Energy Forum 2026 – Connected & Charged: The Future of Energy in Malaysia

Organised by the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC), and proudly sponsored by bp Malaysia

Anuar Zaki bin Bakar serves as the Undersecretary of the Electricity Supply Division at Malaysia’s Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA). Since his appointment in February 2025, he has played a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s energy sector, including representing the ministry’s leadership at the 2025 launch of the Community Renewable Energy Aggregation Mechanism (CREAM) for data centres. His work frequently involves regional energy diplomacy to bolster sustainable energy transition.

Luke Joseph leads the global teams responsible for executing bp’s source-to-contract activities. His role also involves active risk management of third-party suppliers, including overseeing the Counterparty Due Diligence process for the bp group. As head of country, Luke’s responsibilities encompass the management of continuity and risk, regulatory duties, and fostering bp’s growth in the region.

As the world transitions to a lower-carbon future, Luke and the bp team are focused on delivering innovative, scalable energy solutions that meet the demands of today while shaping a more sustainable tomorrow. Through advanced technologies and a strong commitment to decarbonisation, they are actively contributing to the global drive toward net zero emissions.

Moderator

Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahir Liew is a registered engineer in the USA and Malaysia, as well as a Chartered Engineer in the UK. He obtained his BSCE and PhD from Texas, USA, in 1983 and 1988, respectively. Having practised in the offshore industries for 23 years, Prof Shahir brings a wealth of experience, having earned his BSc and PhD (Structural Dynamics) at Texas Tech University in the United States, with a focus on offshore engineering and structural dynamics. His professional journey spans engineering consultancy in both the USA and Malaysia, where he successfully established his own companies. He had successfully implemented two start-ups in Indonesia before venturing into academia in 2009. ​

His appointment as the National Foreign High Talent Expert by the People’s Republic of China serves as a testament to his continuous commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering global academic collaborations. Currently, as the Honorary Advisor of the Energy Institute UK, he is instrumental in chairing the Energy Transition Malaysia Initiative.​

Speakers

Shamila Neelakandan is a dual-qualified Lawyer (Malaysia and UK) with 30 years of legal, contracts, and commercial experience in the power generation and water desalination, oil & gas, and rail & infrastructure sectors throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Shamila is an expert in managing complex claims and was recently recognised as an Independent Construction Expert in South East Asia.

Her wider experience includes tender negotiations, procurement, commercial strategy and dispute management. Until recently, she was a senior executive at an international project consultancy initially based out of Dubai and then Singapore/Malaysia. She now presides as an arbitrator on construction disputes. Shamila is passionate about the power sector, and has served as advisor and non-executive board member for energy related establishments. She is a faculty member of the Pantheon Assas, Universite International, Paris, teaching Construction Law.

Ir. Hasmarizal bin Hassan brings over 27 years of experience in Engineering & Design, Operation & Maintenance, and Asset Development for the Grid Division. His strategic leadership and technical expertise have been instrumental in enhancing grid infrastructure and reliability.

Hasmarizal is also responsible for ensuring the long-term sustainable growth and profitability of the division through effective management and optimisation of resources. He plays a major role in realising the ASEAN Power Grid and driving the Energy Transition agenda, and is vital in providing a timely and reliable supply to Data Centres.

He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University Tenaga Nasional/Melbourne Business School, and a Master of Engineering (M.Eng) from the Imperial College of Science, Technology & Medicine, University of London.

Abdul Halim Jantan, FMII and a Certified Risk Management Practitioner, is a Malaysian citizen aged 68, he sits on multiple private company boards, Chairman of JSB, a PLC and Chairman of ARiMM, a Risks Management Institution. He also sat on the board of Commissioners for the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) for 3 years appointed by the Ministry until recently.  As a 45-year veteran in the practice of Risk Management and Risk Transfer, the art and science of developing an insurance and alternative risks transfer solution has always been a passionate part of his life, bringing with him “across the board” hands-on experience. 

Prior to embarking in his enterprising journey being the Founder of Sterling Group of companies, he spent 14 years at American Malaysian Insurance Berhad (AMI), being the CEO in his last position.  As founder and CEO of Sterling Group of Companies, he now runs a leading-edge insurance consultancy and transactional enterprise. With his leadership, the Sterling Group has grown from strength to strength since its establishment in year 2000. 

