Career

September 2023

Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Minister in charge of Water Cycle Policy
Minister in charge of the International Horticultural Expo 2027（Second Kishida Cabinet(Second Reshuffled)）

August 2022

Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Minister in charge of Water Cycle Policy
Minister in charge of the International Horticultural Expo 2027（Second Kishida Cabinet(Reshuffled)）

November 2021

Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Minister in charge of Water Cycle Policy（Second Kishida Cabinet）

October 2021

Elected to the House of Representatives (10th term)

October 2021

Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Minister in charge of Water Cycle Policy

September 2020

Deputy Chief Representative, KOMEITO

September 2018

Secretary General, KOMEITO

October 2017

Elected to the House of Representatives (9th term)

December 2014

Elected to the House of Representatives (8th term)

December 2012

Elected to the House of Representatives (7th term)

October 2010

Acting Secretary General, KOMEITO

September 2009

Chair, Policy Research Council, KOMEITO

August 2009

Elected to the House of Representatives (6th term)

September 2008

Minister of the Environment(Aso Cabinet)

August 2008

Minister of the Environment(Fukuda Cabinet(Reshuffled))

September 2006

Chair, Policy Research Council, KOMEITO

September 2005

Chairperson,Committee on Education,Culture,Sports, Science and Technology, HR

September 2005

Elected to the House of Representatives (5th term)

October 2004

Chairperson,Committee on Education,Culture,Sports, Science and Technology, HR

November 2003

Elected to the House of Representatives (4th term)

June 2000

Elected to the House of Representatives (Third term)

April 2000

Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Science and Technology Agency

October 1999

Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Science and Technology Agency

October 1996

Elected to the House of Representatives (Second term)

July 1993

Elected to the House of Representatives (First term)

September 1986

Visiting Researcher at Princeton University

April 1976

Joined SHIMIZU CORPORATION

Dr. Kao Kim Hourn’s career has focused on strengthening Cambodia’s international relations particularly in ASEAN, driving policy advocacy and promoting research, education, and development. Dr. Kao had served as a two-term Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, from 2013 to 2022. He has authored dozens of books and articles on Cambodia and ASEAN.

Dr. Kao is a Member of the Supreme National Economic Council, a Senior Fellow at the Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia, and a Member of the Global Council of The Asia Society. He serves as a Member of the Board of Directors for the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace and the Worldwide Support for Development. He also has acted as a Member of the Standing Committee of the Cambodian Red Cross.

With the mission of providing education to the disadvantaged Cambodian youths, Dr. Kao established The University of Cambodia in 2003 and continued to serve as the university president until he stepped down in October 2022.

For his services to Cambodia, Dr. Kao received the Royal Order of Cambodia, the Royal Order of Sowathara, and the Grand Order of National Merit. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from Ohio University in the United States, in 2007, and an Honorary Doctorate in Literature from the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology in India, in 2014. In addition, Dr. Kao received an Honorary Doctorate in Political Science from the Busan University of Foreign Studies, in the Republic of Korea, in June 2023, in recognition of his work and contribution to ASEAN.

Dr. Kao started his career with the work in the think-tank in Cambodia, dedicated to ASEAN and international affairs, after his return from his studies in the United States, in 1993. He later joined the Royal Government of Cambodia where he had served, from August 2001 to August 2013, in a variety of capacities including a post as Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, for two terms.

Dr. Kao completed Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies from Baylor University, Master of Arts in Political Science and Master of Arts in International Studies from Ohio University, and Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

He is married with two adult children who live in Phnom Penh.

Academic Backgrounds

1988

Graduated from University of Tokyo Faculty of Law

1996

Graduated from University of Washington School of Law

Employment History

The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI, renamed the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in 2001)(1988-2002)

1988

Entered

1998

Director of MITI Singapore Office (newly founded at that time)

2002

Assistant Policy Coordinator, Commerce and Distribution Policy Group

Microsoft Asia (2003)

2003

Executive Officer

Microsoft Corporation (2004)

2004

Managing Executive Officer for Public Sector

Cisco Systems G.K. (2010-2015)

2010

Senior Managing Executive Officer for Public Sector

2014

Senior Managing Executive Officer for Public Sector and Commercial Business

DOWANGO Co., Ltd. (Operation Company of Nico Nico Douga , a video sharing website in Japan) (2016-2017)

2016

Director

Ibaraki Prefecture (2017.9-Present)

2017.9

Governor

Hobby

Reading books, listening to music, and various sports ( prefers participating than watching)

Motto

Where there's a will, there's a way.

