Theme: CONNECT

We believe that we’re not divided even the world made us seem so. By paying attention and taking the initiative, we will discover the magical fabric of our community and our society - the connection between each and every one of us.

Amari Johor Bahru
82C Jalan Trus
Johor Bahru, Johor, 80000
Malaysia

Jacqueline Fong

A self-proclaimed enjoypreneur, Jacqueline Fong's passion is driven by pursuing business ventures. After having given up her career in Investment Banking, she focused full-time on causes that are important to her. Her involvement in craft started when she and her partner co-founded Tanoti Sdn Bhd in 2012 in a quest to ensure that songket weaving continues by giving gainful employment to skilled young ladies after funding for them had been discontinued. Five years hence, and still operating largely from a modified car porch, this Kuching-based community of 20 strong artisans have done the industry and the country proud - having won international awards and showcased in prominent events worldwide. Apart from Tanoti, Jacqueline's other business interest is in hospitality where she manages 3 hotel properties, all within Kuching, Sarawak. Her flagship project, Batik Boutique Hotel, is a TripAdvisor Hall of Fame inductee; in June 2017, it received its 7th consecutive Certificate of Excellence.

Johan Arifin Bin Mohd Ropi

Known as the man behind Kilang Bateri, a lifestyle mall that occupies a factory building; Johan Ropi has been involved in rejuvenation projects such as Johor Bahru Transformation program and Iskandar Malaysia's urban renewal programs since 2010. He is currently the CEO of Institut Integriti Kepimpinan dan Latihan Semangat Dato' Onn (IKLAS), a training unit that assists the government in scouting world-class Johor talents.

Lisa Foo

Trained in architecture, Lisa now practices design independently. She has participated in various collaborative art and performance art projects in creating site-specific installations ranging from sites like rivers, a botanical garden to an urban paddy field. Most recently, she co-curated with Nani Kahar of labDNA, the ASEAN bamboo installation art “Konstruk” as one of the Public Art initiatives by Khazanah Nasional at Puteri Harbour, Iskandar Puteri, Johor Darul Ta’zim.

Navin Binwani

Navin is a self taught maker who first became fascinated with electronics through electronic music instruments and how they functioned. Through the Biji-biji Initiative,he learnt about manufacturing, technology, sustainability and art and the various ways they intertwine. Interested in the future and current global issues, he always has his ear to the ground on the recent rumblings.

Rohith Govindan

Rohith Govindan is a 23 year old young entrepreneur who founded Aarambam Music Academy, a new Fusion Music school in Johor Bahru with a recognition as Best Cultural Outreach Academy by Menteri Besar Johor Bahru. He strongly believes in a vision of leading a new learning era in the Indian Music Industry by nurturing the next generation of classical musicians and dancers at Aarambam Music Academy. Rohith started his journey in Sangeetham and Tabla at the age of 6 under the tutoring of renowned Sir Ajith Bhaskaran Dass (Sangeetham) & Dr Hariharan Subramaniam (Tabla). His mission at Aarambam Music Academy is to provide the opportunity to learn music and dance, and build a Fusion Community through courses in Malay, Chinese and Indian music culture under one umbrella. In accordance with our 1Malaysia concept, the Academy aims to promote the exchange and learning of music culture within the community to unite them as one family.

Sook Ning Chua

Dr. Chua Sook Ning is a clinical psychologist, a researcher and the founder of Relate Malaysia - a community organisation which aims to destigmatize mental illness and engage in public education of mental health. Relate Malaysia is committed to developing accessible and affordable treatments and promoting mental health community support for all Malaysians.