Today, the group comprises six operating companies, tactically founded to provide a sustainable ecosystem to deliver a comprehensive and competitive solution to targeted industries namely:

• Sterling Insurance Brokers Sdn Bhd
• Sterling Risks Solution Sdn Bhd
• Sterling I-Tech Sdn Bhd
• Sterling Foundation / Sterling Health Care Sdn Bhd 
• TÜV-NORD Engineering Services Sdn Bhd
• Wing Cycle Sdn Bhd

Ir. Dr. Sanjay has over 35 years of experience spanning industry, government, international organizations, and academia. He holds a degree from University of Technology Malaysia and completed postgraduate studies at Kyushu University, Japan. In 2019, he received the ASEAN Excellence in Energy Management Award.

His career began at Tenaga Nasional Berhad, and he has since held key roles at institutions such as University Technology Malaysia, UNDP, Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Singapore, GE Asia-Pacific, ASEAN Centre of Energy, SEDA Malaysia and Advisory Board of the Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre (APERC). He is currently the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Economy, Markets & Planning) of the Energy Commission.

Moderator

Dr Leon Rosario is a technical and business leader with a successful track record of delivering high-value engineering programmes and developing new markets. He is currently responsible for business expansion into ASEAN with a focus on addressing the region’s challenges in energy transition, clean transportation, and scarce resources. Leon advises public, financial, and private sector clients on energy transition, hydrogen, and electrification technology deployment.​

As Regional Lead for Ricardo’s ASEAN operations, he is responsible for developing new business and growing a strong technical team for the emerging ASEAN market. A senior member of Ricardo’s global electrification growth solutions team, he contributes to strategic technology offerings and capability growth plans. He previously held engineering roles at Mercedes-AMG Formula 1, Lotus Engineering, Rockwell Automation and ABB. ​

He is Chair of the BMCC Energy Committee and works with the BMCC, FCDO, and the UK Department for Business and Trade in Malaysia to promote the energy transition agenda with both the UK and Malaysian ministries. ​

He holds a PhD in Power and Energy Management from Cranfield University, is a UK Chartered Engineer, and brings over 24 years of experience in electric vehicles, energy storage, and business development.

Speakers

Datuk Loo received with a BA (Hons) from the University of Malaya in 1978 and joined the Administrative and Diplomatic Service of the Federal Government upon graduation. In 1988, she graduated Master’s in Policy Science from Saitama University, Japan.

During her 38 years of service with the Federal Government of Malaysia, she was involved in policy formulation and implementation in human resources, financial management, and infrastructure privatisation while serving at the Public Services Department, Ministry of Works, and Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water.

Datuk Loo was the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water from August 2010 till her retirement in August 2016. Her notable contributions included her leadership in the formulation and implementation of the National Renewable Energy Policy and Action Plan, Green Technology Policy, Gas Subsidy Rationalisation and Tariff Design for the Power Sector as well as the Restructuring of the Water Industry in Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan of Kuala Lumpur.

During her tenure as the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water, she also served as Chairman of MyPower Corporation as well as Board Member of various government agencies and corporations including Sarawak Hidro Sdn Bhd, Energy Commission, Malaysia Nuclear Power Corporation, Sustainable Energy Development Authority, Malaysia (SEDA), Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Authority (MTJDA) and Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad.

Currently she sits on the Board of two public listed companies, namely, YTL Power International Berhad and Hartalega Holdings Berhad.

Ir. Azril Hanif Zainal is Arup’s Malaysia Energy, Water and Resources Leader with over 19 years of experience in power generation. He has led major projects across Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and Australia, covering design, construction, project management, and operations of both thermal and renewable assets. Azril drives large-scale renewable projects and advises on grid connections and energy strategies for emerging sectors, including data centres. A registered Professional Engineer, he has served on the national grid code committee and held key roles with Malakoff, Jimah Energy Ventures, and a UK consultancy.

Zif Ramli serves as the Global Head of Digital and Talent Sourcing at bp, leading a diverse team of sourcing and contracting professionals across Malaysia, Hungary, and India. His career at bp spans finance, risk management, and procurement, reflecting deep expertise across multiple strategic functions.

He is an advocate for respect, inclusion, and talent development, with a proven record of building functional excellence and driving digital transformation initiatives across the organization.

Before joining bp, he held several senior roles at HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad and began his career with PwC Malaysia.