Big Data & Analytics for Finance Professionals

Casey Kesavan Sathasivam is a distinguished compliance and risk management professional with over 30 years of comprehensive experience spanning banking, international remittance, fintech, insurance, and financial education sectors. As a certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and Certified Professional in AML/CFT, Casey has established himself as a trusted authority in governance, risk, and compliance, known for his ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable frameworks that organizations can implement with confidence. Throughout his extensive career, Casey has held senior compliance leadership positions at prominent financial institutions including Merchantrade Asia, Valyou, IME, and Suria Muhabat, where he has been instrumental in building robust compliance frameworks and fostering cultures of regulatory excellence. His expertise encompasses the full spectrum of compliance disciplines, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT), regulatory governance, internal audit, business process assessment, control frameworks, and data privacy protection compliance under PDPA. As an accredited HRDC trainer and experienced facilitator, Casey has delivered over 50 MSB AML/CFT programs in collaboration with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the Malaysian Association of Money Services Business (MAMSB), training more than 300 professionals across diverse financial sectors. His training philosophy centers on simplifying complex regulatory concepts into practical, scenario-driven learning experiences that instill accountability, compliance awareness, and ethical decision-making. Casey's facilitation expertise extends to AMLA, PDPA, Ethics, Governance, and MSB Compliance workshops, making him a sought-after educator in the regulatory compliance space. Casey also serves as a Guest Lecturer at the Malaysian Insurance Institute and Asian Banking School, where he shares his deep industry knowledge with the next generation of compliance professionals. His credentials include certifications from ACAMS, ICA/AICB in partnership with Manchester Business School, and FAA/MAMSB, complemented by a Bachelor of Economics (Hons) from Universiti Utara Malaysia. Recognized as a trusted partner to both regulators and industry stakeholders, Casey continues to bridge the gap between regulatory expectations and practical implementation, ensuring organizations remain compliant while maintaining operational efficiency.

Dr. Esther Suria Kala is a highly accomplished ICT consultant and corporate trainer with nearly 30 years of extensive experience in information technology, project management, and organizational development. As the founder of Angel Software Solutions, she has established herself as a versatile and dedicated professional who delivers cutting-edge training solutions across Malaysia and internationally. Her academic credentials are exceptional, including a PhD in Psychology with a focus on Human Behaviour and Human Resources, an MBA in Finance, and degrees in both Computer Science and Human Resources. Currently pursuing a second PhD in IT Information Security, Dr. Esther demonstrates an unwavering commitment to continuous learning and staying at the forefront of technological advancement. Her educational foundation is complemented by an impressive array of professional certifications, including Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), CISSP, ITIL, SAP Certified Associate, Certified Cyber Security Professional, Data Scientist, AI Engineering, and ECBA certifications. Dr. Esther's technical expertise spans an extensive range of domains, from traditional programming languages like Java, C++, and PHP to modern technologies including Python, AI coding, machine learning, RPA, and IR 4.0 microservices. She is proficient in database management systems including Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle, web development frameworks, and enterprise solutions like SAP Crystal Reports and SharePoint Server. Her knowledge extends to cybersecurity, ethical hacking, network administration, and data analytics, making her uniquely qualified to address both technical and strategic business challenges. As a trainer, Dr. Esther excels in bridging the gap between technical complexity and practical application. She delivers comprehensive training programs for both IT and non-IT professionals, covering everything from software development and cloud computing to soft skills such as digital marketing, business analysis, customer service, and project management. Her ability to communicate effectively in both English and Bahasa Malaysia enables her to connect with diverse audiences across different organizational levels. Her impressive client portfolio includes leading organizations such as Maybank, Telekom Malaysia, Malaysian Airlines, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Bank Negara, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance, and numerous multinational corporations. This extensive experience across banking, telecommunications, government, aviation, and technology sectors demonstrates her adaptability and deep understanding of varied industry requirements. Recognized with the Outstanding Achievement Award in Information Technology from University Malaya in 2013, Dr. Esther continues to empower organizations through innovative training solutions that drive digital transformation and professional excellence.

