OUR TEAM
Our expert consultation team is dedicated to elevating the standard of privacy and data protection to align with global best practices through their in-depth understanding and proficiency in the Personal Data Protection Regulation (PDPR) and Policy.
Our team has the relevant qualifications and certifications, related to the law. The Principal Consultant was instrumental in developing the PDPR in Malaysia and Indonesia and was also seek after to provide expert opinion on the PDPR draft for Brunei and Saudi Arabia. We have been providing PDPR consulting services to other organizations in Asia and Australia. We have an excellent track record of success in helping organizations to comply with the PDPR.
PROFESSOR ABU BAKAR MUNIR
CHAIRMAN & PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT
Professor Abu Bakar Munir is an internationally renowned scholar, expert and consultant on Cyber Law and Data Protection Law. He was appointed the Adviser to the Government of Malaysia and was instrumental in the crafting and passing of the Malaysian Personal Data Protection Act 2010. Recently, he was consulted by the Ministry of Communication and Information of Indonesia in developing the draft bill on the Personal Data Protection which was passed last year. He was seconded as the IT Law Adviser and Principal Consultant to the Government of Dubai, UAE where he led an international team of consultants in developing and drafting several IT legislations to facilitate the Dubai Internet City, a multi-billion-dollar IT project. He is currently the holder of PNB’s Tun Ismail Mohamed Ali Chair at Faculty of Law, University of Malaya, Malaysia. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyah of Law, International Islamic University, Malaysia and Faculty of Law, University of Indonesia. He is also an International Visiting Professor of Cyberlaw and Data Protection Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Padjajaran. He is the Founder of the Asosiasi Profesional Priavsi Data Indonesia (APPDI) and the Co-founder/Director of the Bali International Arbitration and Mediation Center (BIAMC). His other appointments include: Director of Cyber Security and Privacy of the Kuala Lumpur International Chamber of Commerce (KLICC); Research Consultant to Harry Elias Partnership LLP, Singapore; Adviser and Expert Council Member of the Pandya Astagina Institute; Senior Adviser to Schinder Law Firm; Member of the Academic Advisory Council of the Asia Pacific Institute for the Digital Economy, (APIDE) Tokyo; and Of Counsel at K&K Advocates Jakarta and Veritas Law Bangkok. Professor Abu Bakar is the author of several books; Cyberlaw: Policies and Challenges (1999), Privacy and Data Protection (2002), Internet Banking: Law and Practice (2004), and Information and Communication Technology Law: State, Internet and Information (2010), Personal Data Protection in Malaysia: Law and Practice (2010), Data Protection Law in Asia (2014) and Data Protection Law in Asia (second edition 2018). He also widely publishes numerous articles on several aspects of ICT law and data protection law. He speaks extensively at seminars, workshop and conferences around the world including those organised/hosted by universities such as the NUS, Oxford, Cambridge, MIT, etc. Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Yahoo are amongst the participants of his talks and presentations. He represented Asia in the Europe – Asia Dialogue on the Digital Economy at the Johns Hopkins University in Washington D.C. He was a Council Member of the Asia Pacific Privacy Charter Council (APPCC) and the recipient of the Malaysia Cyber Security Awards (Minister’s Award) 2010 and the Malaysia Cyber Security, (Information Security Visionary of the Year) Award 2010. His other areas of specialization include the Air and Space Law, Child law, Evidence Law, Nanotechnology Law and Policy and Renewable Energy Law and Policy.
