Franz Wolfgang Eder

As former UNESCO Director of the Division of Earth Sciences (1992-2005); Guest at the Dept. Earth Sciences, University Munich, Germany (2005-2015); Visiting Professor of Kyoto University, Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI), Japan (2007-2009); Guest Researcher at GeoCentre, Geobiology, University of Goettingen, Germany (since 2015), he was instrumental in the initiation and implementation of UNESCO Global Geoparks, is providing advice to UNESCO ‘World Heritage Sites’, and is engaged in promoting and popularizing Earth sciences through undertakings aiming to foster the geoscientific knowledge of the society, including tourists as well as politicians. Some functions: Chairman “WRTO” (since 2020); Past Chairman ‘Earth Science Matters’ (2011-2019); ‘Goodwill Ambassador’ of the UN ‘International Year of Planet Earth’ (2007-2010); Scientific Secretary of UNESCO-IUGS’ ‘International Geoscience Programme’ (IGCP) (2000-2005). He was honoured by several international awards, e.g. the ‘Friendship Award’ of the People’s Republic of China (2005); the ‘Harrison Outstanding Achievement Award’ of IUGS (2008); Honorary Membership of ‘Global Geoparks Network’ (2018). He received his PhD in Geology, Geochemistry and Geophysics from the University of Goettingen, Germany (1970), and is author and co-author of some 140 publications in professional journals, as well as actual Co-Editor of the Springer book series “Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism” and “Geo-Guides”.

YB Wong Hon Wai

Currently serving as Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy 1 term Member of Parliament For Bukit Bendera in the Malaysian Parliament. 2 term state assemblymen for DUN Air Itam in the State of Penang, Malaysia

Richard Louv

Richard Louv is a journalist and author of ten books, including Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder; The Nature Principle; Vitamin N, and Our Wild Calling. Published in 24 countries, his books have helped launch an international movement to connect families and communities to nature. In 2008, he was awarded the Audubon Medal, presented by the National Audubon Society. Prior recipients included Rachel Carson, E. O. Wilson and President Jimmy Carter. Louv is also the recipient of the Cox Award for 2007, Clemson University’s highest honor, for “sustained achievement in public service.” He has appeared on the Today show, CBS This Morning, NPR’s All Things Considered and other national media. He also speaks frequently around the world, including keynote addresses at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference, the first White House Summit on Environmental Education, the Congress for the New Urbanism, the International Healthy Parks Conference in Melbourne, and Friends of Nature in Beijing, China. He is chair emeritus of the nonprofit Children & Nature Network.

Prof Dr. Yang ZhenZhi

Dato' Sri Dr. Abdul Khani Daud

Ang Ee Zhan

Director of TAA Housing Sdn Bhd, Holding an extensive amount of knowledge and experience in sustainable development. A dynamic developer who plans, design and develop the feature of urbanization. Top-notch professional business consultant and Event planner, holding a solid track record of performances in business.

Dr. Achier Chung

Adj Prof Anthony Wong

Bean Hou

Dr Brett Tian Zhiqi

Cai Huaye

Crown Huang

Assoc Prof Dr Daniel Chong Ka Leong

Associate Professor Dr Daniel Chong possesses over 18 years of experience in hospitality education and training. Holding a Doctorate in Business Administration with a specialisation in branding, he is recognised as a certified corporate trainer, hotelier, sommelier, and barista. Actively engaged in Malaysia's F&B industry through industrial projects and ongoing education initiatives, Dr Chong brings invaluable expertise to the field. With a strong background in management, training, and consultancy within the F&B sector, he has represented leading multinational hotel groups and franchised restaurants. Dr Chong's research contributions encompass sustainable practices, challenges, and opportunities within Asia's tourism, hospitality, and food industries.

