THEME
INTERNAL AUDIT IN A POLYCRISIS ERA: ADAPTING, ASSURING AND ADVANCING
The 2025 ACIIA Conference brings together industry leaders, governance professionals, and internal audit experts from all over Asia Pacific Region to address the challenges of auditing in a polycrisis era — a world shaped by climate risks, geopolitical instability, economic volatility, and rapid technological advancements. With the theme “Internal Audit in a Polycrisis Era: Adapting, Assuring, and Advancing,” the conference aims to equip professionals with the insights, strategies, and tools needed to navigate this complex landscape while reinforcing governance, resilience, and transparency. The event is expected to congregate more than 1200 delegates from 17 countries which will offer a diversified networking and learning experience to all delegates.
Day 1 sets the foundation with a keynote address on national resilience and sustainable governance, followed by thought-provoking discussions on the evolving audit landscape, governance frameworks, and the role of internal audit in driving business agility and ethical leadership. The day also explores the intersection of internal audit and mental resilience, ensuring auditors are prepared to perform under high-pressure conditions.
Day 2 expands the conversation through 16 concurrent sessions across four key tracks:
• Governance & Leadership – Strengthening board communication, governance in volatile geopolitical environments, and leadership development in internal audit.
• Sustainability & Resilience – ESG reporting, supply chain resilience, and sustainable investment strategies.
• Risk & Crisis Management – Navigating financial risks, crisis management in highprofile incidents, and ethical decision-making in uncertain times.
• Technology & Innovation – Leveraging AI, big data, and cybersecurity advancements to enhance internal audit functions.
Through keynote speeches, expert panels, and practical case studies, attendees will gain actionable insights to future-proof their audit functions and strengthen their roles as strategic enablers in their organizations. Join us as we explore the future of internal audit and governance in an ever-evolving world.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
YAB DATO’ SERI ANWAR BIN IBRAHIM
Prime Minister of Malaysia
CHAMPIONING RESILIENCE AND TRANSPARENCY: A NATIONAL VISION FOR SUSTAINABLE GOVERNANCE
- Showcasing Malaysia’s strategic efforts to foster resilience in the face of global challenges.
- Highlighting the role of transparency and good governance in nation-building.
- Outlining future priorities to support organisational and public sector integrity.
Profile:
YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim was born on August 10, 1947, in Cherok Tok Kun, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
He began his formal education at Bukit Mertajam Boys School, Bukit Mertajam, Penang, before continuing his secondary education at The Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK). He later pursued his studies at the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, in 1968.
He, who is also the Member of Parliament for Tambun, was officially appointed as the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia on November 24, 2022. His experience in politics and leadership is beyond question. He was very active in student movements during his youth while studying at higher learning institutions. He is known as one of the founders of the non-governmental organization, the National Union of Malaysian Muslim Students and Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM), established in 1972.
His involvement in the political arena, particularly in the Malaysian Cabinet, began in 1982 as the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department. His political career progressed rapidly, with appointments as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports in 1983 (1983–1984), Minister of Agriculture (1984–1986), Minister of Education (1987–1990), and Minister of Finance (1990–1998). In 1993, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister. He also served as Leader of the Opposition from 2008 to 2015 and again from 2020 to 2022.
On the international stage, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim is a well-known figure. He has been the Chairman of the Board of the Centre for Islam in the Contemporary World (CICW) since 2019. In addition, he is the founder of the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) and currently holds the position of Chairman Emeritus. He was also appointed as Chairman of the IMF Development Committee of the World Bank for 1997–1998 and served as a Board Member and President of the General Conference of UNESCO from 1988 to 1991.
To this day, he continues to serve as the Chairman of Pakatan Harapan (PH) and President of the People’s Justice Party (PKR).
THE SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
BRONZE SPONSORS
SUPPORTING BODIES
CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
YBhg. Dato’ Seri Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi
Auditor General of Malaysia
Dato’ Seri Wan Suraya was appointed as the 20th Auditor General (AG) of Malaysia on 13 June 2023.
She was appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Prime Minister and after consultation with the Conference of Rulers, pursuant to clause (1) Article 105 of the Federal Constitution.
She possesses a 30-year career in public service marked by significant contributions and achievements in various Government Ministries and Departments. She had served as the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development and the Ministry of Unity as well as several other capacities such as the Deputy Secretary-General (Strategy and Monitoring), Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and CEO of the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IM). Dato’ Seri Wan Suraya had also served as trade diplomat for 10 years, based in the Mission of Malaysia to the EU in Brussels and later at the High Commission of Malaysia to Singapore.
She has been awarded the Kesatria Mangku Negara (KMN) in 2014 and Panglima Mahkota Wilayah (P.M.W) in 2019. Dato’ Seri Wan Suraya has a legal background from the University of Sheffield and Lincoln’s Inn and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as AG including professional certifications from the Harvard Business School and the GE Management Campus, Crotonville in the USA as well as the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva. She has been instrumental in the negotiations and conclusion of trade agreements and various bilateral and regional FTAs such as the RCEP, ASEAN-HK FTA and the ASEAN-EU FTA, as well as formulation of national policies, such as the National Automotive Policy, National E-Commerce Strategic Roadmap (NESR), National Entrepreneurship Policy (DKN) 2030, National Unity Policy and the National Unity Blueprint. With a proven track record, she continues to shape Malaysia’s trajectory through her impactful contributions in governance, trade, and strategic leadership.
