APU Notable Alumni

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) stands as a beacon of excellence in higher education, consistently pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. With a commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically proficient but also industry-ready, APU continues to shape the future of global education. The university's dedication to quality, diversity, and continuous improvement ensures that it remains a leader in the fields of technology, business, and design.

Our alumni encompass business leaders, distinguished scientists and tech professionals, academics, engineers, technologists, politicians, peacemakers, and renowned media personalities. Below is a selection of APU/APIIT alumni who have achieved remarkable success.

Forbes Achievements

JAN WONG \| MALAYSIA Entrepreneur Founder, OpenMinds Resources Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia
	Entrepreneur, online strategist and youth advocate who has bootstrapped eight businesses since the age of 17. Part-time lecturer, an academic advisory board member for two universities. Founder, Online Strategist - OpenMinds Resources Panel consultant on BFM radio station TEDx speaker. Has made the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list in 2017.

SALMAN LAKHANI \| PAKISTAN Founder and CEO at Cubix Forbes Next 1000 Former Member Forbes Technology Council
	A serial entrepreneur who has founded several successful tech companies. Founder and CEO at Cubix. Induction into Forbes Next 1000 (Year 2021) is a major milestone among many more that can be expected to come his way. Was a member of Forbes Council. Joins the Forbes Technology Council, reflecting Cubix's thought leadership and innovation in technology.

KRISHNA RAJAGOPAL \| MALAYSIA Group CEO, AKATI Sekurity Official Member Forbes Technology Council
	With over two decades of experience in the cybersecurity industry, Krishna lead a global team of information security professionals at AKATI Sekurity, a company that specializes in helping enterprises design and incorporate security into their IT infrastructure. As the Group CEO, Krishna develop, maintain, and publish information security standards, policies, procedures, and guidelines for the company's key clients, as well as provide expert witness services for various enforcement bodies. Group CEO - AKATI Sekurity. Official Member - Forbes Technology Council - Sharing insights on Cybersecurity with Forbes Technology Council, an invitation-only organization for CIOs, CTOs, and technology executives.

LEBOGANG G SOLOMON - BOTSWANA Winner of the 14th Edition of Orange Social Venture Prize Botswana \| Co-Founder & CEO - Ikatise App \| Branding Specialist \| Public Speaker \| Wellness & Mental Health Podcast \| Forbes 30 Under 30 Delegate
	Lebogang G. Solomon is a dedicated social entrepreneur and innovator, serving as the Founder and Managing Director of LGS International, a software development company known for delivering forward-thinking and impactful solutions. LGS International’s flagship project, IKATISE, is a groundbreaking mobile application designed to help Botswana learner drivers pass their Class B driving theory test in fewer attempts, making the path to obtaining a driver’s license more accessible and effective. Lebogang was also a Nominated Forbes Delegate Botswana for Forbes 30 Under 30. Graduate of Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU)

Political Leaders / Ministers / Government Officials / Business Leaders

DR. IBRAHIM SHIYAM, PHD \| MALDIVES Minister of State for Transport and Civil Aviation (Maldives)
	Minister of State for Transport and Civil Aviation. Former Project Director, National Centre for Information Technology. Information Technology Consultant. Former Visiting Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence, Villa College. Former Academic Council Member, Clique College. Graduate of Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) > Click HERE for Minister Profile

HUSSAIN AGEEL NASEER \| MALDIVES Deputy Minister at Ministry of Tourism and Environment (Maldives)
	Deputy Minister, Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy. Former Managing Director, Theschel Pvt Ltd Former Engineer, State Electric Company Ltd Former Managing Director, GLOSO Private Limited Graduate of Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) > Click HERE for Minister Profile

GIZZAT BAITURSYNOV \| KAZAKHSTAN Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Development Committee under the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan
	Chairman of the Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Development at the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan Instrumental in developing Kazakhstan’s Concept and Action Plan for Artificial Intelligence Development (2024–2029) Under his leadership, projects such as the National Language Model ‘KazLLM’ have been successfully implemented, supporting the preservation of national identity and promoting AI tailored to Kazakh linguistic and cultural specifics. > Click HERE for Ministry Profile