Dr. Rajendaran Vairavan is a dynamic and highly accomplished professional trainer with over 14 years of experience in coaching, mentoring, teaching, and delivering impactful training programs across diverse audiences. He holds a PhD in Microelectronics Engineering from Universiti Malaysia Perlis and brings a unique blend of technical expertise and real-world financial insight to every learning experience. As a Licensed Financial Planner registered with both Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission, he specializes in financial literacy, personal wealth management, and strategic financial planning for professionals, entrepreneurs, and students. Dr. Rajendaran is a Certified National Competency Standard Train The Trainer (NCS TTT) accredited under NCS-004:2017 by the Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran (JPK), Kementerian Sumber Manusia, and an HRDC Accredited Trainer (Trainer ID: 52830). He also holds prestigious certifications including Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Islamic Financial Planner (IFP®), and Associate Estate Planning Practitioner (AEPP®). His professional credentials are complemented by his role as a Franchisee of Rockwills and his membership with the Financial Planning Association of Malaysia (FPAM). Throughout his career, Dr. Rajendaran has delivered numerous high-impact training sessions and workshops at leading institutions including Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, Sunway University, and YMCA Kuala Lumpur. His sessions are characterized by a storytelling-based and action-oriented approach that incorporates real-world case studies, interactive budgeting activities, and facilitated live planning sessions. He aligns his training methodology with adult learning principles (Andragogy) and Kolb's experiential learning model, ensuring participants gain practical, actionable insights. Dr. Rajendaran has been featured in prominent Malaysian media outlets including Free Malaysia Today and The Star Malaysia, where he has provided expert commentary on financial planning, debt management, and bankruptcy trends. His thought leadership and advocacy for financial literacy have positioned him as a trusted voice in the financial planning community. He has conducted workshops supported by the Malaysian Financial Planning Advisers Association (MFPAA) and the Capital Market Development Fund (CMDF), reaching hundreds of participants across different backgrounds. Beyond financial literacy, Dr. Rajendaran is passionate about teaching across a broad spectrum of subjects and is open to conducting customized workshops in diverse areas. His versatile expertise spans communication, leadership, strategic thinking, and personal development. His true passion lies in facilitating meaningful learning experiences that foster growth, build confidence, and empower individuals regardless of their starting point. With his relatable delivery style, certified excellence, and results-driven approach, Dr. Rajendaran consistently delivers high engagement and measurable outcomes in both in-person and online training formats.

Pradeep Singh Naulia is a distinguished leader in the AI and data science arena with over two decades of professional experience spanning multiple industries and geographies. As a Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder, he currently leads cutting-edge AI initiatives focused on agentic LLM platforms, embedded AI, and IoT solutions. His expertise encompasses the full spectrum of AI technologies, from computer vision and NLP to GenAI, transformers, and neural network optimization. With a recently completed Ph.D. in alternative methods to optimize Neural Networks from UTP Malaysia, Pradeep combines deep academic rigor with practical industry experience. He holds prestigious certifications including Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) from INFORMS, AWS and Azure Certified Data Scientist, PMP, and Master Black Belt (MBB). His research contributions are notable, with multiple IEEE and MDPI publications, best paper awards, and a patent application for agentic LLM optimization of deep neural networks. He serves as a journal reviewer for Springer Nature, IEEE, and MDPI, demonstrating his thought leadership in the field. Pradeep's professional journey showcases remarkable versatility across sectors including Oil & Gas, FMCG, Telecom, Financial Services, and Manufacturing. At Petronas, he pioneered the largest Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) using NVIDIA and AWS IoT technologies. During his tenure at BAT Malaysia, he led end-to-end AI projects from data ingestion to cloud deployment, delivering high-impact solutions like Smart Credit Risk analytics. His 13-year career at Hewlett Packard saw him drive transformational projects across supply chain management, achieving multi-million-dollar savings and training over 200 employees in analytics and statistical tools. As a trainer and educator, Pradeep has successfully conducted a 10-week Data Science Bootcamp, training and certifying over 300 data scientists. His teaching approach combines theoretical foundations with hands-on practical applications, drawing from his extensive experience implementing AI solutions across Australia, Brazil, China, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and the USA. His ability to translate complex AI concepts into actionable insights makes him an exceptional instructor for professionals seeking to advance their skills in machine learning, deep learning, cloud AI platforms, and data science methodologies.