Anthony J. Pugliese
President and CEO, The Institute of Internal Auditors Inc.
Anthony J. Pugliese is President and CEO of The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), the internal audit profession’s most widely recognized advocate, educator, and provider of standards, guidance, and certifications.
Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Pugliese has been a strategic, hands-on leader who has directed expansions into major global markets, pioneered innovative educational initiatives aimed at enhancing members’ professional growth, overseen the internal audit function of a major organization for more than 15 years, and re-shaped cultural norms toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusiveness (DE&I).
As CEO of The IIA, Anthony drives the vision and management of a global professional association that represents more than 260,000 members, nearly 150 chapters, and 117 institutes in more than 170 countries and territories. He is focused on advocating for internal auditors worldwide while driving the evolution of both The IIA and the internal audit profession through initiatives to modernize professional standards and certifications. Of note, he spearheaded the groundbreaking “Internal Audit: Vision 2035 – Creating Our Future Together” project, which aims to identify what the internal audit profession will look like – and should look like – in 2035 and create a roadmap to help the profession achieve that vision.
A seasoned executive and skilled association strategist with a passion for innovation and technological advancement, Pugliese advocates a culture that promotes innovation, collaboration, empowerment, diversity, and achievement. He is very active in the community, with a passion for mentoring students and leading business partnerships, such as chambers of commerce.
Pugliese was previously President and CEO of the California Society of CPAs, the largest state CPA organization in the United States, with almost 50,000 members. In 2020, he led development of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at CalCPA to identify and address racial and other inequities in the accounting profession.
From 1997 through 2018, he served in key leadership positions at what is now the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the world’s largest accounting professional organization. His roles included Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, where he oversaw the AICPA’s $50 million relocation to North Carolina; and Vice President of Business Reporting and Member Innovation.
A graduate of the University of North Florida (Jacksonville), Pugliese has been repeatedly recognized as one of the most influential people in accounting and the Greater Orlando business community. He holds The IIA’s Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) credential, and is a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP), and licensed CPA in Florida.
Suhailah Mohamed Abdulla
President, IIA Malaysia
Suhailah is the Chief Integrity & Assurance Officer of SD Guthrie Berhad (“SDG”) and formerly known as Sime Darby Plantation Berhad and in her current role, she oversees the integrity, governance and assurance functions of SDG across its operations in Asia Pacific, Europe and Africa.
Suhailah joined SDG in 2018, after having led various audit, risk management and advisory engagements while serving at KPMG, Astro Malaysia, F&N Holdings and Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels in her close to 30-year career.
Suhailah is a Certified Fraud Examiner, a Certified Integrity Officer, a Certified Internal Auditor by the Global Institute of Internal Auditors and holds a Certification in Control Self-Assessment conferred by the same Institute. She is a member of The Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Malaysian Institute of Accountants and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. She is a Chartered Member of The Institute of Internal Auditors Malaysia and is serving her 2nd term as a member of its Board of Governors. She holds a Bachelor of Accounting (Hons) degree from the University of Lancaster, United Kingdom.
Arthur Leong
Principal Consultant, Quaditix
The speaker has accumulated more than three decades of expertise in the fields of external and internal auditing, as well as consulting services for various industries.
He has also dedicated more than a decade of his career to advocate, market and instruct auditors on how to utilize various audit tools, such as Audit Management Systems and Audit Data Analytics software, to enhance their audit performance and quality.
He has received extensive training and exposure from working in prestigious Big 4 firms, namely Ernst & Young and PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he gained valuable insights and best practices from the leaders in the auditing profession. Additionally, having served as a CAE of a public-listed company, for 5 years, that was on the IBM AS/400 platform and later migrated to SAP R/3, he also gained valuable experience and deep insights on how to audit using CAATs (Computer Assisted Audit Techniques) in these highly automated environments.
He attained the professional certification of CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) in the year 1995, which demonstrates his competence and proficiency in auditing information systems and technology. He has also served as the President of ISACA (Information Systems Audit & Control Association) Malaysia Chapter from the year 2002 to 2004, where he led and oversaw the activities and initiatives of the association that aims to promote the development and advancement of the information systems audit and control profession in Malaysia.
During this period when he served on the Board of ISACA, he conducted numerous workshops and seminars on the subject of IT Auditing, SAP Auditing and Windows Server Operating Systems Auditing. He is also currently a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. He continues to provide training and technical advice and assistance to whoever wants to learn more about the intricacies of Audit Data Analytics and other tools that are of interest to auditors.
Chari TVT
Governance and Risk Committee, UEM Sunrise
Chari is a Business / financial consultant engaged with a local listed conglomerate, high-tech 5G infrastructure company, a global forensics & valuation company, large infrastructure company in the aviation sector, High- tech semi-conductor chip manufacturer amongst others.
He served also a Board member of a few listed and non-listed entities in Malaysia and abroad including UEM Sunrise Bhd, Airasia Aviation Group Bhd, Redone Group Bhd, Phil Tower Inc, Philippines. He recently joined the Board Advisory of a AgenticAI company based out of the US.
Chari Tvt served as the Group CFO of Malaysia’s Axiata Group & Celcom Telecommunication up until December 2016. Axiata is one of the largest telecommunications groups in Asia with more than 200 million customers and a market cap of approximately US 10 B. Chari has also served as the CFO of Celcom Axiata since mid-2009 and was responsible for a series of new initiatives which helped Celcom to receive an Award for generating the highest ROIC within Malaysia.
