by Dato’ Dr Ooi Kee Beng

Dato’ Dr Ooi Kee Beng

Executive Director of Penang Institute
Founding Editor of Penang Monthly
Festival Director for George Town Literary Festival

“When is the hardest time to be positive? When you are in a personal crisis, of course. But that is also the time when you can learn things that are the most life-changing for you. So, don’t waste your crises, crises don’t come every day.”

My self-image is that of a writer. That had always been the case. More precisely, I love to learn, and then digest facts into exciting big pictures that I can then put into words. I realised, however, that truths come in layers and in different shades, and you have to peel, peel and peel, and view, view, view, to experience successive epiphanies.

I began working life in Penang as a reporter, and then a sub-editor, a giver of newspaper headings. That was Chapter 1 of my adult life.

Chapter 2 was when I left Malaysia for Sweden, where I worked as a restaurant janitor, floor sweeper, bus-boy and dish washer for a couple of years before entering Stockholm University. My deepest interests were in language philosophy, history, Chinese culture in various forms, and modern geopolitics including Asian post-colonial studies. Big pictures subjects. Meanwhile, I supported myself working three-day weekends at Ericsson Electronics, and raising a daughter.

“Life is simply the period between Birth and Death; it is not the opposite of Death. Birth and Death are bookends, precise points in time. Meaning is found in the space between them”

Chapter 3 involved raising a second family—a son and another daughter—and moving to Singapore to work at the think tank which we now know as ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. I blossomed with this switch from academic lecturing to think tank work. I learned to think through writing. The more I wrote, the more I realised that A-Ha moments can be a frequent experience. Writing is the best way to weave together “the big picture”, about all things, really. That intense period made me an award-winning author. Doors opened even more, and in many directions. Biographies about leaders became my thing, alongside commentaries in regional newspapers. I helped to found the Penang Monthly in 2009, for which I have always written the editorial. That has been a fruitful column for me, along with my regular column in The Edge, “Picking on the Present”.

It is true that you make your own luck; but it takes a lot of hard work to get lucky. Singapore offered me much, and I was smart enough to make full use of it.

In 2017, Chapter 4 began. I was now ready to return to Penang. By then, I must have written 20 books. There is so much left undone in Malaysia, so much to do, so much to be exasperated about. My return synced nicely with the Reformasi Movement. Undeniably, change is generational. What my generation couldn’t do, this new one was trying hard to do. And in that sense, they became my muse.

“The phenomenon of international trade has been costly to build,
and we should now make full use of it to help humanity accept its diversity and recognise the need for peoples and governments to be tolerant, mutualistic and humble.”

Running Penang Institute is the best job possible for a returning son of the island. I believe I have made some lasting impact—on Penang’s public discourse and its policymaking ecosystem, and on the young.

Chapter 5, The Epilogue, remains to be lived—and to be written about. I look forward to it.

Chef Whan Srintip Ruangraigomen

Head Chef of as i am by chef ton

“Authenticity in Thai cuisine has no shortcuts. Respect begins with the ingredients”

Chef Whan Srintip Ruangraigomen’s culinary journey is a masterclass in discipline, evolution, and the pursuit of authentic flavor. Her foundation was built at Suan Dusit University, Thailand’s premier culinary school, where she balanced her degree with a role as a Teacher Assistant, a precursor to her future as a leader.

In 2017, Whan joined the kitchen of the renowned Bo.lan. For two and a half years, she immersed herself in the rigors of Thai fine dining. It was here she learned the “no shortcuts” philosophy, mastering the art of crafting traditional Thai ingredients entirely from scratch. Seeking to broaden her technical horizon, she moved to Gaa in 2019. Immersed in a multicultural environment (60% international staff), she refined her European techniques and emerged as a confident communicator.

“I left David Thompson’s kitchen not just as a cook, but as a student of gastronomy ready to find my own direction.”

Whan’s perspective on Thai cuisine reached new heights at Aksorn, under the mentorship of David Thompson. She regards Thompson as her greatest influence, credited with teaching her the scientific precision and “heart” behind Thai gastronomy. Under his guidance, she moved beyond recipes to master the troubleshooting of complex flavour profiles.

Driven by a desire for career growth, Whan’s path led her to Chef Ton. Connected through Chef Nhat of Sood Penang, Whan recognised an opportunity to master the PR and management skills that define world-class restaurateurs.

