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.
Assistant Editor (Penang Monthly)
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Linfield College, a liberal arts college in the United States, and majored in History with a focus on Classical Greece and Rome. Her interests include the study of philosophy as well as a range of humanities and socio-political issues.
Assistant Editor (Penang Monthly)
Rachel Yeoh is an Assistant Editor for Penang Monthly and a former journalist. For the sake of work-life balance, she disengages herself from the screen after hours to engage in the world of performing arts.
Digital Marketer
She graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from University of London.
Digital Marketer
She graduated with a Bachelor of Communications from Monash University Malaysia.
Publications Officer
She graduated from Universiti Utara Malaysia in 2019 with a Ph.D in Public Management. She is currently a Publication officer with Penang Institute.
Graphic Designer
She has more than 10 years of experience in the field of graphic and multimedia design. She used to work in a leading online logo design company, and her works were featured several times on Logo Lounge – a research and networking website for designers who created corporate identities or logos.