Prior to joining the Axiata Group, he was Vice President of Sales for Asia Pacific and Japan at Hewlett Packard and had served HP for over twenty years of which he spent 4 years in Hongkong, 12 years in Singapore and 4 years in Thailand and Malaysia. In his 20 years stint in HP, the first 10 years was spent in various finance positions and the last 10 years in Sales & Marketing, Business Unit head at Asia Pac level.
In his down time, he continues to deliver a range of talks at local and international conferences, on topics like Importance of Analytics, Digital Disruptions, Digital Transformation, Technology Risk Assessment, Purpose Driven Leadership, Business Model innovation, Investment Portfolio Management etc.
He is an advisory member of a subcommittee of Malaysian Institute of Accountants. He is also a mentor for entrepreneurs under Endeavor Malaysia and an advisory member to a plastic recycling company.
He holds an MBA from State University of New York at Buffalo, and is a Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants UK, a Fellow member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and a Member of Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India.
Dash Dhakshinamoorthy
Founder, StartupMalaysia & Act2 | Entrepreneurship Enabler | Next Act™ Architect
Dash has spent over 30 years building ventures, supporting founders, and pioneering entrepreneurship ecosystems.
He helps first-time founders, midlife professionals, and corporate leaders create what’s next using the Effectual Method — a research-backed approach based on how expert entrepreneurs leverage uncertainty to take action. A TalentCorp TF50 Fellow and Cambridge alumnus, Dash was invited by President Obama to the Inaugural Global Entrepreneurship Summit. Through StartupMalaysia and Act2, he now guides individuals into entrepreneurship and helps organizations grow through it.
Divakaren Sivagurunathan
Head Of Internal Audit at a Digital Media Agency
Divakaren Sivagurunathan is a seasoned Technology Auditor with over 20 years of experience in internal audit, technology risk, and cybersecurity.
He has demonstrated leadership in managing audit teams, developing risk frameworks, and enhancing operational resilience through data analytics and automation.
He has led internal audit functions for more than eight years, mentoring teams and serving as Board Audit Committee secretary, ensuring strong governance and stakeholder communication.
He is accredited as a CISA professional with a Cybersecurity Audit Certificate and has implemented fraud risk assessments and utilized COSO
and CoBIT standards to strengthen digital and cyber risk controls.
He is currently the Head of Internal Audit at a digital media agency, with emphasis on data analytics and AI, and is using audit to strengthen the process of safeguarding digital assets and data privacy.
Dominic Chegne
Governor, IIA Malaysia
Dominic is a Partner in the Risk Services (RS) unit within PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Kuala Lumpur office.
His employment history spans over 28 years of work experience. Dominic has taken on several risk & governance leadership role during his tenure in PwC. His portfolio prevails in the jurisdiction of internal audit, risk management, controls, regulation compliances, corporate governance and process reviews/ improvements. He previously led the Risk & Governance practice within PwC Consulting and prior to the that, Dominic led and grew the internal audit practice for the Kuala Lumpur office. Dominic currently heads the Business Risk Advisory practice and also the ESG Assurance lead for PwC Malaysia.
Dusk Lim
Head of Solutions Specialist, APAC – Diligent
Dusk Lim is an experienced sales leader with nearly 20 years of experience in the Asia Pacific region, dedicated to providing businesses with innovative solutions to address significant challenges.
With ten years of expertise specifically in serving Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) professionals, his goal is to ensure that GRC functions are integrated into an organisation’s journey towards AI and digital transformation.
Evelyn Foong
Head of Audit, Zurich Australia
Evelyn Foong is a senior governance executive and currently serves as Head of Audit for Zurich Australia & New Zealand.
She also sits on the Board of the Institute of Internal Auditors Australia.
With a deep commitment to aligning governance with long-term resilience and sustainability, Evelyn brings a forward-looking lens to internal audit. She is particularly focused on how climate risks and economic volatility shape enterprise risk and audit priorities. Her experience in mergers and acquisitions has enabled her to lead strategic transformations across multi-jurisdictional functions in APAC, embedding sustainability and adaptability into audit approaches. She has also led international audits across all regions, applying a global perspective to emerging systemic risks.
Evelyn’s leadership style is energetic, inclusive, and purpose driven. She empowers teams, fosters collaboration, and ensures diverse voices are heard. A recognised advocate for diversity and inclusion, she was a founding member of Zurich’s Australia and New Zealand Gender Equity Network (GEN) and continues to champion equitable leadership and inclusive workplace practices.
Fadzilah Musa
Solutions Engineer at DataSnipper
Fadzilah helps audit and finance teams across APAC streamline processes with intelligent automation.
With audit experience and tech expertise, she bridges digital solutions with real-world challenges to boost accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
Gaythri Raman
Managing Director, LexisNexis Southeast Asia-India
Gaythri Raman is the Managing Director of LexisNexis Southeast Asia and India, responsible for the adoption of online solutions for the litigation, corporate and government segments across the regions.
She is a strong advocate for the transformation of legal business by leveraging legal innovations to make meaningful impact. Her vision has led the way in the legal industry in Southeast Asia.
Gaythri’s appreciation for the rule of law and its significance in empowering individuals and improving access to justice in modern society has been a driving force throughout her career. She firmly believes that technology can be the powerful enabler to advance the rule of law by enhancing legal literacy and improving transparency of the law.
