Director of Communications
Fazil Irwan Som is a communication strategist with a keen interest in digital leadership, the convergence of biotech and infotech, geopolitics, and nation-building in Malaysia. His diverse career spans the world of entrepreneurship, government, strategic studies, and civil society.
Previously, Fazil served as the CEO of Penang Halal International, a government agency responsible for promoting the Halal business sector in Penang. He also held positions such as the Head of Human and Sciences Department at the Islamic World Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat, Morocco, and the Executive Director of the International Strategy Institute (ISI), as well as the WIEF Foundation. Additionally, he advised the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Geneva.
Fazil’s creative spirit led him to found the Marketplace of Creative Arts (MOCAFest), an international creative arts festival bridging talented artists and the corporate world. He also pioneered the IdeaLab, an early-stage startup convention in Malaysia, connecting highly fundable ASEAN startups with global investors.
Fazil’s academic qualification include a BSc (Hons) in Economics and International Studies from the University of Warwick and an MA (Hons) in Southeast Asian Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London, during which he was a British Chevening Scholar. His thought leadership extends to writing articles on technology and economic development for platforms such as the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Bangkok Post, Jakarta Post, NST, Business Times among others. He also founded and hosts the podcast series Future Things Radio on Spotify, a thought-provoking podcast series that delves into life in the future beyond capitalism and democracy, and its impact on our lives, society, culture, music and financial systems.
Fazil is also the founder of the award-winning Che Beach House in Terengganu, a tranquil beach retreat nestled in a coastal village in Terengganu, opposite Pulau Kapas.