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. Muhammad Syahril Ibrahim (Senior Economist, Bank Negara Malaysia)

• Biography:
  Muhammad Syahril Ibrahim is an experienced finance and economics professional currently serving at Bank Negara Malaysia. He graduated from University of Michigan, where he developed a strong academic foundation in economics, quantitative analysis, and public policy. He has built extensive experience in economic and financial analysis, particularly within regulatory and policy-related environments. His professional interests include macroeconomic development, financial systems, sustainable growth strategies, and the evolving economic landscape of Malaysia and the wider region. Recognized for his analytical expertise and strategic insights, Syahril continues to contribute to discussions on economic resilience, sustainable development, and national growth, particularly in addressing contemporary economic challenges and opportunities.