Volunteer of the Year

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Dr. Guna Rethinam CMgr, a distinguished member of the CMI Malaysia Regional Board, is acclaimed for his competence managerial and leadership practices spanning diverse business realms. Demonstrating a proven aptitude for multitasking, Dr. Guna adeptly formulates strategic plans, prioritizes tasks, and deftly manages intricate projects within strict timelines. His continual exploration of groundbreaking work methodologies underscores his commitment to ensuring an organization's enduring success. Dr Guna brings extensive expertise in global strategic HR and organizational design, has steered numerous impactful digital transformation initiatives, and successfully orchestrated organizational change programs. Armed with a Ph.D. in Human Resource Development and a Master's in Organizational Communication, along with certifications in agile project management and digital business transformation. Dr. Guna's career trajectory reflects an unwavering dedication to driving transformative change and fostering innovative, employee-centric strategies across diverse industries.

Monique Yong, the Managing Partner of PeoplePlus Asia Group, embodies a life dedicated to both corporate excellence and community empowerment. With a robust career spanning two decades in HR leadership across diverse industries, including renowned companies like Singapore Airlines and McDonald's, Monique has accumulated invaluable experience in APAC and AMEA regions, exposing her to rich cultural diversity.

Her most recent role as Group Chief Human Resources Officer at Columbia Asia Group of Companies exemplified her strategic acumen, where she steered HR strategy aligning with the organization's overarching goals. She additionally took the mantle of ESG leadership, emphasizing her commitment to corporate sustainability.

Monique's drive extends beyond the boardroom. She passionately mentors and teaches B40 children, fostering their untapped potential and brighter futures. As a Major of the Malaysia Civil Defense Force, she is a dedicated officer in contributing to community safety in times of need and natural disasters.

Monique's portfolio includes certifications as a Human Resources Development Fund Trainer and Psychometric Assessor, demonstrating her commitment to developing human capital. Her scuba diving instructorship underlines her passion for positively impacting lives. Monique Yong's biography stands as an inspiration to leaders, showcasing an exemplary blend of corporate success and unwavering dedication to community.

21 years business experience spanning entrepreneurship, commercial leadership and start-ups. Most recently Co-Founder of Clockworx Systems working in the capacity of CSO. Motivated by impact and hope, Will has previously stood for Parliament and been elected to the Executive Committee of a leading political party and think tank. Always open to new ideas and high impact opportunities, Will can also be found travelling the world with his young family.

Catherine is an independent management consultant who has been providing strategy and transformation consultancy to global clients for 15+ years. She is a Chartered Accountant, a Chartered Manager, and a Chartered Management Consultant. She joined the CMI EME Board 5 years ago after completing an MBA at Leicester University, through a desire to support others through their management and leadership journeys. Catherine has been a lifelong EDI champion, and has continued this through her work as a CMI Board volunteer.

Zarina Naqvi is a seasoned finance and business leader with a diverse career across corporate, entrepreneurial, and consultancy roles. She has held senior finance positions at Se-Banken (Finansskandic Ltd), USA TODAY International, and Intercontinental Hotels. In 2001 and again in 2024, Zarina built and sold successful businesses, showcasing her entrepreneurial expertise. She took a year out in 2007 to complete a master’s in Tech Entrepreneurship from UCL and London Business School and is a Certified Management Consultant (CMC), Chartered Management Consultant (ChMC), and Fellow of the Institute of Consulting (FIC).

Since 2001, Zarina has focused on consultancy, optimising owner-led businesses and commercialising public sector entities as a Non-Executive Director. Recently, she has helped professionalise the consulting field, becoming one of the first Chartered Management Consultants and serving as an assessor for CMI. Through her work on various boards, she continues to drive the growth and professionalism of the consultancy industry, embodying her commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.