A passionate believer in the role of technology in reshaping the legal landscape, Gaythri has championed the integration of advanced tech solutions such as artificial intelligence and analytics tools to streamline legal processes. Her forward-thinking approach encourages data driven decision-making, ensuring legal professionals can focus on higher-value tasks. This commitment to innovation has helped position LexisNexis Southeast Asia at the forefront of legal tech advancements.
Gaythri is an influential leader and has now dedicated much of her career to inspiring as well as supporting her team and partners to push the boundaries of what is possible when the rule of law and technology intersect. Under her leadership, LexisNexis Southeast Asia has won the Singapore Business Review (Technology Excellence Awards) both in 2023 and 2024 as well as the Outstanding Legal Gen AI Innovator Award (Asia-Pacific Legal Innovation & Technology Association) 2024.
Ganesan Kolandevelu
Partner and Head of Sustainability & Emerging Assurance, Deloitte Southeast Asia
Ganesan is a Head of Sustainability practice at Deloitte Southeast Asia. He has spent last 25 years working on various advisory, audit, and risk management engagements with Big 4 accounting firms.
He is a Certified ESG Analyst, conferred by The European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies (EFFAS), who has led more than 100 Sustainability / ESG projects for companies and organizations at Southeast Asia. His expertise includes Climate Risk Assessment, TCFD reporting, Climate Advisory, Net zero and decarbonization strategies, Greenhouse Gas Accounting, Business & Human Rights due diligence, ESG strategies and more recently, IFRS ISSB projects. He has conducted trainings and workshops for numerous large multinational companies involved sectors such as energy and power, oil and gas, industrial and consumer products, infrastructure and real estates, financial institutions and healthcare.
Ganesan is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), CCSA and CRMA by the IIA Inc, CA by the Malaysian Institute of Accountants, a fellow member of ACCA (UK), and a member of CPA Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Accounting (Hons) degree from the Universiti Utara Malaysia and MBA from Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom.
Julian M Hashim
Chief Regulatory Officer, Bursa Malaysia Berhad
Julian, an advocate & solicitor of the High Court of Malaysia and a founder partner of a leading Kuala Lumpur law firm, advised on all aspects of corporate transactional work including international and domestic M&As, take overs and capital market transactions in his 25 odd years of legal practice.
Julian also advised his clients on their on-going reporting obligations, corporate governance requirements and other compliance matters.
As the Chief Regulatory Officer of the Exchange, Julian and his team at Bursa Regulation undertakes regulatory functions of Bursa Malaysia Berhad and its licensed subsidiaries ranging from regulatory strategies and policies, listing, market and corporate surveillance, governance and sustainability, participant supervision, investigation and enforcement.
Julian is also the Chair of Sub-Committee 2: Governance & Disclosures of the Joint Committee on Climate Change (JC3) as well as a member of the Advisory Committee on Sustainability Reporting (ACSR), a national-level committee set up to support the implementation of the IFRS sustainability disclosure standards (ISSB Standards) in Malaysia. He is also a board member of the Capital Market Compensation Fund Corporation.
Dr Kalanithi Nesaretnam
Independent Non-Executive Director (INED) at IOI Corporation Berhad and Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad
Dr Kalanithi Nesaretnam is currently an Independent Non-Executive Director (INED) at IOI Corporation Berhad and Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad.
At IOI Corp she is Chairperson of the Board Sustainability Committee. She is co-founder of Climate Governance Malaysia (CGM) which is the country chapter of the World Economic Forum’s Climate Governance Initiative. She is also on the Steering Committee of the CEO’s Action Network (CAN), a coalition of leaders for sustainability action. She is an ESG advocate and recently completed The Oxford University’s Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme at the Said Business School. She has been sharing her ESG experience with newly appointed directors on Bursa’s Mandatory Accreditation Programme (MAP) since 2022. In June 2022 she was appointed advisor to Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC).
She holds a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Reading, UK. She held the position of Director, Product Development and Advisory Services at the Malaysian Palm Oil Board and subsequently as Minister in the Embassy of Malaysia to Belgium and Mission to the European Union. She is a mentor at LeadWomen and 30%Club, international organisations that are dedicated to empowering women and getting women Board ready.
Lee Min On
Independent Non-Executive Director of Various PLCs
Mr. Lee Min On is a Chartered Accountant (M) with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants and a Certified Public Accountant (M) with the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
He is also a Fellow (CFIIA) of the Institute of Internal Auditors Malaysia.
Mr. Lee retired in 2015 as a Partner of KPMG in Malaysia, after serving for 36 years, with 20 years in external audit & 16 years in risk consulting. His professional experience at KPMG included the external audit of both public and private corporations, as well as board and risk consulting services in areas such as Corporate Governance, Enterprise Risk Management, Risk Based Internal Audit, and Board Effectiveness Evaluation.
He co-wrote Bursa Malaysia’s Corporate Governance Guide – Towards Boardroom Excellence (1st and 2nd Editions), on the Principles & Practices of the Malaysian Code of Corporate Governance. Additionally, Mr. Lee was a member of the task force under the auspices of Bursa Malaysia, responsible for developing the Statement on Risk Management & Internal Control – Guidelines for Directors of Listed Issuers.