DATUK MUA’AMAR GHADAFI JAMAL
BIN DATUK WIRA JAMALUDIN
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Datuk Mua’amar Ghadafi Jamal Bin Datuk Wira Jamaludin is the Managing Director for DPEX. He has more than two decades of experience in managing businesses in Malaysia. He is also the Director for Asia Global Field Sdn Bhd, a state-owned company that collects and manages the data for Perak State Utility Corridor. He also serves as the Managing Director of two successful construction companies in Malaysia - Modern Colonial Development Sdn Bhd and Syarikat Pembinaan Caj Maju Sdn Bhd. Mua’amar’s vision is to steer DPEX Asia to become the one-stop centre for providing solutions on Data Protection Training and Compliance in the world. Through his leadership and management skills, he brought together a team of data protection experts to achieve this vision. He is a passionate and driven leader who is deeply committed to the success of DPEX and its mission. He brings energy and enthusiasm to his work every day. He likes to inspire others to do their best and is relentless in DPEX’s pursuit of excellence, constantly pushing himself and the team to strive for new heights. He is also able to make difficult decisions, even under pressure, and have the ability to lead by example with integrity and determination. He was awarded the National Youth Award (Leadership) by the Malaysian Government and by the Perak State in 2008 due to his strong leadership skills in driving a number of businesses and charity activities in Malaysia.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR FIRDAUS MUHAMMAD SUKKI
HEAD OF STRATEGY
Dr. Firdaus Muhammad Sukki plays a leadership role in the business, leading the strategy management team in the development of long-range of strategic plans and objectives through the identification of strategic issues and opportunities that could influence business growth and profitability. Firdaus is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) of the Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) and a Fellow of Higher Education Academy (UK). He is also an Associate Professor at Edinburgh Napier University, UK, where he teaches engineering courses. Firdaus obtained his Master of Engineering (Hons) degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Imperial College in 2006, and his Ph.D. degree in Solar Technology and Policy from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2013. He is currently a member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and an Associate of the City and Guilds, London (ACGI).
SARAH ABU BAKAR
HEAD OF COMPLIANCE
Sarah Bakar is a highly skilled privacy consultant with extensive experience in leading the compliance division at DPEX. She is also a consultant for IIS Partner, a privacy and cybersecurity consulting firm based in Sydney, Australia. Sarah is the only expert in DPIA in Asia and is well-known for her ability to provide top-quality privacy advice and PbD (Privacy by Design) guidance. Sarah's impressive portfolio of projects includes working with the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Victorian Government, where she provided PbD advice and conducted a PIA for the government's Digital Visitor Registration (DVR) Solution. She also worked with Service NSW, where she provided PbD advice on the development of the COVID Safe Check-In tool for the Service NSW app. For the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), Sarah researched and drafted a paper on the global scan of privacy regulation of digital platforms. Additionally, she worked with the State Records of South Australia, where she researched and drafted a brief paper on web tracking tools and prepared a PIA template. Sarah's experience also includes working with the NSW Department of Customer Service, where she conducted a PIA regarding the release of an NSW digital photo card, and with a Digital Health Company, where she prepared privacy documents for its health programs and provided privacy advice. Prior to joining IIS, Sarah worked at Ernst & Young (EY), Kuala Lumpur, as an Associate involved in advising clients from different industries on a variety of tax matters. In Malaysia, Sarah conducted research and prepared training materials on matters such as the Malaysian Privacy Data Protection Act (PDPA) and the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). She has also co-authored several journal articles published in prestigious publications such as the European Data Protection Law Review and the Malaysian Law Journal. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Laws from Queen Mary University of London and a Master of Laws from King's College London. She is a member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), a clear indication of her commitment to excellence and continued professional development.