After graduating from the College of International Studies at the University of Tsukuba, he completed his MSc in Public Policy from the Department of Political Science at the University College London. He further received a Ph.D. in International Political Economy from the Graduate school of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Tsukuba.
He was elected as a Tsukuba City Councilor from 2004 to 2012 (1st term and 2nd term). In 2011, he founded an　NPO　”TSUKUBA AGRI-CHALLENGE” and managed the NPO’s project, “GOKIGEN FARM”, a farm where people with special needs work(he is no longer a representative of the NPO.).
He was elected as a Mayor of Tsukuba City in 2016. He is currently serving his 2nd term.
Domestically, he was awarded the Manifesto Promotion Award for Excellence in the Chiefs category at the Manifesto Awards for his outstanding political initiatives. Internationally, he was selected as a member of OECD Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth in 2023.

Career

March 1993

Graduated from the Faculty of Law, the University of Tokyo

April 1993

Joined the Ministry of Finance

June 1997

Completed graduate studies in Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, USA.

July 2011

Director-General of the Planning and Development Department and Director-General of the General Affairs Department of the Ishikawa Prefectural Government

July 2019

Director of the Financial Affairs Division of the Ministry of Defense

July 2021

Director of the Strategy Development Division of the Financial Services Agency

October 2021

First elected to the House of Representatives (49th general election)

November 2021

Appointed as Manager of the Research Commission on Security, the Liberal Democratic Party
Appointed as Manager of the Research Commission on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise and Small Business, the Liberal Democratic Party

December 2021

Appointed as Deputy Chief Secretary of the Research Commission on the Finance and Banking Systems, the Liberal Democratic Party
Appointed as member of the Ruling Party Project Team for Promoting Construction of New Shinkansen Lines

November 2022

Appointed as Deputy Chief Secretary of the Special Committee on Nuclear Regulations, the Liberal Democratic Party
Appointed as Deputy Chief Secretary of the Headquarters for the Promotion of a Digital Society, Policy Research Council, the Liberal Democratic Party

September 2023

Appointed as Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications

Mr. Yoshida Nobuhiro was appointed Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry on September 15, 2023. In this role, Mr. Yoshida oversees METI’s ongoing efforts to promote the economic revitalization of the Fukushima area, a key priority for the Ministry.

Mr. Yoshida is a member of the House of Representatives, the lower house of Japan’s National Diet. In the Diet, Mr. Yoshida represents the Kyushu region of southern Japan.

Prior to national politics, Mr. Yoshida was active in local politics as a Member of the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly.

Before seeking elected office, Mr. Yoshida gained experience in the private sector through employment at heavy machinery maker MITSUI MIIKE MACHINERY Co., Ltd. Mr. Yoshida started his professional career as a public official at Omuta City Hall in Kyushu.

A graduate of Kyushu University’s School of Law, Mr. Yoshida was born of December 8, 1967, in Kumamoto, Japan.

Education

1998

Graduated from Hosei University, Faculty of Business Administration (BA)

2014

Completed Graduate School of Sport Sciences, Waseda University (MA)

Professional Career

1998

Joined Suntory Spirits Ltd.

2008

Selected as member of National Beach Volleyball Team for the Beijing Olympics

2012

Selected as member of National Beach Volleyball Team for the London Olympics

2013

Chairperson, Association for Beach Life Japan (NPO)

2016

Elected for first time to the House of Councillors (24th General Election)

2019

Deputy Director, Environment Division, Liberal Democratic Party

2020

Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
(Suga Cabinet)

2022

Elected for second time to the House of Councillors (25th General Election)

2022

Chairperson, Committee on Organizations Involved with the Environment, Liberal Democratic Party