He is actively conducts corporate training for Directors & Management and participates in public seminars & conferences as speaker on topics such as Sustainability Governance and Reporting, Corporate Governance, Enterprise Risk Management (including Fraud Risk Management), Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Initiatives, Directors’ Roles and Responsibilities, Bursa’s Listing Requirements (including Corporate Reporting, Conflict of Interest obligations, and Related Party Transactions), the Companies Act 2016, and Risk-Based Internal Audit.
Currently, Mr. Lee serves as an Independent Director of five Main Market listed issuers and sits as a member of the Audit and Risk Management Committee of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.
Liu Chai Hong
Director, Sustainability Advisory, KPMG Malaysia
Liu Chai Hong is a Director in the Sustainability Services Department at KPMG Malaysia, with nearly a decade of experience in sustainability, human rights, supply chain management, and ESG due diligence.
She has worked extensively with both local and multinational companies to strengthen ESG management practices and has supported investors in mitigating social and environmental risks through a responsible investment lens.
Chai Hong is passionate about creating meaningful impact and believes that sustainability is about balancing the benefits between business and the good of society. Her approach emphasizes innovation and collaboration approaches.
Maciej Piolunowicz
Head of Internal Audit at BGK – Polish Development Bank
Maciej is the Chief Audit Executive of Polish Development Bank (BGK), one of the largest banks in Poland, where he manages a team of 32 auditors.
He is a member of the IIA Standards Board, the 20-person body responsible for developing and maintaining IIA Standards, and therefore the co-creator of the new Global Internal Audit Standards.
He holds the CIA designation.
He is a lecturer at post-graduate studies on internal audit at different universities in Poland.
Maciej is an author of articles on internal audit and corporate governance published by leading Polish newspapers and magazines.
He has had a number of presentations during conferences all around the globe, including IIA’s International Conferences, AFIIA and ECIIA annual conferences, and Great Audit Minds events in the USA and of course the amazing 2024 IIA Malaysia national conference.
Majidah Hashim
Sustainability Practitioner
Majidah Hashim was recognized by The Women Achiever is one of the world’s Top 10 Most Successful Women in Sustainability for 2024.
She is a Certified Sustainability Report Assurer (CSRA) and sustainability practitioner with over 18 years of experience driving and shaping global sustainability policies and practices. She served for four years on the Airport Council International (ACI) World Environment Standing Committee (WESC) and regional ACI environmental strategy committees for Asia-Pacific and Europe. She is currently an Executive Committee member for the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) in Malaysia.
Majidah specializes in sustainability trends, framework architecture, triple bottom lines, disruption, transformation and ethics. She has presented national reviews at the United Nations Human Rights Council, addressing crucial issues such as discrimination and access to justice. She also played a role in the development of the Airport Carbon Emissions Reporting Tool (ACERT), the leading greenhouse gas inventory dashboard used by international airports worldwide today.
Majidah has co-authored several influential publications, including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Airport Sector Supplement (AOSS), the ACI policy brief on Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Change, the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) guidance on Integrating Gender and Women’s Financial Inclusion into National Strategies and AFI’s special report on Financial Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities. These contributions are globally recognized and widely adopted as both policies and case studies.
Malar Odayappan
Director, Sustainability and Climate Change | Just Transition Leader, PwC Malaysia
Malar Odayappan is a Director in PwC Malaysia’s Sustainability and Climate Change practice and the firm’s Just Transition Leader, bringing over 25 years of experience in social compliance, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement
At PwC, she leads the development of sustainability service roadmaps across Southeast Asia and supports clients on issues spanning human rights, ESG governance, and just energy transitions.
She has led impactful initiatives, including facilitating cross-sector stakeholder roundtables on Just Transition for Malaysia’s largest energy client, and conducting a nationwide labour market policy study for a UN agency. Her work also includes human rights risk assessments, ESG due diligence, and capacity building workshops for senior leaders across industries.
Prior to joining PwC, Malar held regional roles in multinational companies, where she led audit-related initiatives, developed compliance tools aligned with global standards like SLCP, and championed workforce impact strategies including gender equity and fair recruitment. Her regional experience spans South Asia, Hong Kong, and Mauritius, with proven expertise in multi-brand assessments, vendor engagement, and risk-based audit systems.
Malar’s work is grounded in her ability to connect ESG principles with operational realities, making her a sought-after advisor on building resilient, socially responsible business strategies.
Manoj Agarwal
President, ACIIA
Manoj Agarwal currently leads the Internal Audit and Risk Management department at one of India’s largest specialty footwear retailers.
SWith over two decades of experience, he has built a strong track record of delivering assurance and advisory services across the retail, facility management, and BFSI sectors. Prior to his current role, Manoj was responsible for internal audit and risk management for the Indian operations of ISS A/S and served as the vertical leader for the IT/ITES industry at ANB Consulting.
Manoj is known for his holistic, data-driven approach to governance, risk, compliance, and ethics. His work focuses on aligning governance practices with business objectives to help organizations achieve higher levels of maturity and resilience. He is also a sought-after speaker, having delivered sessions at various international conferences on topics such as Third-Party Risk Management, Fraud Risk Management, the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), and corporate governance.
Since 2019, Manoj has been a member of the International Internal Audit Standards Board. He previously served on the Professional Issues Committee from 2013 to 2017. Within the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) India, he has held several leadership roles, including Chair of the Training Committee since 2019, Treasurer since 2022, and President of the IIA India Bombay Chapter during 2018–2019. A dedicated volunteer with IIA since 2008, Manoj holds several professional certifications, including CIA, CRMA, CISA, and CA.