IBRAHIM YOOSUF | MALDIVES
Deputy Minister at Ministry of Tourism (Maldives)

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Tourism.
Board Member, Urbanco.
Senator - Progressive Party of Maldives.
Youth Wing President - Progressive Party of Maldives.
Former Executive Coordinator - Ministry of Economic Development
Graduate of Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU)

> Click HERE for Minister Profile

YB DATUK WILLIE ANAK MONGIN | MALAYSIA
Member of Parliament (Malaysia)
Former Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities II

Former Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities II
Member of the Malaysian Parliament for Puncak Borneo
Graduate of Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU/APIIT)

> Click HERE for Parliament Members Profile

SHAZAIL SIYAM \| MALDIVES Director, Greater Go Former Deputy Minister, Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture (Maldives)
	Former Deputy Minister, Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture Director, Greater Go Managing Director, Maldives Gas Pvt Ltd Chairman, Kooddoo Fisheries Maldives Limited Graduate of Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU)

ABDUL WARIS SAEED \| MALDIVES Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
	Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Former First Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Maldives in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Former Assistant Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Former Second Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Maldives in the United States of America. Graduate of Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU)

TIMUR AKHMETOV - UZBEKISTAN Digital Economy Research Center under the Ministry of digital technologies of Republic of Uzbekistan
	Head of Department of Long-Term Prospects for Digital Development - Digital Economy Research Center - Ministry of Digital Technologies Graduate of Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU)

DR. WAJEEHA H. AWADH - BAHRAIN Group Chief Digital Officer at Al Baraka Group \| FinTech Expert \| Top 50 Most Influential Women in Islamic Business and Finance\| Top Global 100 CDOs
	Group Chief Digital Officer at Al Baraka Group Board Member, Al Baraka Bank Egypt FinTech Expert - Wajeeha Awadh becomes the first Bahraini woman to be awarded a PhD in the FinTech from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) Top 50 Most Influential Women in Islamic Business and Finance Top Global 100 CDOs (Chief Digital Officer) Graduate of Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU)

MOHAMED SHAAFIEE Head of Tech, Comfort Works Former Minister of State for Communication, Science and Technology, Government of Maldives
	Principle engineer and a blockchain innovator with over 20 years of professional experience in software development. Head of Tech at Comfort Works, oversee the development and maintenance of the company's e-commerce systems. Passionate about cloud/web technologies, blockchains, NFTs, and network security. Mr. Shaafiee was also Former Minister of State for Communication, Science and Technology, Government of Maldives. Graduate of Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU)