2022

Director, Committee on Environment, the House of Councillors

2023

Parliamentary Vice-Minister of the Environment (Second Kishida Cabinet, Second Reshuffle)

Hobbies

Skiing, running, shoe shining

Personal Motto

Keeping first resolutions for life

Academic Background

March 2012

PhD in Engineering, University of Tsukuba

March 1981

BSc in Civil Engineering, University of Tokyo

Professional Career

September 2023

Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, in charge of National Resilience Building, Social Capital Development, S&T and Innovation Policy, (2nd Kishida Cabinet(2nd reshuffled))

August 2022

Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, in charge of National Resilience Building, Social Capital Development, S&T and Innovation Policy, (2nd Kishida Cabinet(reshuffled))

January 2022

Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, in charge of National Resilience Building, Social Capital Development, S&T and Innovation Policy, (2nd Kishida Cabinet)

June 2020

Representative Director and Executive Vice President, East Nippon Expressway Co. Ltd. (NEXCO East)

July 2019

Advisor to the Minister,
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)

July 2018

Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, MLIT

June 2016

Vice-Minister for Engineering Affairs, MLIT

July 2015

Director-General of Roads, MLIT

July 2014

Director-General, MLIT Kinki Regional Development Bureau

August 2013

Assistant Vice-Minister for Engineering Affairs, MLIT
Various posts at Roads Bureau of MLIT, including Director of Planning

1998—2000

Seconded to the U.S. Department of Transportation, in Washington, D.C., USA

April 1981

Joined the Ministry of Construction

Personal History

Born on January 3, 1959, in Nara Prefecture

April, 1988

Joined Ministry of Construction

July, 1995

Director, Personnel Division 1, General Affairs Department, Kanto Regional Development Bureau, Ministry of Construction

April, 1997

Director, Park and Urban Planning Division, Planning Department, Tottori Prefectural Government

April, 1998

Director, Planning Division, Planning Department, Tottori Prefectural Government

April, 2000

Deputy Director, Personnal Division, Minister’s Secretariat, Ministry of Construction

January, 2001

Deputy Director, Personnal Division, Minister’s Secretariat, Ministry of land, Infrastructure Transport and Tourism

May, 2001

Deputy Director, Planing Division, Urban and Regional Development Bureau, Ministry of land, Infrastructure Transport and Tourism

April, 2002

Deputy Director, City Planing Division, Urban and Regional Development Bureau, Ministry of land, Infrastructure Transport and Tourism

October, 2002

Deputy Director, Secretarial Division, Minister’s Secretariat, Ministry of land, Infrastructure Transport and Tourism

September, 2003

Deputy Director, Toll Road Division, Road Bureau, Ministry of land, Infrastructure Transport and Tourism

April, 2004

Director for Road Policy Planning Coordination, Road Adminstration Division, Road Bureau, Ministry of land, Infrastructure Transport and Tourism

July, 2005

Director, General Affairs Division, Urban and Regional Development Bureau, Ministry of land, Infrastructure Transport and Tourism

July, 2007

Director, Budget and Accounts Affairs Division, Minister’s Secretariat, Ministry of land, Infrastructure Transport and Tourism

April, 2009

Deputy Director of Planning Department, Planning Division, Ibaraki Prefectural Government

April, 2010

Director of Planning Department, Planning Division, Ibaraki Prefectural Government

July, 2012

Deputy Governor of Ibaraki Prefecture

July, 2014

Director, City Planing Division, City Bureau, Ministry of land, Infrastructure Transport and Tourism

July, 2015

Counsellor for Budget and Accounts, Ministry of land, Infrastructure Transport and Tourism

June, 2016

Director, Budget and Accounts Division, Ministry of land, Infrastructure Transport and Tourism

July, 2017

Assistant Vice Minister for City Bureau, Ministry of land, Infrastructure Transport and Tourism

July, 2018

Vice Director General, Road Bureau Ministry of land, Infrastructure Transport and Tourism

July, 2019

Deputy Vice-Minister for Policy Coordination, Minister's Secretariat, Ministry of land, Infrastructure Transport and Tourism

July, 2020

Director General, City Bureau, Ministry of land, Infrastructure Transport and Tourism

