Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi

Provost Chief Executive Officer
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi is currently the Provost and CEO at Heriot-Watt University, Malaysia. His research interests include thermofluids, renewable energy, biomechanical engineering, engineering education, positive education and academic leadership.

Professor Al-Atabi published three books, “Shoot the Boss,” “Think Like an Engineer” and “Driving Performance”. He also has numerous research publications, awards and honours. He has delivered two TEDx Talks, “Engineering the Language of Success” and “Storytelling and Engineering a Lasting Change”

He is a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FIMechE), Chairman of the Vice Chancellors’ Council for Private Universities Malaysia (VCCPU) and a Board of Director at the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC).

Professor Al-Atabi is an innovative educator who believes that the main goal of education is to mobilise an individual’s purpose into a positive impact on the world. He pioneered Purpose-Led Education, CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) methodology and delivered the first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) in Malaysia.

Professor Al-Atabi is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and trainer. He trains executives from multinational corporations, including banks, energy companies as well as universities. His impact statement reads “I am a storyteller. My purpose is to inspire others to tell more empowering stories about themselves and the world we live in.”

Dr Juliana French

Associate Professor and Head of Marketing Department Monash University Malaysia

Dr Juliana French is Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Marketing at Monash University Malaysia. In her role, she champions student-centred, real-world learning experiences, guiding students to build not just academic excellence, but resilience, creativity, and ethical leadership.

She is an educator at heart whose career spans across teaching, industry, and higher education leadership. She began her journey as a primary school teacher in a rural FELDA settlement, where she taught for four years without the basic amenities of electricity and running water. During this time, she pioneered an English Language project that was later adopted at district and state levels — an early testament to her passion for educational innovation and equity.

Her career has since spanned diverse sectors, including advertising and television, where she developed educational programming for children in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. She also managed professional golfers on the Asian PGA tour before returning to her first love: education.

Dr French’s teaching philosophy is rooted in nurturing curiosity, inspiring resilience, and empowering lifelong learning. She believes that true excellence transcends academic results, encompassing emotional growth, character formation, and a strong sense of purpose. With her deep commitment to holistic education, she continues to mentor future leaders who are equipped not just for career success, but for meaningful lives of impact.