Dato’ Merina Abu Tahir
ACCA Global Council Member | Board of Director of Public Listed Companies
Merina Abu Tahir has over 35 years of working experience in various senior management positions in finance, accounting, business development, audit, governance and ethics; in Malaysia, United Kingdom, Middle East, Africa and South America.
She is currently an Independent Non-Executive Director on the boards of Malaysian public-listed companies, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, SP Setia Berhad and AEON Co (M) Berhad.
Merina is active in the development and promotion of the accounting profession through current appointments in the ACCA Global Council, ACCA Global Forum on Governance Risk & Performance, Malaysian Institute of Accountant (MIA) Education Board and MIA Professional Accountants in Business Committee.
Merina is the past Chair of ACCA Malaysia Advisory Committee, past MIA Council member and past Executive Committee member of the International Association of Airline Internal Auditors.
She is a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA), Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), member of the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA), ASEAN Chartered Professional Accountant, Institute of Internal Auditors Malaysia (IIAM) and Institute of Corporate Directors Malaysia (ICDM).
Mohd Khaidzir Shahari
Chairman, SORMIC Task Force | Past President, IIA Malaysia
Khaidzir, a Certified Internal Auditor, is the Chief Executive Officer at Lembaga Zakat Selangor effective from 7th April 2025.
Previously, he was a Partner and an Executive Director at KPMG Management and Risk Consulting Sdn Bhd.
He has been a member of the Institute Internal Auditors Malaysia since 1997 and held various chairmanship position in task forces and sub committees, i.e Research and Technical Advisory Committee, Guidance on Internal Audit Function V.2 and FAQ on Sustainability Assurance by Internal Auditor. He is also a member of Malaysian Institute of Accountants and a member of its Islamic Finance Council.
In KPMG, he has been providing governance, risk and controls advisory services to public listed companies, government-linked companies, multi-national corporations and large enterprises.
Navin Pasricha
Executive Director, Decalais Consultants
Navin Pasricha has spent more than 40 years in internal audit, risk, and governance—working across Asia, the Middle East, and Australia.
He’s been a Chief Audit Executive, Chief Risk Officer, Big Four director, served on both audit and risk committees and chaired a Corporate Governance & Board Improvement consulting practice. Along the way, he’s helped boards and audit teams shift from assurance centred roles, to strategic auditing.
Navin now runs a boutique advisory firm focused on strategic audit and board-level impact. He’s also the author of Getting Ready to Roar: The Modern CAE’s Guide from Audit Room to Board Room—a practical guide for audit leaders looking to stay relevant and have real influence. His other publications include AUDITMAN and Audit Committee Adviser.
He’s spoken in 15+ countries, always bringing a grounded, real-world perspective. His session, “Enhancing Board Communication for Strategic Governance,” will unpack how internal audit teams can move beyond reporting and start building real presence and credibility with the board—especially when the pressure is on, and expectations are high.
Navin continues to mentor CAEs across the region and is passionate about helping auditors communicate with clarity, confidence, and strategic insight. Expect stories, practical tools, and a few uncomfortable truths—delivered with warmth and a touch of humour.
Nur Suriya Selasiya Mohamad Omar
Head of Internal Audit, AEON Co. (M) Bhd
Nur Suriya Selasiya Mohamad Omar is an accomplished audit leader with a proven track record in driving governance transformation and embedding data analytics into audit practice.
She began her career as an external auditor with Crowe Horwath before joining AEON as an internal auditor. Her career took a strategic turn when she was transferred to the CEO’s Office under the Strategy team, where she contributed to company-wide transformation initiatives. Notably, she played a pivotal role in developing the CARA System, AEON’s centralised digital library and dashboard for SOPs. This innovation standardised and digitised over 1,200 manuals, introduced real-time tracking, and strengthened governance processes across the organisation.
In June 2023, Suriya was appointed Head of Internal Audit and spearheaded the department’s transformation to a data-driven audit function. She established a two-team structure — the Blue Team for analytics, thematic, and IT audits, and the Red Team for operational and compliance audits — ensuring a sustainable and phased adoption of analytics.
Under her leadership, the department leveraged Arbutus Analytics to perform deeper, more targeted data testing, enabling the team to uncover trends, anomalies, and potential risks that would have been difficult to detect through manual methods. By integrating analytics into the audit process, the team moved from static, sample-based reviews toward a more dynamic, insight-driven approach. Complemented by visual reporting in Power BI, this enhanced methodology improved audit efficiency, sharpened the quality of findings, and delivered databacked insights that strengthened Audit Committee confidence.
A Certified Internal Auditor and Professional Member of the Institute of Internal Auditors Malaysia (IIAM), Suriya continues to champion innovation, fostering a culture where analytics and technology empower better decision-making, risk management, and organisational resilience.
Philip Satish Rao
Governor, IIA Malaysia
Philip Rao is a Partner of Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn Bhd (EY).
With over 31 years of experience at EY, he has served various external and
internal audits, risk management and corporate governance, and corporate finance engagements apart from the experience gained through secondments in Malaysia and abroad.
Philip is the Programme Director of the EY Entrepreneur of The Year (EOY) award in Malaysia. EOY is considered the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs.