July, 2021

Director General for Disaster Management, Cabinet Office

July, 2023

Vice-Minister for Land, Infrastructure and Hokkaido Affairs, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

Dr. Safrizal ZA M.Si, born in Aceh on April 21, 1970, boasts an impressive educational journey culminating in a Doctorate in Governmental Science from the Institute of Governance of Home Affairs in 2019. His career trajectory has been equally remarkable, having ascended to the position of Director General of Regional Administration (DGRAD) since 2020, where he spearheads critical initiatives in government and regional development. Additionally, Dr. Safrizal's influence extends globally, as he serves as Indonesia's esteemed National Representative to the ASEAN Smart City Network (ASCN), shaping the nation's role in smart city innovation and international collaboration.

Mr. Lim Chze Cheen is the Director of the ASEAN Connectivity Division under the Office of the Secretary-General at the ASEAN Secretariat. He coordinates the development of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and its preceding document.

Prior to assuming this position, he was Assistant Director of the Strategic Planning and Coordination Division, which managed the overall reporting of progress of ASEAN Community as well as the development of ASEAN cooperation programmes and projects. He earlier served as Assistant Director handling ASEAN Economic Community coordination, particularly the development and monitoring of the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2015, and Senior Officer handling Trade in Services.

Before joining the ASEAN Secretariat in 2005, Mr. Lim was a Senior Research Officer at the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER), specialising in macroeconomics and industrial studies.

Dr. H. APEP Fajar Kurniawan has extensive experience as a Special Staff to the Minister for Political Affairs and Network Establishment, offering recommendations as per the Minister's needs. His background includes roles as a commissioner in both state-owned and private companies. He holds a Doctorate in Management and Government Science from Satyagama University, a Master's in Strategic Intelligence Studies from the University of Indonesia, and a Bachelor's in Theology & Philosophy from Jakarta State Islamic University. In addition, he completed a Master's in Management at Pamulang University and pursued doctoral studies in Political Science at the University of Indonesia.

Education

2014

Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering, Graduate School of Urban Environmental Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan

2007

Master’s degree of Regional Development, School of Geography, Planning and Architecture. The University of Queensland, Australia

2003

Master’s degree of Engineering, Department of City Planning. Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan

1997

Bachelor’s degree of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering. Faculty of Engineering, National University of Laos

Career

2020

Director General, Department of Housing and Urban Planning, Ministry of Public Works and Transport

2018

Deputy Director General, Department of Housing and Urban Planning, Ministry of Public Works and Transport

2014

Director of Engineering Division, Public Works and Transport Institute, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Lao PDR

2008

Deputy Director of Engineering Division, Public Works and Transport Institute, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Lao PDR

2005

Engineer, Public Works and Transport Institute, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Lao PDR

2000

Engineer, Public Works and Transport Institute, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Lao PDR

1997

Technical staff, the State’s Investment Division, Department of Planning and Cooperation, Sayaboury Province, Lao PDR.

H.E. Dr. PEN SOPHAL, born in Phnom Penh on 5th April 1970, is a Secretary of State of the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction of the Royal Government of Cambodia. He has held this office since September 2013. He is also the Permanent Deputy Chairman and a Secretary General for the National Committee for Land Management and Urban Planning and a Secretary General for the National Committee for Cambodia's Coastal Management and Development since 2012.

He holds the PhD, Master and Bachelor of Law specialized in Public Law from the Royal University of Law and Economy( RULE) and Chamroeun University of Poly-Technology(CUP), Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports in Cambodia and he also hold the Master and Bachelor of Art in Architecture and Town Planning from the Royal University of Fine Arts( RUFA) , the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts in Cambodia. Dr. Pen S FRICS is a fellow of Royal Institute of Charters Surveyors .

Dr. Pen Sophal has passed a lot of Professional training as city Planner in Japan, in Netherlands, in Singapore and in South Korea.

He was employed by UNESCO as a lecturer of theory of practice in Architecture between 1997 and 2003 for Royal University of Fine Arts. Lecture of Architecture and Urban Planning for Norton University and Professor for doctoral degree in law at Chamroeun University of Poly-Technology (CUP), and He was also a lecturer at Ecole Royal Administration (ERA).