Alumni Achievements

NGOs / International Award Winners / Entrepreneurs

LAXMIEY RAGHUNATHAN \| MALAYSIA Founder of KitaCare Foundation (NGO) As the Founder of Kitacare, Laxmiey has lead a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a more inclusive and resilient community in Malaysia. I spearhead initiatives focused on youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, education, and social well-being. My role involves shaping the organization’s mission, building strategic partnerships, overseeing program development, and fostering community engagement.
JOHARY MUSTAPHA \| MALAYSIA Founder and CEO \| Sustainable Programs, Digital Economy, Cybersecurity Johary sits on board of the National Tech Association of Malaysia (PIKOM) as its council member, holds an advisory role to the Malaysian Mobile Tech Association (MMTA) and an Industry Board Member of University Malaysia (UNIMY). He also serves as a mentor and judging committee member in the various Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Grant programs to deserving tech companies. Johary is also an angel investor who has invested in a few tech startups based out of Asia.
DATUK NITESH MALANI \| MALAYSIA Founder/Chairman @ Entrepreneurship Foundation Malaysia \| Entrepreneurship Advocate Datuk Nitesh Malani is at the helm of SEBA, the leading recognition platform for entrepreneurs in Asia. His focus lies in fostering an ecosystem where innovation thrives and business acumen is celebrated. Leading with a mission to empower and mentor the next generation of business leaders, his role at SEBA is complemented by my stewardship at Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia, where he provide young visionaries with the tools and networks necessary for success. This dual dedication to entrepreneurship reflects a deep-seated commitment to nurturing sustainable businesses and a flourishing community of innovators.
MOHAMED KHADAR JAAHUUR \| SOMALIA SLND Youth Ambassador \| Community Volunteer \| Social Activist (NGO) Mohamed Khadar Jaahuur is a youth diplomat, community leader, and nonprofit founder with over 12 years of Youth and cross-cultural experience across 19+ countries spanning Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and East Asia. He is the founder of NextGen Community Empowerment, an NGO dedicated to fostering youth development, social impact, and community engagement. Through his leadership, Mohamed has organized international youth events, facilitated cultural exchange programs, and represented Somali heritage on global platforms. He has participated in prestigious initiatives such as the Global Cultural Relations Programme and the World Youth Festival, using his expertise in cultural diplomacy to bridge communities through dialogue, sports, and youth-driven initiatives. Click HERE for more information.
KELWIN CHEW \| MALAYSIA Among Asia’s Top 100 Young Talents Award-winning young professional Including the Top 100 Asia Young Talent Award 2022 and Malaysia APICTA Award 2023. Click HERE for more information and click HERE news.
TAN PENG TECK \| MALAYSIA UNESCO Water Resilience Challenge Winner Tan Peng Teck and Lim Heng Hoe of “Make Water OK” has emerged victorious at the UNESCO Water Resilience Challenge 2024, co-hosted by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) and The Water Agency.
METTA RYANNI HIDAYAT \| INDONESIA CADS Sunrise Award - Top Data Scientist in ASEAN, 2022 Metta Ryanni is a winner of CADS Sunrise Award - Top Data Scientist in ASEAN issued by The Center of Applied Data Science (CADS). CADS Sunrise Award recognizes data scientists in ASEAN as true achievers in data, analytics, and AI sectors, who pioneer innovations and enable growth through data, analytics, and AI. Click HERE for more information.
