TECH PLANTER Malaysia 2025: 11 Years of Deep Tech Innovation, Strengthened by Partnership!

Mr. Abdul Hakim Bin Sahidi is one of the pioneer members of Leave a Nest Malaysia, having joined the company in 2016. Since then, he has played a crucial role in establishing and leading a passionate team in the country. His primary focus lies in business and technological advancements that have the potential to create significant impacts on society. With his extensive experience, Mr. Abdul Hakim has been actively involved in mentoring researchers and startups in both Malaysia and Indonesia. He plays a vital role in bridging them with the right partners, both locally and from Japan, to facilitate collaboration and growth opportunities. Through his efforts, he aims to nurture and cultivate a new generation of technopreneurs in Malaysia, while also supporting the implementation of meaningful technologies that can benefit society as a whole.

Mr. Ian Kuan serves as the General Manager of Strategy & Growth at FSBM I-Design Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of FSBM Holdings Berhad, listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia). The company is a data and analytics-driven organization specializing in intelligent applications and digital solutions.With over 12 years of experience in telecommunications and information technology, Mr. Kuan has held key roles at prominent organizations, including China Communications Services Corporation Limited (Hong Kong), China Telecom Corporation, and Black Box Network Services Ltd. (US).

Dr. Khairul Hafiz Sharkawi earned his Ph.D from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in the field of Geoinformatics (GIS), specialising in 3D GIS. His research interests include 3D change detection, 3D city modelling, digital twin and their applications in the context of smart city. In his current capacity as the Head of Research and Product Development at Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) Berhad, Dr. Khairul Hafiz Sharkawi leads his team in the pursuit of high-impact research aimed at developing new digital technologies with real-world applications. He also leads the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Digital Economy, aiming to foster partnerships between government, universities, and industries, to intensify collaborations and paving the way for the adoption of cutting-edge digital technologies, driving innovation, and propelling Sarawak's digital economic landscape into a prosperous future. Their collective efforts focus on translating innovative ideas into implementable and marketable products that drive economic growth. Additionally, his team collaborates closely with industry partners to develop viable solutions in areas such as smart urban farming, smart aquaculture, and smart city applications, contributing to the development of Sarawak's digital ecosystem.

Melissa Ong is Group CEO of Impact Circle, an ecosystem builder and multiplier, and Founder & Managing Partner of First Frontier Ventures. She leads strategic impact investments in agrifoodtech, driving sustainable innovation, international trade, and inclusive growth to transform food systems and empower women and youth across Asia and emerging markets.

Corporate and transformational leader with extensive experience in Malaysia’s energy and technology sectors. Currently Group COO at ELSA Energy, serving on multiple boards and advising tech startups and energy companies. Former CEO of a major conglomerate’s subsidiary, where I led company setup, tech investments, and market expansion, focusing on renewables, GreenTech, FinTech, and new energy. Expertise includes M&A, startups, venture building, business transformation, and joint ventures. Known for driving sustainable, profitable growth and innovation across industrial and emerging sectors, delivering impactful solutions that support long-term value creation and sectoral advancement.

Shiori Yamashita is the Manager of D-LAB, Japan Tobacco. She is primarily responsible for new business development based on “Delightful Moment”. JT and D-LAB is not limited to a sector, but respects the “Delightful Moment” all over the world, and they think about what we can do for the moment every day. She is looking for people who can create the “Delightful Moment” with amazing technologies and knowledges together. She graduated from University of East Anglia (UK) with a bachelor in business management.

In 2023, Henry joined UntroD Capital Asia, which manages the Real Tech Global Fund franchise. He was appointed as a director in 2025. In his current role, he leads direct investments connecting Southeast Asia, Japan, and global markets, while supporting portfolio growth. He’s particularly interested in tech innovations that create meaningful impact in climate and sustainability.

Before joining UntroD, he worked on early- and growth-stage investments in the industrial and agri-tech sectors. He began his career at Bayer AG in a global leadership program, holding responsibilities in Germany, the US, and Singapore.He obtained MBA from Harvard Business School.

Mr Yong Kum Cheng graduated from University Putra Malaysia with a Bachelor of Science Biotechnology in 1998. He joined the Production Department of Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad in March 1998 and over the years, he moved up the corporate ladder and served under various capacities. Mr. Yong was appointed to the Board of Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad on 1 April 2023. He is deeply passionate about education, believing it to be a guiding star for the future. Mr. Yong is committed to nurturing and inspiring the younger generation, contributing to the development of tomorrow’s leaders.

Mr. Yu Inaba earned his Bachelor’s degree in Environment and Information Studies from Keio University in Japan, and also graduated from the University of Tsukuba with a Masters in Biological Engineering. He started research of microalgae biofuel in 2013 in a Bachelor’s degree program and has published research papers related to altering specific functions in various types of microalgae through the use of biotechnology. Mr. Yu Inaba serves as the General Manager of Euglena Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., bringing extensive experience in driving sustainable biotechnology initiatives across borders. As a key leader at Euglena Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., he plays a pivotal role in advancing the company’s green innovation agenda in Southeast Asia, particularly in promoting biofuel solutions aligned with Malaysia’s green economy policies. His insights offer valuable perspectives on strategic localization, cross-border technology transfer, and the commercialization of biotech innovations in emerging markets.