Ismail Baba is currently a contract Professor in the Social Work Program at the School of Social Sciences, University Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Malaysia.  He was a former professor of Social Work at Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan in 2019 and also a former Professor of Social Work at the University Utara Malaysia (UUM) from 2012 until 2016. 
He has served as a Vice President of the Malaysian AIDS Council, Malaysia. Formerly, he also served as the Dean of the School of Social Sciences, at USM from 2007 until 2012 before moving to UUM. In 2017-2019 he was elected as the President of the Malaysian Association of Social Workers.
His main research interests include psychosocial issues related to HIV&AIDS, social work education, and health and mental health services in Malaysia. Ismail has served the Malaysian AIDS Council as a board member for several terms and is also the founder and a former Chairperson of the Community AIDS Service Penang (CASP).  He was the Convener of the AIDS Action Research Group (AARG) and was responsible for introducing the Needle and Syringe Exchange Program (NSEP) in the State of Penang, a program that is funded by the Ministry of Health Malaysia and the Global Fund.
    
    
        Day 3 - March 8, 2024 (Friday)
    
    
        | Time | 
        Session | 
            
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                                                         14:20 
                            
                                                        16:40 
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                                                The silent pandemic of mental health is a crisis that affects us all. It is a pandemic that knows no boundaries and leaves no community untouched. It has been gradually advancing, frequently eclipsed by more conspicuous dangers.This pertains to the concerning increase in mental health disorders, impacting people from various age groups, backgrounds, and lifestyles. As we contend with the opportunities and challenges of rapid technological advancements like AI in Industry 4.0, it is crucial to acknowledge the importance of mental health and confront it with the necessary compassion and immediacy.                                                       
                                                                                        
                                            
                                                                                            
                                                                                                            
                                                            Synthia Surin
                                                            Panellist
                                                                                                                        Regional Director, ICCHP Asiahttps://storage.unitedwebnetwork.com/files/184/d65862a2202793a78b21bd906c29063f.jpg
                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                            
                                                            Santharuban Thurai Sundaram
                                                            Panellist
                                                                                                                        Chief Executive Officer, Etika Grouphttps://storage.unitedwebnetwork.com/files/184/e222113fef628963fc4ecc6cafae0e95.jpg
                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                            
                                                            Ismail Baba
                                                            Panellist
                                                                                                                        Professor, School of Social Sciences, University Sains Malaysia (USM)https://storage.unitedwebnetwork.com/files/184/8ddcef7802ee4e7a70d4eefced4aa505.jpg
                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                            
                                                            Richard Kong
                                                            Panellist
                                                                                                                        Adjunct Professor, Research Centre for Oceans and Human Health, Shenzhen Research Institutehttps://storage.unitedwebnetwork.com/files/184/6f01659fa621167e6ea8664de1c88ca1.jpg
                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                                                                     
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                                                Business associations have been around for more than a millennium and have become an integral part of the global business community and economy. These associations protected the interests of its members and contributed towards their business growth. They have survived, thrived and operated in an environment that could be predicted and controlled in terms of regulations and operational limitations. This panel discussion will bring out the strategies these associations need to adopt to stay relevant in the current borderless world where opportunities and challenges are unpredictable.                                             
                                                                                        
                                            
                                                                                            
                                                                                                            
                                                            Dagmara Szulce
                                                            Panellist
                                                                                                                        Managing Director, International Advertising Associationhttps://storage.unitedwebnetwork.com/files/184/618f4451043b0897b73ae53f00f4fbae.jpeg
                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                            
                                                            Eileen Ooi
                                                            Panellist
                                                                                                                        President Malaysia Digital Association, CEO Omnicom Media Group Malaysiahttps://storage.unitedwebnetwork.com/files/1061/fa1980d3968a8c960b19e89c12f8bf4f.jpg
                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                            
                                                            S.Mareshvaran A/L S.Starling
                                                            Panellist
                                                                                                                        Group Chief Executive Officer, Redberry Sdn. Bhd.
President of Outdoor Advertising Association Malaysia (OAAM)https://storage.unitedwebnetwork.com/files/184/bb308b576faaa5b891c9d79f640483bd.jpg
                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                            
                                                            Winnie Chen-Head
                                                            Panellist
                                                                                                                        Partner - Head of iProspect Malaysia, Media Specialist Association (MSA) Malaysia Council Memberhttps://storage.unitedwebnetwork.com/files/1061/46c892f66ed4d34cc18c5a5fc2cb71ea.jpg
                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                                                                     
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                                                This panel aims to explore the significant contributions of women in the field of social work and their role in creating positive change in communities. It will delve into the intersectionality of women's experiences, leadership, and the transformative power of social work beyond traditional business settings. Panelists will share insights, experiences, and success stories, highlighting the unique ways women are making a difference in addressing social issues, advocating for justice, and fostering community well-being. The discussion will also touch upon challenges faced by women in social work and strategies for fostering inclusivity and equality within the profession. Overall, the panel aims to inspire and celebrate the incredible impact of women in social work, recognizing their vital role in shaping a more compassionate and equitable society leading to better world, better life for all.                                             
                                                                                        
                                            
                                                                                            
                                                                                                            
                                                             Datin Dr. Hasnorliza Abu Hassan
                                                            Panellist
                                                                                                                        Director, Adla Group Sdn Bhdhttps://storage.unitedwebnetwork.com/files/1061/d096444ba7c3ae8e5b2051323e6f802c.jpeg
                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                            
                                                            Bavani Periasamy
                                                            Panellist
                                                                                                                        Professional Keynote Speaker, Coach & Facilitatorhttps://storage.unitedwebnetwork.com/files/184/b2c6c840ec820ed1c6c98c7d9f13a1cd.png
                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                            
                                                            Datin. Dr. (h.c) Hartini binti Osman
                                                            Panellist
                                                                                                                        Director, President & Group Managing Director, Prihatin Ehsan Holdings Sdn Bhdhttps://storage.unitedwebnetwork.com/files/184/d4d4f7c46a3e9fd0b7a5b3378c3397f8.png
                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                            
                                                            Dato' Ong Bee Leng
                                                            Panellist
                                                                                                                        Chief Executive Officer, PWDChttps://storage.unitedwebnetwork.com/files/184/52a6e783de3a13e2264e9c69e3c5a7c7.png
                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                            
                                                            Jennifer Ong
                                                            Panellist
                                                                                                                        Founder, HAPA® Grouphttps://storage.unitedwebnetwork.com/files/184/d82f1b1fbb9d7f342d026da3ff91fa68.jpg
                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                                                                     
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                                                With the aim of creating the Asia                                             
                                                                                        
                                            
                                                                                            
                                                                                                            
                                                            Gary Chi
                                                            Speaker
                                                                                                                        President, IAA Chinese Taipei Chapterhttps://storage.unitedwebnetwork.com/files/184/14e5c164bf66acd64741376e0053f1d6.jpg
                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                            
                                                            Robin Lu
                                                            Speaker
                                                                                                                        Chairman, Taipei Association of Advertising Agencies; CEO, Dentsu Media Taiwan,  dentsu X Taiwanhttps://storage.unitedwebnetwork.com/files/184/4d9371addca226a420881cf6b93ec27a.jpg
                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                                                                     
                                                                     
                            
                                                            
                                    Ballroom 1 & 2                                 
                                                     
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