Dash is a passionate entrepreneur, mentor, and educator dedicated to unlocking human potential. With a background in entrepreneurship and a track record of launching successful ventures, he helps individuals shape their futures and transition into entrepreneurship. Dash is recognized for his innovative programs and contributions to the startup ecosystem, including initiatives like act2.life and The Good Enough Community. He holds degrees from Edinburgh Business School and the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, and has completed prestigious programs like the altMBA and Venture Building Bootcamp at MIT. Outside of work, Dash enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and spending time with his two labradoodles.
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Aaron Sarma
General Partner at ScaleUp Malaysia
Aaron is an entrepreneur with experience in technology, digital media and retail. In 2015 he founded Touristly, a travel startup that aimed to help tourists discover and book attractions across Asia Pacific. In 2017, the business was acquired by AirAsia to spearhead its digital transformation with the aim of monetising the data from the 100m travellers who fly every year. Touristly was later rebranded to Vidi and has now become AirAsia.com where Aaron remains as a non-executive board member and a senior advisor. He currently serves as General Partner at ScaleUp Malaysia, an accelerator looking to help startups build and scale to the next level. The program has just completed its inaugural cohort wherein it has invested in 10 companies.
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Daniel Cerventus
Founder of TEDxKL
Daniel Cerventus is the Organizer and Lead Curator of TEDxKL in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – the third-largest TEDx in the world. Daniel has also been an avid practitioner in technology and business for more than 20 years. He is the Founder of NextUpAsia, one of the largest communities of entrepreneurs and business owners in Malaysia.
Over the years, Daniel has also served as an advisor, mentor, and board of directors member of numerous entrepreneurs’ organizations in Malaysia and the Southeast Asia region. His vast knowledge in the industry plays an instrumental role in innovating the region’s entrepreneurial landscape.
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Bikesh Lakhmichand
CEO of 1337 Ventures
Founder and CEO of 1337 Ventures, Bikesh Lakhmichand is a highly respected strategist and seasoned entrepreneur with an unparalleled approach to innovation and growth. He is fervently committed to building a vibrant and inclusive startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia. He’s a co-founder of iTrain Malaysia, an organization committed to providing affordable, practical, and world-class training, highlighting his consistent dedication to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Bikesh is also a sought-after speaker, mentor, and advisor, offering practical advice and actionable strategies that inspire change. His determination, courage, and patience make him a potent catalyst for those ready to shape the future of industry.
Founder and CEO of 1337 Ventures, Bikesh Lakhmichand is a highly respected strategist and seasoned entrepreneur with an unparalleled approach to innovation and growth. He is fervently committed to building a vibrant and inclusive startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia. He’s a co-founder of iTrain Malaysia, an organization committed to providing affordable, practical, and world-class training, highlighting his consistent dedication to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Bikesh is also a sought-after speaker, mentor, and advisor, offering practical advice and actionable strategies that inspire change. His determination, courage, and patience make him a potent catalyst for those ready to shape the future of industry.
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Annice Lyn
Visual Artist, Documentary & Sports Photographer
Annice Lyn is a former national figure skater, turned visual artist and documentary sports photographer. With a keen eye for storytelling, she made history as the first Malaysian female photographer accredited for both the XXIII Olympic Winter Games and the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics.
Currently serving as the creative director for Anntopia Studio and the Canon Malaysia EOS Youth Ambassador, Annice is also a co-founder of Women Photographers Malaysia, where she advocates for an inclusive culture in visual storytelling. Her efforts in bridging the gender gap in visual culture have garnered recognition, including being featured on the cover of TIME Magazine and listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia.
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Harith Ridzuan
The Green Carpenter // Founder, The Green Factory
Harith Ridzuan, also known as Harith Green Carpenter (HGC), is a pioneer in sustainable furniture and home goods, with 29 years of expertise. In 2017, he established The Green Factory, a prominent eco wood manufacturing center in Kuala Lumpur, emphasizing holistic sustainability from material sourcing to waste management.
His global leadership in sustainable woodworking has garnered prestigious awards, including the Good Design Award in Japan, and the Europa Sustainability Awards. With 7 brands under his belt, Harith’s company exports to over 20 countries, positioning Malaysia as a sustainable design hub. Continuously advocating for eco-friendly practices, he aims to safeguard local ecosystems within Malaysia’s timber industry.
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Sarina Sundara Rajah
Founding President of Safe Sport Malaysia
Sarina is a former national rhythmic gymnast, winning gold at prestigious events like the Commonwealth Games and SEA Games. After retiring, she founded the Sarina Rhythmic Gymnastics Club (SRGC) to empower young girls through sports, helping them dream big and thrive. Recognizing the risks in sports, she led the Safe Sport movement in Malaysia, establishing Safe Sport Malaysia to protect athletes from abuse. Now, Sarina works tirelessly to ensure every child’s safety and well-being in sports, believing in the transformative power of athletics for all.
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Rejina Rahim
Founder of Wahine Capital
With over 25 years experience in the Malaysian capital markets, Rejina founded and led Nomura Asset Management’s Malaysian office to success, taking its AUM to over MYR30 billion. Recognized for her leadership, she was one of only three Malaysians listed among the Kindness & Leadership 50 Leading Lights Asia Pacific list, and named one of Asia Asset Management magazine’s 25 industry leaders. Rejina now heads Wahine Capital, empowering women in finance with initiatives like the W Vault – a dedicated digital safe, uniquely crafted for women. Balancing family life with her roles as a mother, daughter, spouse, and active contributor to capital markets, she’s committed to giving back through board and advisory roles.