Subang in collaboration with F.L.Y (Financial Literacy Youth), a youth-led organization. Internationally, she participated in a symposium with Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta and was also one of the high-committees in charge of securing sponsorship for a beach clean-up initiative at Baron Beach with Trash Hero Yogyakarta. She has earned multiple awards through her active involvement in innovation and case study competitions as a UiTM representative. Her passion in addressing income inequality has inspired her research on addressing the macroeconomic factors affecting Malaysia’s income gap.
Nurul Salbiah Binti Hussin, Malaysia
Ms. Nurul Salbiah Binti Hussin, from Malaysia, graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (Hons.) in Finance. She is currently an Account Executive at Valiram Group and recently completed an internship at 7-Eleven Malaysia, gaining hands-on experience in financial operations. As a leader, Nurul served as Course President and was actively involved in student organizations, including the UiTM Kedah Debate and Public Speaking Club. She earned a Silver Medal in Business Plan iCEBIV 2023 and multiple tennis and sports tournament awards. Nurul is also passionate about environmental causes, having volunteered for programs like the KeeperKu Program at Zoo Negara and the Segari Turtle Landing Beach Conservation. Driven by a desire to learn and grow, she founded "Cookie Cravers," an online business that sharpened her marketing and business management skills. Nurul aims to make a meaningful impact in business and the community.
Kelwe Mok, Malaysia
Kelwe Mok is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Electronic Engineering with Honours at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), majoring in Electronic Circuit Design. He recently completed a three-month internship at Texas Instruments Malaysia, where he supported the Analog Signal Chain team in product engineering, data analysis, and reliability testing. Kelwe has a strong interest in semiconductor technology and IC design, and he enjoys applying problem-solving skills to real-world technical challenges.
Beyond academics, he actively participates in university-led programs and technical competitions, while also volunteering for campus activities. He believes that continuous learning and collaboration are the keys to impactful engineering work. Kelwe is passionate about contributing to innovative technologies that shape the future.
Lau Kai Ru, Malaysia
Ms. Lau Kai Ru (Carol) graduated with Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Tsinghua University, focusing on neuropharmacology and regenerative medicine. With profession in life science and digitalization, Carol has worked closely with business, academia, and policymakers in more than 20 metropolises during gap years. She is equipped with hands-on entrepreneurial experiences as a serial entrepreneur and startup founder. Beyond professional capacity, Carol actively supports social inclusion initiatives globally. She is committed to youth empowerment such as with her capacity as founder and country director at ASEAN Youth Organization Malaysia.
Neha Bhubhindar Singh, Malaysia
Ms. Neha Bhubhindar Singh graduated with a Bachelor of Analytical Economics (Hons.) and was honored with the President’s Award at her convocation in November 2022, recognizing her exceptional contributions and leadership throughout university. She also earned the Student Leader of the Year award and served as Deputy President of the Students Representative Council (2020/2021). Professionally, Neha has made a significant impact at Telekom Malaysia, where she was featured in the M100 Magazine as the Rising Star, thanks to her efforts in fostering a data-driven culture. Driven by a passion for people, Neha now pursues her career in Human Resources at Shell Malaysia. With a strong interest in leadership, women empowerment, and entrepreneurship, she aspires to inspire the next generation to unlock their potential and contribute meaningfully to society and the nation’s progress.
Sunitha Sreenivasan, Malaysia
Ms. Sunitha Sreenivasan is a final-year law student at the University of Malaya and a Tunku Abdul Rahman Foundation Scholar. Deeply passionate about Constitutional and Administrative Law, Sunitha’s journey in the realm of law extends beyond the classroom with active involvement in organizations such as Bichara Malaya, COP UM, and ALSA Malaysia as well as participation in legal competitions, namely, ICMS-MPPC 2022 and TSMC 2023. These have allowed her to explore critical issues at the intersection of constitutional rights and policy reform. Complementing her academic pursuits, Sunitha’s professional experiences through internships at law firms, NGOs, and a judicial internship with the Federal Court of Malaysia have accorded her a unique perspective on the diverse spectrum of legal practice. A firm believer that the law should serve as a tool of empowerment rather than intimidation, Sunitha welcomes any opportunity for discourse on the law and its transformative powers.
Christian Michon Richard, Malaysia
Mr. Christian Michon is a dedicated third-year law student at the University of Malaya with a passion for advocating fundamental liberties. As Regional Coordinator for Students for Liberty Malaysia, he directed events to discuss freedom and justice through the lens of philosophy. Previously, Christian served as the Officer of Logistics and Student Welfare with the UM Law Society and volunteered to teach underprivileged children about basic legal principles, empowering them with knowledge of their rights. In 2023 and 2024, he was selected in SFL's Top Leadership Retreat, enhancing his skills in teamwork, strategic thinking, and liberty advocacy. Christian’s commitment to inclusivity led him to intern at Architects of Diversity, where he contributed to drafting laws on rental tenancy and anti-discrimination. He believes that philosophy is a vital guide for understanding and reasoning, especially in making fair and just laws.
Nurul Aqilah Binti Abdul Hadi, Malaysia
Nurul Aqilah Binti Abdul Hadi is a third-year student at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), majoring in economics. She previously served as the Head of Public and International Relations in the School of Business and Economics Student Council (SBESC). Eager to understand and learn from the changing landscape, Aqilah actively participates in competitions, such as the Malaysian Public Policy Competition. Previously, she volunteered with Mercy Malaysia’s relief effort and, through AIESEC UPM, led a campaign to raise funds for school supplies and participated in programmes to expand educational access in rural areas.
In 2024, she became a Maybank Student Ambassador and contributed to Projek Kalsom, advocating for education equality. Aqilah believes in community power, how “it takes a village to raise a child”, and that “a grain of rice can tip the scale." She aspires to become an economist to drive meaningful, positive societal change.
Sulakhni Kaur Khosa, Malaysia
Sulakhni Kaur Khosa is pursuing her Bachelor of Laws at Universiti Malaya and is expected to graduate in June 2025. A Dean’s List Award recipient, she has been nominated to be featured in the Hall of Fame of Universiti Malaya’s Law School. She has interned at the High Court of Malaya under YA Puan Roz Mawar Rozain, assisting in legal research and judgment writing. Passionate about human rights, she has worked with North South Initiative on human rights law, collaborating with international bodies such as IOM and UNHCR. She has also been a dedicated leader in ASEAN Rising Leaders and Projek Anak Malaysia, focusing on education and violence prevention. As a delegate for the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, she has contributed to campaigns addressing violent extremism. Sulakhni believes in the power of law and community engagement, advocating that "access to justice and education is the cornerstone of an equitable society."