In April 2025, Chef Whan took a bold leap, moving from Bangkok to Malaysia to become the Head Chef of as i am by chef ton, which officially opened in February 2026. Transitioning to a new country has been her greatest challenge yet. While she admits she wasn’t “born a leader,” she is proving her mettle by navigating cultural nuances and managing a diverse team with grace. Her mission is clear: to bring uncompromising, authentic Thai soul to the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

“I wasn’t born a leader, but I am becoming one through the challenges in
as i am by chef ton“

Professor Dr. Tan Yen Wooi, PJK

President of the Association of Certified Accountants, Malaysia

“Strong governance is not a cost to business—it is the foundation that protects every success the business will ever achieve.”

“Tax planning is not about paying less; it is about paying right—so that businesses grow with confidence, clarity, and compliance.”

In today’s fast-moving business world, trust is rare — and invaluable. For Professor Dr. Tan Yen Wooi — auditor, tax agent, company secretary, and business consultant — trust is more than part of his work. It is the foundation of a career built on integrity, clarity, and a resolute commitment to doing things right.

With over two decades of experience, Professor Dr. Tan has earned a reputation as a steady and reliable guide through the often complex worlds of compliance, governance, and financial accountability. His clients — from SMEs to family-owned enterprises and high-growth companies — see him as more than an advisor. He is a partner who anticipates risks, simplifies complexity, and brings clarity to even the most turbulent situations. Today, he leads his own practice, offering integrated audit, tax, corporate secretarial, and advisory services, all delivered with professionalism, discipline, and forward-looking vision.

Professor Dr. Tan’s life is a careful balance between personal fulfillment and professional excellence. Travel inspires him, while exploring historic sites and local traditions sharpens his perspective and informs his professional judgment. Friends know him as a true foodie, from sampling Penang’s heritage hawker stalls to discovering hidden culinary gems worldwide. Many of his most meaningful conversations, he laughs, begin over a shared meal. Books on leadership and strategy offer another source of reflection, but it is time with family that keeps him grounded. These quiet moments are a reminder of what truly matters.

Education and mentorship are central to his philosophy. As current President of the Association of Certified Accountants, Malaysia, and an approved tax agent and auditor, Professor Dr. Tan encourages young professionals to cultivate discipline, resilience, and a love of learning. “When your values and your career move together, success becomes far more meaningful,” he often says.

His dedication to community and culture is equally impressive. He actively contributes to 14 organisations, including the Penang Chinese Town Hall, Malaysia Corruption Watch, Penang Masters Athletic Association, and numerous educational and charitable bodies. Through these roles, he champions education, youth development, and cultural preservation, viewing his efforts as vital investments in the next generation.

Professor Dr. Tan’s professional accomplishments are widely recognised. He holds a PhD and is an Adjunct Professor, and has received honorary fellowships and an Honorary Doctorate in DBA. He is a fellow or member of over a dozen professional associations in accounting, taxation, corporate governance, and financial planning. In 2022, he was awarded the prestigious Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (PJK) medal by the Penang State Governor for his community contributions, alongside numerous international accolades including the Regal British Award, awarded by World Humanitarian Drive and the World Distinguished Digital Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award and the International CSR Icon Leadership Award, awarded by KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific & World Digital Chamber.

“In every challenge, a business sees risk; a consultant sees potential. The future belongs to those who turn insights into action.”

While awards mark milestones, Professor Dr. Tan regards the trust of clients, the growth of young professionals, and the strengthening of communities as the true rewards of a life well led.

Professor Dr. Tan Yen Wooi’s journey is shaped not by headlines, but by purpose — and by a lifelong belief that integrity, service, and community always matter.

Bryan Lim

The Art-Tech Alchemist, Co-Founder of Rawmind,
Chief Creative Officer of Monokoily and Veteran Creative Educator

“AI provides the speed of execution, but the clarity of vision is defined by the human mind.”

“When Hollywood heavyweight James Cameron declared that generative AI and CGI represent the “next wave” of filmmaking, and the Russo Brothers began embracing artificial intelligence to amplify human vision, the creative world took notice.“

In Malaysia, that wave has found one of its most compelling champions in Bryan Lim — a veteran visual storyteller redefining what is possible.

With more than 25 years in the creative industry and currently the Chief Creative Officer of Web3 project Monokoily, Bryan is at the nexus of technology, art and imagination. Years spent working within traditional production pipelines — weighed down by long timelines, cross-department bottlenecks and rising costs — convinced him that the future demanded a smarter, faster and more elegant approach. That belief gave rise to Rawmind, a creative studio named after its slogan, “Prompt Your Imagination”, built on the idea that technology should elevate creative instinct, not overshadow it and the belief that one must never lose that “Raw” original creative intent.