Danny Chua Khi Siang

Danny Chua is the Group Managing Director of The Habitat Group. He is also on the executive committee of The Habitat Foundation. He is to lead the expansion of the group by taking the successful experiences of The Habitat Penang Hill and The Habitat Foundation to other natureculture-based tourism locations and expeditions around the country and the region, with environmental education, nature conservation and sustainability firmly at its core. Prior to joining The Habitat Group, Danny was the Chief Commercial Officer of TNG Digital, which operates the industry-leading Touch n Go eWallet. He co-founded and co-chaired the ESG council for Touch n Go Group during his time there and leveraged the ecosystem and platform of the organisation to bring accessibility, literacy, and sustained financial inclusion to the mass of underserved individuals. He is a fellow and foundry member of the Acumen Fellowship, a worldwide cohort of leaders working on social change. Danny is a commercial strategist, ecosystem builder with extensive product development and industry knowledge and vested interests in Conservation, Sustainability, Social Impact and Digital Financial Inclusion. He has vast successful experience in start-ups, corporate strategy, farming social enterprises, fintech and digital commerce.

Ding Zexin

Fritz Jeong

Dr. Gary Gordon Sigley

Dr Gary Sigley is a Professor in Cultural Geography in the Faculty of Geographical Sciences at Beijing Normal University. He specialises in research on China’s tea heritage with a particular interest in tea route heritage such as the Ancient Tea Horse Road of Southwest China. This has expanded in recent years to include a project examining the place of China’s tea culture in relation to world tea culture and the possibility of mobilising tea to encourage inter-civilisational dialogue. In this project Dr Sigley also explores how education tourism can be used to assist participants experience connection with heritage, nature and cultural diversity through the medium of tea cultivation, production, distribution and associated cultural rituals and behaviours.

Tom Kuo

Haena SeongSin Kim

Haena is a dynamic leader with a diverse and accomplished career. As an outstanding student representative of the University of Michigan, she founded *What's the F* magazine and gained vast experience in electronics, tourism, education, and blockchain. By age 16, Haena was already designing and implementing experiential education projects in collaboration with private kindergartens in Korea. In 2018, she launched the Learning Adventure brand, scaling it from scratch to a multimillion-dollar enterprise through innovative projects like Sanshan Island exploration. In 2020, Haena joined WildChina Education as Education Director, where she integrated Kolb’s experiential learning theory and expanded the company's reach to nearly 1,000 schools, benefiting tens of thousands of students. Her partnerships with renowned organizations, including Terrtribes and Real Asia, led to groundbreaking projects for top education groups like Nord Anglia International School. As CEO of BeyondClassRooms in 2022, she broadened the company's scope internationally and secured strategic partnerships with global entities like the BBC, generating over $20 million in revenue. Haena's work is linked to prestigious institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and Tsinghua University, and she is a noted participant in global forums such as the American Asian Association and the Jane Goodall Network Symposium.

Herb Jiang

James Wu

Jessie Ong

Professional Background: A senior licensed consultant in MM2H visa services and study abroad programs, with over 20 years of extensive experience specialising in immigration and international education. I specialise in guiding students and families through the journey of studying and relocating abroad. Focus on market development, healthcare and education migration, offering personalised strategies for applications and visa solutions. Experience: Successfully handled over 1500 cases across study abroad, exchange programs, and international student placement. Good understanding of global education systems and faculty standards. My expertise helps students boost their readiness and international competitiveness, ensuring they have the best chance at securing admissions and scholarships.

Johnny So

Johnny So is a highly experienced professional in operations and theme park management. He currently holds the position of Senior Head of Operations and Engineering at Ocean Park Corporation, where he oversees guest experiences, operations, and engineering for both Ocean Park and Ocean Park Water World. Johnny's career began at Ocean Park Hong Kong, where he worked in zoological operations. Over the years, apart from Ocean Park Hong Kong, he also served the Hong Kong Disenyland, Evergrande Fairyland Group, Chinachem Group and recently return to Ocean Park Hong Kong on theme park management and experiences development.