He is an Professional Architect and Lawyer with a distinguished career in public services such as a Governing Council Member of Board of Cambodian Architects. In the Ministry, he assists Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction on Land Management, Urban Planning, Construction Permits and Coastal Management and Development.

He was the Cabinet Chief of Senior Minister of Land Management, Urban planning and Construction between 2003 and 2006 and he was the director of Urban Planning Department between 2006 and 2013. He has participatory made a lot of legal Framework and policies for the Ministry including Law on Construction, Sub-decree on Urban Planning and Development, Sub-decrees on Building and Construction, Government Circular on Coastal Development, Procedures for Land Use Planning and Master Plan, National Policy for Spatial Planning, Comprehensive Land Policies, Land Management Policy for Transformation of Preah Sihanouk Province into Multi-Model SEZ, Minister’s Regulation on Land Development, Urban regulations, draft Law on Land Management and Urban Planning, and other Sub-Decrees and Ministry Regulations. He is a leading professional person with high experiences in Spatial Planning and Urban Planning in Cambodia and his recent leading works such as the Regional Spatial Plan of Cambodia Coastal Area, Sihanoukville provincial Spatial Plan, Mondul Kiri Spatial Plan, and 25 Urban Master Plans for 25 Cities and Towns and continuing to complete National Spatial Plan of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Regional Spatial Plans, Provincial Spatial Plans and Master Plans for Cities and Towns in Cambodia.

Other than the above leading work in government, DR. PEN Sophal has been leading and publishing the Book on Buddha Abhidhamma, the Book on Kankhavitarani, Pali-Khmer Dictionary and other Buddha Books.

Dr. Pen received a number of awards from the lowest one to the highest from His Majesty King and the Royal Government of Cambodia including a Gold Medal, Medal of Preah Mohaksatreyani Preah Sisovat Monivong Kosamak Nearyroth at Mohaseireyroth Level, Medal of Monisaraphorn at Mohaseireyroth Level, Medals of the Kingdom of Cambodia at Mohaseireyroth Level, Medal of the Kingdom of Cambodia at Mohasena Level and Medal Cheatopakar from the King and the Royal Government of Cambodia.

Dr. Passakon Prathombutr is currently Senior Vice President at Thailand's Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), where he oversees innovation ecosystem and smart city initiatives. He has a Ph.D. in Software Architecture and Computer Networking and has over 30 years of experience in IT and telecom research. At depa, Dr. Prathombutr helps drive Thailand's national digital transformation strategy. He was previously Director of the Intelligent Transport Systems Program at Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). He is an award-winning innovator for his international awards such as the 2021 Mindsphere Water Hackathon at the Dubai Expo, and the 2023 Taiwan Presidential Hackathon. Dr. Prathombutr has authored over 50 academic papers and serves on national IT and telecom standards committees. He is recognized for his expertise in areas like next-generation networks, network security, intelligent transportation systems, and smart cities.

Marlo L. Iringan is a distinguished public servant who has made significant contributions to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) throughout his career. His journey began in 1989 when he joined the DILG as a Barangay Government Operations Officer (BGOO), demonstrating his commitment to serving his community and making a positive impact at the grassroots level. He is currently serving as the Undersecretary for Local Government of the Department since 2021.

Despite starting at an entry-level position, Undersecretary Iringan’s dedication, expertise, and strong work ethic propelled him through the ranks. With a background in civil engineering, he harnessed his design and systems thinking skills to assist local governments and contribute to the realization of the mandate of the Department.

His exceptional abilities and potential were duly recognized, leading to a series of promotions and increased responsibilities within a relatively short span of time. He held various Director-level positions within the department, including LGOO VIII from 2010 to 2011, Director III from 2011 to 2015, and Director IV from 2015 to 2021. This rapid progression reflects both his exceptional capabilities and his unwavering commitment to delivering excellence in field operations and program implementation.

Given his extensive experience in field operations and program management, Undersecretary Iringan plays a crucial role in shaping responsive policies and strategic direction as the Department continues to help develop our local communities. His journey exemplifies the transformative power of dedication, hard work, and a genuine desire to serve the public.