“AI is a super tool, but idea is king,” Bryan shares. “The magic always begins with raw imagination. We’re not feeding commands into a machine — we’re directing possibility.” That philosophy took spectacular form in “Jibao Polar Dream”, a large-scale immersive installation for China’s Shandong Museum. By employing an AI-powered “reverse engineering” workflow, Bryan’s team produced ultra-precise 8K visual content without the traditionally long production cycles. The result was a world-class visual experience delivered in record time — proving that the future of high-end storytelling need not be slow, cumbersome or excessively costly.

Co-founded with Shelin Tan, Rawmind was created to dismantle the long-held myth that premium visuals must come with premium budgets. Today, the studio delivers an impressive spectrum of services — from immersive visual engineering for large-scale venues and ultra-HD dome projections, to IP incubation, world-building, and full “script-to-screen” content production. Its agile “Super Individual + Remote Collaboration” model allows a small, highly specialised team to produce work with the scale and polish of global studios.

Bryan’s journey carries an equally distinguished legacy. He has contributed to the art direction and production of more than six animated feature films for the Chinese market, several surpassing box-office milestones of over 30 million. As the former Deputy Head of the Illustration Department at The One Academy, he spent 15 years shaping the creative futures of more than 500 students— many of whom have since gone on to join leading studios around the world.

His commercial portfolio spans fashion and lifestyle publications including Her World and Female, alongside brand collaborations with names such as Shell, LAC, and Jotun. In the digital frontier, his role at Monokoily continues to push visual narratives into the Web3 era, bridging art, technology and blockchain culture.

Aside accolades and milestones, Bryan’s true ambition lies in reshaping how creativity itself is valued. He envisions a new generation of “Super Individuals” — creators empowered by AI to command full-stack production without being confined to narrow roles.

You don’t need a Hollywood budget to achieve Hollywood results he says with quiet confidence. As Rawmind prepares to collaborate with visionary brands across film, animation and the metaverse, he remains determined to prove that world-class legacies can be built right here, with the right blend of imagination and intelligence.

“I no longer draw lines; I guide the story,” Bryan says. “AI may quicken the pace, but vision is—and will always be—human.”

Sim Polenn

Director of Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers (HBAA)

“Art is Life, Life is Art.”

For Sim Polenn, art has always been more than colours on a canvas. It is passion, discipline, and a calling that has shaped his journey. “It is passion towards art that drives me forward,” he once said — and that passion has carried him from an admirer of paintings to the Director of Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers (HBAA), Malaysia’s pioneering auction house. Since taking the helm in 2016, Sim has transformed the company into a trusted institution, known for its transparency and professionalism. To date, HBAA has sold more than 4,000 works — 90 percent of them by Malaysian artists — recording around RM100 million in sales.

“Passion drives everything I do—it is the thread that connects vision to achievement.”

The milestone year was 2021, when Sim multiplied the company’s auction sales nearly fivefold, setting a record peak and proving that Malaysian art could command serious attention. But what defines him is not just the numbers. Sim has always believed that local art deserves a global audience, and he has worked tirelessly to open those doors. In 2023, he forged collaborations with international powerhouses Sotheby’s and Larasati, achieving new world record prices for works by the late Singaporean masters Liu Kang, Georgette Chen, and Cheong Soo Pieng. These milestones placed Malaysia firmly in the global spotlight and underscored his vision of connecting regional talent with international collectors.

At home, Sim has been equally committed to nurturing local talent and preserving legacies. He has curated exhibitions for celebrated Malaysian artists such as Awang Damit Ahmad, Yusof Ghani, Dr. Jolly Koh, and Rafiee Ghani, and has been entrusted with curating and showcasing the collections of prominent figures including Tan Sri Azman Hashim. For him, every piece of art carries a story — and part of his role is to honour those stories and share them with wider audiences.

Equally close to his heart is the belief that art should give back. His conviction that creativity can serve the community has touched countless lives and turned auctions into meaningful platforms for change. Over the years, Sim has organised numerous charity auctions and fundraising projects, from cancer and autism awareness to flood relief and food aid during the pandemic. He is also a sought-after speaker for various art talks across the education, gallery, and corporate sectors.

Sim’s accolades include The Brand Laureate ArtPreneur of the Year Award in 2023 and a Certificate of Recognition from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in 2024. Yet, he remains humble and grounded, seeing his role not as one of personal glory, but as part of a larger mission — to build bridges, tell stories, and shape the future of Malaysia’s art market.