All MISA entries are judged by highly regarded, independent, expert individuals led by the Chief Judge – the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Malaysia.
After shortlisting the top entries in each category, judges do one final round of assessment during the MISA Day Program where each shortlisted nominee gives a presentation on their submission. Judges and audience members alike are allowed to ask questions of each nominee before category judges meet privately to confer and tally up the points.
Winners in each category are announced at the MISA Awards Ceremony and Dinner. This announcement is inclusive of a Judges Report on the winner’s submission highlighting the underlying core concept of MISA – the sharing of best practices which leads to an elevation in the understanding of Innovation & Sustainability.
CHIEF JUDGE – H.E. Jacques Werner
Ambassador, Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands
The Ambassador is acquainted with Malaysia and the region, having visited the country in 1988 and having been posted as Ambassador to Singapore from 2013 to 2017. Having previously served in Iran, Singapore, Romania, Bulgaria, and India, he is keen to initiate and catalyze tangible partnerships in areas such as agro, water, business, entrepreneurship, and culture.
Panel of Judges
JUDGE A – PAUL TURNER
(Managing Director, Ayvens MHC Mobility Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd)
With over 25 years of experience in the fleet management & finance industry, Paul was previously Commercial Director at LeasePlan International and has held multiple roles within the LeasePlan Group in various countries. Originally from
Canada, Paul most recently lived in Amsterdam for the last 12 years before moving to Kuala Lumpur. Ayvens is the merge of ALD Automotive from France and LeasePlan from the Netherlands and is part of the Societe Generale Group.
JUDGE B – ELINA JANI
(Chief Executive Officer, NextGreen Biomass Sdn Bhd)
Elina Jani is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Nextgreen Biomass Sdn. Bhd. She brings along with her more than 20 years of working experience in diverse portfolios in the green technology and biotechnology industry. Elina possesses a strong background in the public sector, previously driving biotechnology investments for eight years under MOSTI, as well as driving green technology investments for nine years under NRES. Elina has delivered more than RM55 billion worth of potential Investments for Malaysia’s Green Technology Sector from 2016 – 2025 She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) in Science, majoring in Microbiology from Universiti Malaya (“UM”) in 2004.
JUDGE A – SUPUN NIGAMUNI
(Director, Control Union Malaysia)
Supun is an accomplished forestry and environmental specialist with experience in compliance auditing, training, certification, program management, and environmental assessments. He serves as the Managing Director for Control Union Malaysia and is responsible for managing certifications for Control Union Malaysia. In addition to the local responsibilities, Supun also chairs the global expert team overseeing certification activities related to Forestry, Palm, Sugar, Soy, Rubber, and Tourism.
JUDGE B – JACKIE MAH
(President & Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Corporate Directors Malaysia)
Jackie spearheads the strategic direction and execution of ICDM’s Directors Development Framework. She co – facilitates board evaluations across diverse sectors, driving effectiveness, fostering diversity, and cultivating inclusive boardroom cultures. Passionate about sustainability, she integrates ESG principles into ICDM’s offerings for boards and C – suites, leveraging her expertise from the ESG Competent Boards Program. Previously, as CFO at the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) Foundation, she led transformative global initiatives across finance, strategy, IT, HR, and business development.
JUDGE A – DR. CHONG KOK WAI
(Chief Executive Officer, INTI International University & Colleges)
Dr Chong Kok Wai is a firm believer that education is one of the most powerful forces in shaping the future. His background in business administration and early experience at one of the Big Four accounting firms give him a balanced perspective that combines strategic insight with a genuine commitment to developing people and supporting their potential. He is deeply committed to academic excellence, innovation, and continuous organizational improvement, driven by the belief that education must prepare individuals to contribute meaningfully to an evolving world.
JUDGE B – SAFRINA LASA
(Vice President – Sector Development, TalentCorp Malaysia)
Safrina is the Vice President, Sector Development at TalentCorp. She has vast sales and marketing experience in the hotel and banking sector, as well as recruitment and executive search background from PwC and Manpower Executive. She is also the Chair for Workforce Working Group, Tourism Productivity Nexus under Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) and a certified Sustainable Tourism Champion, a UNDP program in collaboration with Tourism Productivity Nexus, MPC. Safrina holds dual Honours Degree in Economics & Business Studies from the University of Sheffield.