Forum Topic:

What Will Power the Next Decade?
Economy, Energy, and Engineering in Transition” Insights from Sabah for Malaysia and the Region 

The forum brings together distinguished speakers from industry, energy, and economic sectors to discuss the evolving landscape of regional development and sustainability. Featuring insights from the Business Development Director (Sabah) of Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad, the Vice President of OGSE at SMJ Energy, and a Senior Economist from Bank Negara Malaysia, the forum will explore how economic transformation, energy transition, and engineering innovation will shape Sabah’s role in driving Malaysia’s and the region’s future growth.

Speakers:

1. Joanne Wendy Chung  (Business Development Director (Sabah), Hap Seng Consolidated Bhd)

• Biography:
  Joanne Wendy Chung is a distinguished Malaysian corporate leader with over 25 years of experience in banking, property development, and business operations across Sabah and East Malaysia. She currently serves as Business Development Director (Sabah) at Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad, supporting strategic growth initiatives and business development across the group. Prior to her current role, Joanne served as General Manager for Sabah Operations and Development at Hap Seng Properties and General Manager for East Malaysia Operations at Hap Seng Credit. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles in RHB Bank, HSBC, and Hong Leong Bank, building strong expertise in operations, customer relationship management, and organizational growth. Joanne is widely recognized for her contributions to industry and community development. She was awarded the Visionary Women Leader in Property Development Award in 2024 and became the first Chinese woman in Malaysia to receive the Assistant Fire Commissioner Award in 2023.

2. Musti Juin (Vice President of OGSE, SMJ Energy Sdn Bhd)

• Biography:
  Musti Bin Juin is a highly respected Malaysian oil and gas executive with over 40 years of experience in upstream operations, offshore production, and deepwater asset management. He currently serves as Vice President of OGSE at SMJ Energy, supporting Sabah’s energy development, industry localization, and strategic partnerships within the oil and gas sector. Prior to joining SMJ Energy, Musti served as Deepwater Production Manager at Sabah Shell, where he led nationally critical deepwater assets including Gumusut-Kakap and Malikai, contributing significantly to Malaysia’s oil production. Throughout his career with Shell, he managed large-scale offshore operations, complex production systems, and multi-stakeholder environments across Sabah and Sarawak. Musti is recognized for his leadership in operational excellence, workforce development, and HSSE performance. His achievements include the MSOSH Grand Award in 2018 and the PETRONAS Upstream Unsung Hero Award in 2024. 

3. Terrence John Kouju (Director of Strategic Planning , Energy Commission of Sabah)

• Biography:
  Terrence John Kouju is  the director of Strategic Planning  of  Energy Commission of Sabah. Terrence holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), bringing over 15 years of impactful experience in the electricity supply industry with a distinguished focus on renewable energy, grid infrastructure, and sustainable development. From 2012 to 2023, he led the planning, development, and execution of Renewable Energy projects under Malaysia's Feed-in Tariff (FiT) program, playing a pivotal role in advancing national clean energy goals. He also played a key role in the design and procurement of mobile transformers and substations, which is an innovative solution to addressing rapid power restoration during emergencies and facilitating flexible grid expansion in developing areas. Throughout his career, Terrence has directed hydropower planning and feasibility studies in Sabah for more than a decade, contributing meaningfully to the state's long-term energy strategy. In 2023, he spearheaded the design and tender process for Sabah's first-ever Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a landmark 100 MW / 400 MWh project aimed at enhancing energy security and enabling greater integration of renewable energy into the grid.  Terrence has led ECoS' power infrastructure strategy, implementing cost-saving generation initiatives that optimize resources while maintaining system reliability. He has played a key role in developing Sabah's Energy Transition Strategy, creating frameworks to gradually shift the state toward cleaner energy sources while ensuring economic stability. As ECoS' representative, he plays a leading role in Sabah Gas Strategy collaborations with state and federal stakeholders, helping to align policies and investments for optimal outcomes. His dedication and effective collaboration have been instrumental in spearheading the implementation of the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Masterplan (SE RAMP) 2040, translating strategic vision into actionable projects that advance the state's energy goals. A forward-thinking and collaborative leader, he is deeply passionate about innovating clean energy solutions and actively mentoring the next generation of energy professionals. His deep technical acumen, strategic foresight, and dedication to sustainable progress make him a key driver of transformation in Malaysia's energy sector.