Philip was previously an Engagement Partner for numerous Corporate Governance, Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) engagements in various industries, including stock exchange and capital markets, oil & gas, plantations, construction, property development, services, manufacturing, automotive, hospitality, NGOs, power and utilities among others. Philip is a regular speaker on topics relating to corporate governance, risk management and internal audit, locally and internationally. He also contributes articles on these topics. Philip is a member of the Global Institute Relations Committee 2022/2025.
Rangarajan Gangadharan
Solutions Sales Director – Diligent
Rangarajan has over 12 years of experience in the enterprise software industry, with a strong focus on Audit Management, Risk, and Analytics.
He is a technology evangelist who is passionate about helping organizations address complex challenges to create meaningful and lasting
impact. His mission is to ensure GRC functions are seamlessly integrated into an organization’s AI and digital transformation journey.
Ranjit Singh
Chairman, Axcelasia Group
Ranjit Singh has over 30 years’ experience in the fields of risk management, governance, internal audit and forensic accounting.
He has led and completed internal audit and risk management projects at more than 150 companies (PLCs, GLCs & MNCs) covering various industries. Ranjit has a truly international perspective of best practices as he has completed assignments in more than 30 countries.
He was a member of the Board of Directors of Global Institute of Internal Auditors (“IIA”) for the term 2017 to 2021. Ranjit was also a member of the Global IIA Audit Committee and IIA’s International Internal Audit Standards Board. He was the President of Asian Confederation of Institute of Internal Auditors (ACIIA) and President of the IIA Malaysia.
Ranjit has led five one-day workshops for Bursa Malaysia Berhad on risk management, internal controls and internal audit for 5 years (2013 to 2017) covering participants for more than 300 listed companies and spoke at various conferences and Board training programmes. Ranjit has appeared on TV and Radio shows including Biz talk (Astro Awani) and live on BFM’s breakfast grille programmes on the subjects of internal audit, risk and governance.
He spearheaded Axcelasia’s listing on the catalist market of SGX in 2015. Ranjit is a Chartered Accountant, and he obtained a Master of Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK in 1996.
Raymon Ram
Managing Principal, Graymater Forensic Advisory Sdn Bhd
Raymon is a leading advocate against economic crime, serving as Managing Principal of Graymatter Forensic Advisory Sdn. Bhd., President of Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) and Anti-Corruption Expert (Research) with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
He specializes in Financial Forensics, Fraud Risk Management, and AML/CFT Compliance. Raymon has led numerous corporate fraud investigations, developed national audit and anti-corruption guidelines, and facilitated anti-fraud courses for law enforcement and private sector entities.
As a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), and ISO 37001 ABMS Lead Auditor, he is regularly involved in consultancy engagements and training programs pertaining to his areas of expertise. Raymon is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) in Malaysia.
Ross Tilly
President, The Institute of Internal Auditors Australia
Ross is an executive at the Reserve Bank of Australia reporting to the Chair of the Audit Committee and the Deputy Governor.
He advises the Board and executives on governance, risk and control and is playing a substantial role in the various transformation programs currently underway at the Bank. Ross joined the RBA after retiring from KPMG after 37 years with that firm. Ross held a variety of management and governance roles within the KPMG partnership including the National Partner-in Charge of KPMG’s GRC Advisory practice. He was a founding partner of KPMG’s Risk Consulting division.
At KPMG he served as lead and Risk Consulting partner for a range of ASX 100 companies with global operations, along with several Commonwealth and state government GTEs. Ross has worked in geographically diverse and complex operating environments across a wide range of industries. He provided advice on a range of topics including strategic and enterprise risk management, internal control, business processes and regulatory change. Ross has significant transaction experience with those clients.
Ross is President and a Fellow of IIA Australia, he is chair of IIA-A’s Board, and several of its Board Sub-committees. He has previously served on a number of IIA Australia’s committees, including being Chair of its Audit & Risk Committee. He is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants ANZ where he is the Chair of its Risk Specialisation group and has served as a Councillor on CAANZ’s NSW Council. He is a Graduate member of AICD. He is also Treasurer and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee of a major Sydney based not for profit organisation.
Stephan Yu
Group Chief Internal Auditor, Group Internal Audit, FWD Group
Stephan Yu is the Group Chief Internal Auditor at FWD Group, overseeing internal audit across the organization.
He previously held internal audit roles at Manulife, Sun Life Financial, Asia Satellite Telecommunications, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and KPMG Hong Kong. Stephan also serves as a Governor of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Hong Kong Chapter.
Thanh (Alan) Nguyen
CEO, The Institute of Internal Auditors Vietnam
Thanh Nguyen is the first Vietnamese recipient of the prestigious “Emerging Leader” award, an annual recognition granted by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA Global) and Internal Auditor magazine to fifteen of the most promising young auditors worldwide.
This award reflects Thanh’s exceptional contributions to the internal audit profession and his leadership in the global auditing community.
With over 15 years of experience, Thanh has provided a wide range of professional services, including internal audit, compliance, risk management, internal controls, business continuity management, and US Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Section 404 implementation and audits for both state-owned and private enterprises.
Thanh has served as a keynote speaker for numerous training programs on risk management, business continuity management, internal controls, and codes of conduct, sponsored by renowned organizations such as the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the UK Government, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).In addition to his speaking engagements, Thanh has delivered a wide range of training courses on internal audit, risk management, internal controls, financial management, and management accounting, including official certification courses such as the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA). His training participants include senior professionals such as Heads and Deputy Heads of Internal Audit, Supervisory Board Members, Risk Managers, Chief Accountants, and Finance Directors from leading domestic and international corporations.