LIM YU FONG \| MALAYSIA Top 100 Most Influential Young Entrepreneur 2023 Lim Yu Fong was honored for being amongst the TOP 100 Most Influential Young Entrepreneur - THE MIYE 2023. Being named among the Top 100 Most Influential Young Entrepreneurs (The 100 MIYE) in 2023 is a significant achievement, recognizing your bold, creative, and innovative contributions to Malaysian entrepreneurship.
KHEMPRAKASHSINGH KUSH MOHADEB \| MAURITIUS Ranking 1st Nationally and 9th Globally - ACCA AFM Ranking 1st Nationally and 9th Globally in the Advanced Financial Management (AFM) paper for the June 2024 ACCA exams. Click HERE for more information.
SAWSAN KADHEM ALI ABDULLATIF \| BAHRAIN Winner of the National Project Lamea in 2024 Winner of the National Project LAMEA 3 in 2024. Sawsan was also a candidate for the crown prince international scholarship program.
ELNA MERRY ETIENNE-KUMAR \| SEYCHELLES Human Rights Commissioner in Seychelles Elna Etienne-Kumar is a Commissioner of the Seychelles Human Rights Commission and the Founder of Etienne’s Consultancy. Her previous notable experiences include working as the Public Relations Officer for the National Assembly of Seychelles. During her time working for the national parliament, Elna was assigned as the Desk Officer and Secretary to a few International Organisations and Committees. She has also worked as an A-Level Sociology Instructor and Creole Language Instructor at a Local Educational Institution. Furthermore, she has been an active volunteer in several NGOs that support SDG13 and SDG14, and she has contributed towards the creation of policies that guide the work of Committees such as the Environmental Policy Implementation Committee (EPIC) of the National Assembly of Seychelles. As a young woman from a Small Island State, Elna is driven to promote sustainability at all levels and help sensitise the public on how to support the UNSDGs to ensure a better future for all.
THANG JOO MING \| MALAYSIA World CIO 200 Grand Champion 2024 / IDC CIO100 James Thang is a highly accomplished professional with an impressive 27-year track record in software development, digital transformation, IT project management, and people management. With extensive international exposure in Asia Pacific, China, and Europe, James has presented to the boards of directors and shareholders of multinational corporations (MNCs) and public-listed companies. Click HERE for more information.
LAKSHMI CHAITANYA DATTI \| INDIA Appointment as Jury/judge for Smart India Hackathon-2024 Honored to have served as a jury member for the Smart India Hackathon 2024 – Hardware Edition, hosted at GITAM Deemed University, Visakhapatnam.
MOHAMMAD HAJARIAN \| IRAN Awarded the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship under the Horizon Europe program, recognizing excellence in research and innovation Mohammad Hajarian is a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow and a Professor at the University Carlos III of Madrid. He is a PI of an EU-funded project about developing engaging methods for regulating user behaviors in social media to prevent problems such as fake news, misinformation, online hostility, misogyny, and misunderstanding that can harm human mental and physical health. His research fields are Online Social Networks, Gamification, Human-computer Interaction, Interaction design, Recommendation Systems, Personalization, User Engagement, Data Science, and Online Marketing. Furthermore, he taught 35+ computer courses in several universities and supervised 10+ theses at the graduate and postgraduate levels. He published 50+ articles and books in computer science and software engineering. And his innovative contributions have been exploited in the social media industry.
PARVEZ ALAM \| INDIA Entrepreneur, Director at PoliCrew \| Ex-Amfixo Founded Amfixo, the country’s first edtech for gig workers. Currently working with India’s biggest political parties, helping them strategize and win elections.