Tarun Sukhani is a distinguished business and IT professional with over 25 years of industry experience spanning multinational corporations across the US, Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East. His extensive career includes senior executive positions such as CIO/CTO, director, and board member at prominent organizations including Dell, AMD, and Experian, as well as regional conglomerates like Indra in Asia Pacific. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional expertise in web-scale software development and large-scale IT operations management across diverse industries. As a professional trainer and consultant, Tarun brings a comprehensive portfolio of technical and strategic expertise to his teaching practice. His areas of specialization encompass Agile methodologies (Scrum, SAFe, Kanban, Lean), enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF, COBIT, ITIL), cybersecurity (CISSP, CEH, CISO), and cutting-edge technologies including Big Data, Machine Learning, AI, Blockchain, and IoT. He has successfully conducted training workshops and facilitated sessions across Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and throughout the Asia Pacific region, working with both large enterprises and SMEs. Tarun's teaching approach is characterized by high energy and a genuine passion for developing people at all organizational levels. His real-world experience working across various business functions—including HR, Finance, Operations, Sales, Risk Management, and Engineering—enables him to deliver practical, business-focused training that resonates with diverse audiences. He has served as a keynote speaker at prestigious conferences including Cloud South East Asia, Malaysian Institute of Management, and MDCA Data Center Conference, establishing himself as a thought leader in digital transformation, Industry 4.0, and emerging technologies. Academically, Tarun holds impressive credentials including an MSc in Information Systems and an MBA in Finance and Operations Management from Loyola University Chicago, where he graduated summa cum laude with Beta Gamma Sigma and Alpha Sigma Nu honors. He also possesses Bachelor's degrees in Biology, Math and Computer Science, and Business Administration. His professional certifications span Agile/Scrum training, Java and .NET development, Machine Learning/Deep Learning, InfoSec (CISO), and Business Intelligence, complemented by advanced programs in AI, Blockchain, and Entrepreneurship from MIT and Stanford. This unique combination of academic excellence, extensive industry experience, and diverse technical certifications positions Tarun as an exceptional trainer capable of delivering transformative learning experiences across the full spectrum of modern technology and business domains.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Obaydee is a distinguished academic and industry professional with extensive expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and data science. As an Adjunct Associate Professor at Taylor's University Malaysia and a certified Train the Trainer professional, he brings a unique blend of academic rigor and practical industry experience to his teaching and consulting engagements. With a Ph.D. in Information Science from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and over two decades of experience spanning academia and industry, Dr. Al-Obaydee has established himself as a leading authority in advanced computing technologies. His research excellence is evidenced by multiple best paper awards, including recognition at IEEE ACSAT2014 and ITNG 2023 conferences, along with an impressive publication record featuring over 149 citations and an h-index of 6. His research focuses on medical image analysis, computer vision, machine learning applications, and deep learning techniques. As a founder of INNOEYETIVE and AIC4ALL, Dr. Al-Obaydee demonstrates entrepreneurial acumen in leveraging AI and immersive technologies for digital transformation. His industry experience includes successful training and consultation projects with major corporations such as HSBC Bank, OCBC Bank, DELL Malaysia, Amway Malaysia, and EtiQa, where he has delivered specialized programs in data science, analytics, and applied AI engineering. His ability to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications makes him an exceptional trainer for professionals seeking to upskill in emerging technologies. Dr. Al-Obaydee's teaching portfolio encompasses a comprehensive range of subjects including Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Data Analytics, Data Engineering, Parallel Computing, and Advanced Data Structures. He has supervised numerous master's students and research projects at both Taylor's University and the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), focusing on cutting-edge topics such as deep reinforcement learning, medical image classification, fraud detection, and natural language processing. His international speaking engagements and extensive training experience across multiple organizations demonstrate his exceptional communication skills and ability to make complex technical concepts accessible to diverse audiences.