He specializes in urban planning and disaster prevention.
In addition to engineering research, including urban disaster simulation, he is building a new model for community development centered on disaster prevention in various regions.
He has received many awards, such as the Planning and Design Award from the City Planning Institute of Japan in 2023.

Employment History

Oct 2023

Deputy Minister for International Projects, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)

Jul 2021

Senior Vice President, Japan International Cooperation Agency(JICA)

Jul 2019

Counselor for Global Strategies, Minister's Secretariat, MLIT

Apr 2017

Director General, Infrastructure Engineering Department, JICA

Oct 2016

Director General for Quality Infrastructure Partnership, JICA

Apr 2015

Senior Director, Road Department, Chubu Regional Development Bureau, MLIT

Jun 2014

Director, International Affairs Office, Road Bureau, MLIT

Apr 2013

Director, Urban Environment Policy Office, City Bureau, MLIT

Apr 2012

Director General, Public Works Department, Ibaraki Prefectural Government

Apr 2011

Director General of City Bureau, Public Works Department, Ibaraki Prefectural Government

Apr 2009

Senior Deputy Director, Construction Planning Division, Policy Bureau, MLIT

Sep 2007

Senior Director for Planning and Coordination, Planning Department, Chubu Regional Development Bureau, MLIT

Apr 2006

Head of Office, Shizuoka National Highway Office, Chubu Regional Development Bureau, MLIT

Jul 2001

Senior Researcher, Construction Technology Research Team, Public Works Research Institute (PWRI)

Jul 1998

JICA Expert for highway engineering dispatched to the Philippines

Apr 1988

Joined the Ministry of Construction, Japan

Academic Degree

Bachelor of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Hokkaido University

Professional Qualifications

Professional Engineer, Japan (PE, Jp.), Engineering Management
Professional Engineer, Japan (PE, Jp.), Civil Engineering (Soil Mechanics & Foundation)

Professional Memberships

Member of Japan Society of Civil Engineers
Member of Japanese Geotechnical Society
Member of Japan Road Association

Joined the Kakogawa Municipal Office in 1998, actively involved in smart city and data utilization projects while working in the human resources and information departments.
In 2021, the city of Kakogawa developed a unique system for the smooth payment of special cash benefits and a raffle reservation system for the Covid-19 vaccination. Recognized for providing these systems to other municipalities, the city received both the Amazing Local Officials Award and the NEC Solution Innovator Award.
Joined TIS Inc. in April 2023. As a Digital Society Service Planning Dept Expert in the Digital Society Service Planning Unit, in charge of strategic planning and promotion of digital government, as well as planning and launch of new city services.
Serving as a committee member and advisor to the national government and individual local governments, in addition to providing advice to local governments on the use of ICT.
President and Representative Director, Asumachi Lab Inc.

After 5 years of experience as a sales specialist at an HR-tech startup, he has been involved in the promotion of science, technology, and innovation for more than 15 years, including startup support and support for social implementation of technology at Tsukuba City Hall.

Since 2023, he will be involved in the Tsukuba Super Science City Project, which will utilize science and technology to make the lives of citizens more convenient and attractive.

Ahmad Murad Bin Mat Hanafiah was appointed Vice President Technology & Innovation in December 2021. In his present role, he helps to promote and facilitate innovation, R&D, commercialization, digitalization among academia and industries in developing Iskandar Malaysia as one of Smart City in Asia.

Prior to his current appointment, he served as Vice President, Business Ecosystem Division in IRDA between February 2014 and November 2021, and various position in Banking industries between January 2001 and January 2014.

Juanito Victor C. Remulla, known by his nickname “Jonvic,” is the incumbent Governor of the Province of Cavite. He has previously served in this position from 2010-2016. Prior to this, he served as Vice-Governor of the province from 1998-2007 and a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan from 1995-1998. Under his leadership as governor, the Province of Cavite received various awards and was conferred national and international recognitions, foremost of which is the province’s 9000:2008 certification from the International Organization for Standardization, which made Cavite the first provincial government in the country to receive the said accreditation. During Governor Remulla’s tenure, Cavite was also recognized as the Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit-Province Category in 2021 by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.