Dr. Kalsitinoor Set

Kalsitinoor Set is a lecturer and researcher in Tourism Studies with a focus on marine tourism. Currently teaching at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kalsitinoor Set specializes in Tourism Services Marketing and Tourist Behavior. Her research interests include understanding visitor motivations, experience management, and sustainable tourism practices, particularly in niche areas like dive tourism. Kalsitinoor Set is actively involved in projects promoting dive guides in Malaysia, highlighting the roles and contributions of dive guides in enhancing tourism services. Additionally, Kalsitinoor Set has contributed to publications on tourism studies and is working on establishing sustainable frameworks for marine tourism destinations. With a background that bridges academia and industry needs, Kalsitinoor Set aims to shape tourism practices that support both community well-being and environmental sustainability.

Kelly Tan Siang Ting

Kelly is an accomplished environmental manager with a Master’s degree specialising in marine biology, with years of field experience in coral, sponge, and turtle conservation. Currently, she leads the research and conservation team at S.E.A. Aquarium, Resorts World Sentosa where her work focuses on developing and implementing effective conservation strategies, particularly in preparation for the upcoming Singapore Oceanarium. Kelly is passionate about preserving marine ecosystems and fostering public awareness about the importance of marine biodiversity, and actively collaborates with local and international organisations to enhance conservation efforts and drive impactful research initiatives.

Lau Ching Fong

Lau Ching Fong has been working at the frontline of conservation in the Belum-Temengor landscape since 2008, starting with WWF-Malaysia’s Rhino Project followed by the Tiger Conservation Program where he carried out wildlife surveys and anti-poaching patrol work. During this time, he spent a considerable amount of time in the field working with the local indigenous people. He is currently spending Perak State Parks Corporation’s Research Officer, heading the management of Royal Belum State Park including enforcement, community engagement, tourism, as well as collaborating with other stakeholders on wildlife conservation projects. In the past one year, he has been the interim Director for Perak State Parks Corporation. He co-authored a number of scientific publications but his favourite one was a coffee table book titled "Wild Perak: Belum-Temengor", published last year, that captured the essence of this wild landscape.

Lavinia Neoh

With over ten years of experience in education, Lavinia Neoh has spent more than seven years specializing in Nature Education. She is dedicated to designing and curating engaging modules that make learning about nature enjoyable and captivating for groups of all ages and backgrounds. Holding a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Conservation Biology, Lavinia has hosted and conducted over 1500 nature programs, camps, events, and team-building workshops. In her presentation, she will explore how "small wonders" can make a big impact in conserving and protecting Mother Nature, raising awareness among both children and adults. Attendees will gain valuable insights into Entopia's role in Nature Education, with Lavinia as one of Entopia’s voices for nature, advocating on behalf of these often-overlooked creatures.

Prof Leong Loong Kong

Prof. ChM. Dr. Leong Loong Kong has a distinguished academic career spanning over 20 years, complemented by two years in the industry. Currently, he serves as Vice President (Academic) and Professor at Southern University College, where he is deeply committed to enhancing education, research, and the application of chemical sciences. Prof. Leong began his academic journey at Universiti Putra Malaysia, earning a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Petroleum Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Advanced Material (Catalysis). His postdoctoral research at COMBICAT, University of Malaya, further solidified his expertise for impactful contributions in both academia and industry. Starting as an Assistant Professor at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, he advanced to Associate Professor and led the Ph.D. and Master of Science programs, significantly shaping curriculum development and academic standards. His industry experience includes a managerial role at an oil and gas industry, where he integrated theoretical knowledge with practical applications, fostering innovation. Prof. Leong has also contributed to establishing and accrediting programs, initiating research collaborations, and enhancing quality improvement policies. An active member of Malaysian Institute of Chemistry, he engages in various professional activities, promoting the advancement of chemical sciences and education globally. At Southern University College, he aims to connect with the community and promote academic excellence and global engagement.

Liang Wern Ling

Rich International Experiences in Project Management, Programming and Marketing for Tourism, Cultural and Education Industry. Held Senior Executive positions in Resorts World Sentosa, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, Wanda Cultural Group, Jeju Shinhwa World, World Scientific Publishing, Singapore Press Holdings etc. Provide consultancy to tourism and education projects in Singapore, China, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam etc.