LAXMIEY RAGHUNATHAN \| MALAYSIA Founder of KitaCare Foundation (NGO) As the Founder of Kitacare, Laxmiey has lead a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a more inclusive and resilient community in Malaysia. I spearhead initiatives focused on youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, education, and social well-being. My role involves shaping the organization’s mission, building strategic partnerships, overseeing program development, and fostering community engagement.
JOHARY MUSTAPHA \| MALAYSIA Founder and CEO \| Sustainable Programs, Digital Economy, Cybersecurity Johary sits on board of the National Tech Association of Malaysia (PIKOM) as its council member, holds an advisory role to the Malaysian Mobile Tech Association (MMTA) and an Industry Board Member of University Malaysia (UNIMY). He also serves as a mentor and judging committee member in the various Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Grant programs to deserving tech companies. Johary is also an angel investor who has invested in a few tech startups based out of Asia.
DATUK NITESH MALANI \| MALAYSIA Founder/Chairman @ Entrepreneurship Foundation Malaysia \| Entrepreneurship Advocate Datuk Nitesh Malani is at the helm of SEBA, the leading recognition platform for entrepreneurs in Asia. His focus lies in fostering an ecosystem where innovation thrives and business acumen is celebrated. Leading with a mission to empower and mentor the next generation of business leaders, his role at SEBA is complemented by my stewardship at Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia, where he provide young visionaries with the tools and networks necessary for success. This dual dedication to entrepreneurship reflects a deep-seated commitment to nurturing sustainable businesses and a flourishing community of innovators.
MOHAMED KHADAR JAAHUUR \| SOMALIA SLND Youth Ambassador \| Community Volunteer \| Social Activist (NGO) Mohamed Khadar Jaahuur is a youth diplomat, community leader, and nonprofit founder with over 12 years of Youth and cross-cultural experience across 19+ countries spanning Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and East Asia. He is the founder of NextGen Community Empowerment, an NGO dedicated to fostering youth development, social impact, and community engagement. Through his leadership, Mohamed has organized international youth events, facilitated cultural exchange programs, and represented Somali heritage on global platforms. He has participated in prestigious initiatives such as the Global Cultural Relations Programme and the World Youth Festival, using his expertise in cultural diplomacy to bridge communities through dialogue, sports, and youth-driven initiatives. Click HERE for more information.
KELWIN CHEW \| MALAYSIA Among Asia’s Top 100 Young Talents Award-winning young professional Including the Top 100 Asia Young Talent Award 2022 and Malaysia APICTA Award 2023. Click HERE for more information and click HERE news.
TAN PENG TECK \| MALAYSIA UNESCO Water Resilience Challenge Winner Tan Peng Teck and Lim Heng Hoe of “Make Water OK” has emerged victorious at the UNESCO Water Resilience Challenge 2024, co-hosted by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) and The Water Agency.
METTA RYANNI HIDAYAT \| INDONESIA CADS Sunrise Award - Top Data Scientist in ASEAN, 2022 Metta Ryanni is a winner of CADS Sunrise Award - Top Data Scientist in ASEAN issued by The Center of Applied Data Science (CADS). CADS Sunrise Award recognizes data scientists in ASEAN as true achievers in data, analytics, and AI sectors, who pioneer innovations and enable growth through data, analytics, and AI. Click HERE for more information.
LIM YU FONG \| MALAYSIA Top 100 Most Influential Young Entrepreneur 2023 Lim Yu Fong was honored for being amongst the TOP 100 Most Influential Young Entrepreneur - THE MIYE 2023. Being named among the Top 100 Most Influential Young Entrepreneurs (The 100 MIYE) in 2023 is a significant achievement, recognizing your bold, creative, and innovative contributions to Malaysian entrepreneurship.
KHEMPRAKASHSINGH KUSH MOHADEB \| MAURITIUS Ranking 1st Nationally and 9th Globally - ACCA AFM Ranking 1st Nationally and 9th Globally in the Advanced Financial Management (AFM) paper for the June 2024 ACCA exams. Click HERE for more information.
SAWSAN KADHEM ALI ABDULLATIF \| BAHRAIN Winner of the National Project Lamea in 2024 Winner of the National Project LAMEA 3 in 2024. Sawsan was also a candidate for the crown prince international scholarship program.
ELNA MERRY ETIENNE-KUMAR \| SEYCHELLES Human Rights Commissioner in Seychelles Elna Etienne-Kumar is a Commissioner of the Seychelles Human Rights Commission and the Founder of Etienne’s Consultancy. Her previous notable experiences include working as the Public Relations Officer for the National Assembly of Seychelles. During her time working for the national parliament, Elna was assigned as the Desk Officer and Secretary to a few International Organisations and Committees. She has also worked as an A-Level Sociology Instructor and Creole Language Instructor at a Local Educational Institution. Furthermore, she has been an active volunteer in several NGOs that support SDG13 and SDG14, and she has contributed towards the creation of policies that guide the work of Committees such as the Environmental Policy Implementation Committee (EPIC) of the National Assembly of Seychelles. As a young woman from a Small Island State, Elna is driven to promote sustainability at all levels and help sensitise the public on how to support the UNSDGs to ensure a better future for all.
THANG JOO MING \| MALAYSIA World CIO 200 Grand Champion 2024 / IDC CIO100 James Thang is a highly accomplished professional with an impressive 27-year track record in software development, digital transformation, IT project management, and people management. With extensive international exposure in Asia Pacific, China, and Europe, James has presented to the boards of directors and shareholders of multinational corporations (MNCs) and public-listed companies. Click HERE for more information.
LAKSHMI CHAITANYA DATTI \| INDIA Appointment as Jury/judge for Smart India Hackathon-2024 Honored to have served as a jury member for the Smart India Hackathon 2024 – Hardware Edition, hosted at GITAM Deemed University, Visakhapatnam.
MOHAMMAD HAJARIAN \| IRAN Awarded the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship under the Horizon Europe program, recognizing excellence in research and innovation Mohammad Hajarian is a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow and a Professor at the University Carlos III of Madrid. He is a PI of an EU-funded project about developing engaging methods for regulating user behaviors in social media to prevent problems such as fake news, misinformation, online hostility, misogyny, and misunderstanding that can harm human mental and physical health. His research fields are Online Social Networks, Gamification, Human-computer Interaction, Interaction design, Recommendation Systems, Personalization, User Engagement, Data Science, and Online Marketing. Furthermore, he taught 35+ computer courses in several universities and supervised 10+ theses at the graduate and postgraduate levels. He published 50+ articles and books in computer science and software engineering. And his innovative contributions have been exploited in the social media industry.
PARVEZ ALAM \| INDIA Entrepreneur, Director at PoliCrew \| Ex-Amfixo Founded Amfixo, the country’s first edtech for gig workers. Currently working with India’s biggest political parties, helping them strategize and win elections.

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APU Notable Alumni