Uzair Aslam is an accomplished Data Scientist with extensive expertise in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics. With a proven track record of delivering transformative data-driven solutions across the financial services and telecommunications sectors, he brings a unique combination of technical excellence and business acumen to every project. Currently serving as AVP - Senior Data Scientist at Maybank, Uzair has spearheaded the development of cutting-edge fraud detection models that have revolutionized risk management processes. His innovative machine learning solution reduced false positive review time by 75%, saving approximately 2,940 man hours and significantly improving operational efficiency. He has successfully engineered sophisticated fraud detection systems combining Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing, utilizing OCR technology for document analysis and anomaly detection. His leadership extends to managing cross-functional teams and developing automated business intelligence solutions, including news web-scraping applications for risk event monitoring across the Asia Pacific region. Uzair's professional journey includes valuable experience as a Specialist Data Scientist at The CADS, where he provided strategic advisory services to major international clients including Petronas, Shell, and CIMB. His consulting expertise focuses on translating complex business requirements into actionable data science use cases. He has also demonstrated exceptional training capabilities, delivering corporate training programs on Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Natural Language Processing to diverse professional audiences. With a Master's degree in Data Science & Business Analytics from Asia Pacific University (achieved with Distinction) and a Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering, Uzair possesses a solid academic foundation complemented by numerous industry certifications. His technical proficiency spans Python, R, SQL, Spark, SAS, and HiveQL, along with expertise in modern data science platforms including Tableau, Power BI, DataRobot, H2O.ai, and Dataiku. His project portfolio demonstrates versatility across fraud detection, credit scoring, opinion spam detection, electricity load forecasting, and neural network applications, showcasing his ability to apply advanced statistical and machine learning concepts to solve real-world business challenges.

Ts. Koong Wah Yan (Wayne) is a distinguished Technology Executive and AI Transformation Specialist with over 25 years of pioneering experience in digital innovation across FinTech, AdTech, and Public Sectors. As a certified AI Governance Professional and seasoned technology leader, Wayne combines deep technical expertise in artificial intelligence, data science, and enterprise architecture with proven leadership capabilities in delivering mission-critical systems and establishing robust AI governance frameworks. Wayne's extensive industrial profile includes executive roles as Head of R&D at Innity Bhd, CIO and Software Development Manager at Wiseyes Group, Head of IT Operations at SOCSO, Data Migration Lead at MIMOS, and CRM Architect for prestigious organizations including IBM, MBB, and CIMB. His academic credentials include an MBA from University of South Australia, a Bachelor of Information Technology from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and specialized certifications in AI Governance (IAPP), Data Science (HarvardX), ISO27001 Lead Implementation, and ITIL Foundation. As a professional trainer, Wayne has delivered transformative learning experiences to over 500 professionals across diverse organizations. His training portfolio spans Machine Learning in Python workshops for engineers, Generative AI application sessions, Object-Oriented Programming training for Fortune 500 companies, and Business Intelligence tools training. Wayne's unique methodology combines Interactive Learning, Practical Application, and Business Context, creating immersive experiences with real-world case studies and hands-on exercises that consistently achieve 90%+ participant satisfaction rates. Wayne specializes in Digital Transformation with AI, GenAI, ML & Data Science training programs tailored for technical teams, management, and general audiences. His expertise extends to tools-specific training including PowerPoint with AI, Metabase, Google Looker Studio, and SQL for MySQL. Wayne's rare ability to bridge advanced technical concepts with strategic business implementation makes him an invaluable trainer for organizations seeking to accelerate their AI transformation journey while establishing responsible AI governance frameworks.