Liu Jun

Li Qi

Deputy Secretary General of Shenzhen OCT-Hua Ecological Environment Protection Foundation

Lucas Lee Zhi Hao

Marthen Welly

Marthen is CTC's Senior Marine Conservation Adviser with more than 25 years experiences in coastal and marine resources management as well marine conservation. He oversees and lead CTC’s program in Timor Leste and also has a technical role at the CTC Center for Marine Conservation with two key components: training and outreach with dive and boat operators, and promoting and implementing sustainable marine tourism activities in MPAs. Marthen lead coral reef restoration program at CTC and working with central and local government to support marine protected areas (MPAs) establishment and management. He is trainer for Green Fins assessor in Indonesia. Marthen is also an SSI instructor for CTC’s dive school and ADSI Diving Instructor. He was CTC Field Learning Sites Manager since 2011 until 2018, managing all learning site activities. Marthen holds his Master's Degree in Coastal and Marine Resources Management from IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia, and a Bachelor’s Degree from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science of the IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia.

Masazumi Miura

2004: Joined MACEARTH Co., Ltd. Worked as a nature school instructor for children for about 10 years, and was involved in experiential education activities such as adventure education and environmental education. 2014: Became director of Kobe City Nature House Mainly active in experiential activities at Nature House, instructor training lecturer, training program, event coordinator, etc. 2016: Held experiential activity instructor training course in China 2018: General manager of the Outdoor Education Division of MACEARTH Co., Ltd. Vice director of the Japan-China Educational Exchange Promotion Organization / Director of the 72-Hour Survival Education Association 2023: General manager of the Japan Experiential Education Research Institute 2024: General manager of Hyogo Prefectural Ureshinodai Lifelong Education Center Coordinates not only youth education but also lifelong learning initiatives and solving social issues

Meng Hao

Mint Leong

Assoc Prof Dr. Mohd Uzair Rusli

Mohd Uzair Rusli is an Associate Professor at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), a renowned marine-focused institution in Malaysia. He leads the Sea Turtle Research Unit (SEATRU) at UMT’s Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), focusing on sea turtle conservation and marine ecosystem research. Uzair is passionate about fostering public engagement with ocean literacy, exemplified by his initiatives at the Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary. His research extends to scientific tourism opportunities, including hands-on experiences like joining field stations and establishing public viewing lab experience. He actively advocates for bridging science and society, highlighting Blue Tourism’s potential to promote sustainable marine conservation.

Ng Jooi Seah

Phyoe Wai Yar Zar

Phyoe Wai Yar Zar is Managing Director of DTH Travel, formerly Diethelm Travel Myanmar. He led the 100+ member Myanmar Tourism Marketing Association for two consecutive terms from 2012 to 2016, promoting Myanmar as a preferred destination in different source markets. He was conferred with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Assumption University in Bangkok in 2014.   During the pandemic of COVID 19, Phyoe Wai Yar Zar and his wife, Hnin Moe Aung, established a glamping by the Alaingni Dam near Bago to realize their dream for living in an off-grid farm and also to live on a green business.   Phyoe Wai Yar Zar is an active stakeholder in developing tourism industry of Myanmar and loves what he does for a living and for his country.

Datuk Rashidi Hasbullah

Datuk Rashidi Hasbullah is the Deputy President of World Research Travel Organisation Malaysia Chapter and has served as the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC). His career in public service began in 1991, and he later earned a Master in Tourism from Central Michigan University, USA, in 2004. Datuk Rashidi played a key role in shaping Malaysia’s tourism policies, including National Tourism Policy, Eco Tourism Master Plan, Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan, and the successful Malaysia Homestay Experience Programme. Currently, he serves as the advisor of several corporate boards.

Ren Zheng

Stephen Chow

Stephen Chow, who has at least 16 years of experience in the durian industry, is currently a director of Chow Kai Peng Enterprise Sdn. Bhd., as well as a partner of the globally recognized brand DurianBB. From establishing processing and ice cream factories to transforming durians into a variety of products, including frozen durian and durian pulp, which he wholesales to local specialty shops and markets, he has also taken over his father’s traditional durian plantation. After each harvest, he personally delivers the fruits to Kuala Lumpur for sale. Today, he continues to lead in the durian industry by advancing into durian-themed tourism and educational initiatives.