Thanh is also a prolific author, having contributed numerous professional articles and technical guidance published by IIA Vietnam and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), further supporting the development of the internal audit profession in Vietnam and beyond.
Thor Boon Lee
Associate Partner, Risk Consulting, Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn Bhd
Thor Boon Lee is an Associate Partner at Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn Bhd, bringing more than 15 years of leadership experience in enterprise risk management across major financial institutions.
He currently provides risk management consulting solutions, helping organizations navigate complex financial, operational, and ESG risks.
Prior to joining EY, he served as the Country Chief Risk Officer at OCBC Bank (M) Berhad from 2017 to 2025, where he led the enterprise-wide risk management framework including credit, market, operational, and ESG/climate risk. His oversight included both conventional and Islamic banking operations, with responsibilities ranging from credit approvals to business continuity planning and cyber risk mitigation.
Earlier in his career, Boon Lee was the Chief Risk Officer at Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (Malaysia) Berhad , where he also pioneered integrated risk frameworks for credit, investment, and operational risk. At CIMB Investment Bank/Asset Management, he held the position of Assistant General Manager and Head of Risk Management, focusing on credit, market, and investment risks within the group, providing leadership and setting directions.
Boon Lee’s comprehensive experience in risk governance, regulatory compliance, and sustainability positions him as a strategic advisor in today’s evolving risk landscape.
Varshu Karumuri
Solutions Engineer, Diligent
Varshu Karumuri is a Solutions Engineer at Diligent Corporation, where he works with organizations across Asia Pacific to strengthen the way they manage audit, risk, and compliance.
With experience supporting clients in both North America and APAC, he specializes in designing and tailoring governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) solutions that help leaders make confident, data-driven decisions. He has partnered with financial institutions, multinational corporations, and government entities to streamline risk frameworks, build actionable dashboards, and leverage analytics for greater resilience and transparency.
With a focus on bridging technology and business outcomes, Varshu is passionate about helping organizations navigate evolving regulatory landscapes and embed resilience into their operations.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
TRADERS HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR
Designed for contemporary travelers looking for sleek comforts and simplified luxury, expect what matters to you most during your stay along with Shangri-La’s signature Asian hospitality. Business or leisure, position yourself in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and discover the adjacent Suria KLCC mall, Bukit Bintang shopping district and unique local attractions as you immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture that is within walking distance.
IMPERIAL LEXIS KUALA LUMPUR
The city is yours to rediscover and call home at the 5-star Imperial Lexis Kuala Lumpur, where warm, friendly service infuses you with the sense of a long-awaited homecoming upon every check-in. Standing tall and majestic, this 53-storey glass-encased skyscraper, housing luxurious rooms and suites, as well as expansive serviced residences, glistens brilliantly in the Kuala Lumpur skyline, exuding a sense of sleek elegance that captivates upon arrival.
Room Rate:
|
Room Type |
One Breakfast |
Two Breakfast |
|
Executive Pool Room |
RM568 nett per room per night |
RM618 nett per room per night |
|
Premium Pool Suite |
RM768nett per room per night |
RM 818 nett per room per night |
How to Book:
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Visit the website: imperiallexiskl.com
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Enter your preferred dates of stay: 8 – 11 September 2025
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Use the Promo code ACIIA25C to access the exclusive corporate rate
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Booking period: Now until 5 September 2025
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Stay period: 8 – 11 September 2025
Please Note:
- Bookings are subject to availability.
- The rate is not inclusive of the tourism tax, which is exempted for Malaysian citizens and permanent residents.
CONCORDE HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR
An internationally renowned business-class hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Combining comfort, convenience, and impeccable service, they guarantee an unforgettable stay.
Promo Code: ACIIA
CORUS KLCC HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR
Nestled in the vibrant Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Corus KLCC is the perfect destination for both business and leisure travelers. Strategically located at Jalan Ampang, our hotel provides a tranquil retreat in the heart of the bustling metropolis.
GRAND MILLENNIUM HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR
Grand Millennium Hotel Kuala Lumpur is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant shopping and entertainment district. The hotel features spacious and modern guest rooms, a variety of dining options, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and spa facilities. Its central location makes it convenient for guests to access major attractions, shopping malls, and public transport within walking distance.
ASCOTT KUALA LUMPUR
Located in the heart of the bustling Golden Triangle, Ascott Kuala Lumpur located 5 minutes from KLCC, offers luxurious serviced apartments just minutes from iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower, and Central Market. Guests can explore cultural hotspots, enjoy delectable street food at Petaling Street, or visit attractions like Aquaria KLCC and Merdeka Square, all within a short distance.
ASCOTT STAR KLCC KUALA LUMPUR
Nestled in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Ascott Star KLCC is an urban oasis offering seamless access to the city’s iconic landmarks, vibrant attractions, and cultural treasures. Located near the majestic Petronas Twin Towers, guests can visit the sky bridge and enjoy stunning cityscape views. Just a stroll away are premier malls including Suria KLCC, Pavilion KL, and The Exchange TRX, alongside fine dining establishments and lively entertainment hubs. Nearby, discover art galleries, museums, historic monuments, and popular spots like Aquaria and KLCC Park.