Tan Yaxing

Tan Yaxing is the founder and CEO of MSC Consulting and the co-sponsor of SDG Hero. He serves as the Secretary-General of the Philanthropic Finance Alliance and was selected into Forbes China’s “30 Under 30” list in 2018. Tan Yaxing was named the Chinese Youth Leader of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in 2019, and was selected as the APEC Future Voice Creator in 2020. In addition, he is a Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum.

Tao Yi

Tim, Chen Yunfeng

Wang Lei

Wang Xu

Prof Wei Xinyi

Deputy Director of Scientific Research Department of Guizhou Education University. She received her PhD from Sichuan University. She was also being a visiting scholar to the University of Arizona State (ASU), the expert of World Research Tourism Organization. Since 2011, she has been engaged in teaching and scientific research in the fields of cultural heritage protection, tourism development and tourism research. She has led the team to publish the textbook "Research and Study Travel Product Design". Meanwhile, she has been working closely with universities, primary schools and research tourism entities, to help develop tourism research.

Wong Wai Ling

Dr. (Hon) Wong Siew Te, D.J.N.

Assoc Prof Wong Wun Bin

Dr. Wong Wun Bin is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Chinese Studies at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Deputy Dean of the Institute of Chinese Studies, and Chairperson of the Yuk Chai Foundation Centre for Chinese Studies. His research interests include Malaysian Chinese society, Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist thought, Guanyin beliefs, and Humanistic Buddhism. In recent years, he has guided graduates at I Cultural Berhad, a cultural enterprise, in areas such as research travel or cultural tourism, biography writing, regional revitalization, and documenting the history of Chinese New Villages.

Xie Xiangxiang

Yang Qi

Yang Rong

In 1986,She entered the department of Economy and Management of Northwest University, majoring in tourism economy Management,and was one of the early tourism professionals in China. After graduation in 1990, she entered the travel agency industry and has been working for more than 30 years. Over the years, she have always insisted on doing quality research, from the preliminary research, product development, course design, executive team training and other aspects of the reserach, she have cultivated an excellent research professional team. In 2018, she was recommended as the first president of the Research and Travel Branch of Shaanxi Provincial Toursm Association. In 2023, due to her excellent performance, she was re-elected as the second president of the research and Travel Branch and promoted to the vice president of Shaanxi Provincial Tourism Association. She has won many honours such as “Outstanding Women in Tourism Nominated Award by China Tourism Association” and “Best Achievement Award” by Shaanxi Tourism Association.

Dr. Zhang Yuanlin

Educational Background: 1985.09-1989.07 B.A. in History (Cultural Heritage and Museumology), Fudan University, Shanghai, China. 2005.09-2009.06 Ph.D. in History (Historical Philology), Lanzhou University, China. Working Experience: 1989.07-- Staff, Dunhuang Academy. During the Period-- 1997.05-1999.05 Visiting research fellow, Department of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of Arts,Tokyo, Japan. 2002.08-2021.08 Associate Director and Director, Information Centre for Dunhuang Studies,Dunhuang Academy. Research Fellow; 2014.09-2015.06 Visiting fellow, coordernating Research Fellow of Harvard-Yenching Institute, Harvard University. 2021.08- Vice President of Dunhuang Academy & Distinguished Professor of Lanzhou University.

Zhang Ningning

Zhong Chang

Prof Zou Xiaoqing

Guizhou Education University, vice President, dean of the school of innovation business starting, the national outstanding educator, the national university outstanding ideological and political educator, member of the Guizhou social science association committee, director of the research center on political science integration, including elementary school, middle school, high school and college in the province of Guizhou. She has been long engaged in ideological, political education, innovative entrepreneurship and tourism research.,There have been textbooks published on tourism research product design. She has been working closely with various schools and entities, promoting high quality tourism research.