DR HAWA ABU BAKAR
HEAD OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Dr Hawa Abu Bakar is a renowned technology and policy expert, and she leads the training and seminars organized by DPEX, leveraging her extensive experience in management, leadership, finance, technology, and research. She is also the Director of Data Protection Experts UK Limited, a UK-based company. Hawa's career spans over 15 years, starting as an executive trainee for Prokhas Sdn. Bhd., a fully-owned subsidiary of the Ministry of Finance Malaysia, in 2007. There, she provided management, advisory, and consultancy services, delivering affordable and effective strategic solutions by leveraging existing infrastructure and resources while adopting best practices that fit clients' organizational structure. In 2008, Hawa joined Public Mutual Bhd. as a unit trust consultant, where she managed and regularly monitored client portfolios, rebalancing them to ensure maximum returns for her clients. Later in 2011, she transitioned to academia, working as a researcher studying solar technology and policy until 2016. Since 2016, Hawa has been managing several profitable businesses in the UK, where her depth of expertise and experience has proven invaluable. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) degree in Information Systems Engineering from Imperial College, London, which she earned in 2006 under the MARA scholarship, and a Ph.D. in solar technology from Glasgow Caledonian University, which she earned in 2016. Hawa is also an Associate of the City and Guilds, London (ACGI), which is a testament to her commitment to continuous learning and development. Overall, Hawa's extensive experience and expertise make her an invaluable asset to DPEX.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR MOHAMMAD ERSHADUL KARIM
SENIOR CONSULTANT
Dr Md. Ershadul Karim is a senior consultant for DPEX. Being a passionate researcher and academic, Dr. Karim has widely published in peer-reviewed journals and presented papers at a number of national and international Conferences in his areas of interest i.e. ‘privacy and data protection law’, ‘legal and regulatory aspects of nanotechnology’, ‘emerging technologies and law’, ‘health and medical law’, ‘legal research’, and ‘Asian and comparative law’, etc. He authored six books and is the author of Cyber Law in Bangladesh, Kluwer Law International, 2022 (2nd Edition), Environmental Law in Bangladesh, Kluwer Law International, 2022, and co-author of Personal Data Protection Law in Asia (second edition), Thomson and Reuters, 2018. Ershadul has published more than fifty peer-reviewed academic papers and contributed chapters in books published by the United Kingdom’s Royal Society of Chemistry, Elsevier Inc., SpringerNature and BRILL analysing, inter alia, the relationship between nanomaterials and international environmental law, various legal and regulatory issues in polymer nanocomposite, functionalised nanomaterials, biosensors, consumer nanoproducts, international renewable energy law and nuclear energy law. Ershadul has received grants of more than USD 1,00,000 to conduct research on different legal and policy issues. He has been consulted by different national and international organisations including Japan Government's Patent Office through Kyoto Comparative Law Center, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), UN Women, World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), World Bank Group, European Union, Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Japan International Cooperative Agency (JICA), Consumer International, Prime Minister’s Office of the Government of Malaysia and Ministry of Justice, United Arab Emirates, Transparency International, Bangladesh. He is currently an Associate Professor at University of Malaya, Malaysia. He obtained his LL.B. (Hons.), LL.M. from University of Dhaka, and University of London, and his PhD from University of Malaya.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR SONNY ZULHUDA
SENIOR CONSULTANT
Dr Sonny Zulhuda is a senior concultant for DPEX. Sonny is an Associate Professor and cyber law course coordinator at Civil Law Department, Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). His main interest is the intersection of law and technology, especially that concerns cyber law, Internet governance, information security and data protection law. Sonny has over twenty years of professional teaching, research, postgraduate supervision and training experiences on various subject matters in legal studies, cyber law, Internet governance and data protection law. Sonny was instrumental to the legal team who drafted the Malaysia National Cyber Security Policy (NCSP) back in 2006. He also helped the Government of the Republic of Indonesia in preparing draft law of Personal Data Protection Bill as well as draft Ministerial Regulations on wireless security and Internet content. Sonny serves as a member of the Malaysian Personal Data Protection Appeal Tribunal with a gazetted appointment by the Minister of Communications and Multimedia, Malaysia in April 2021. He obtained his LL.B. (Hons), MCL and Ph.D. from International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in 2000, 2002 and 2010 respectively.
DR ALI ALIBEIGI
CONSULTANT
Dr. Ali Alibeigi is a consultant for DPEX. His expertise includes a deep understanding of Cyber Law (including Information Privacy, Data Security and Data Protection Law, E-Commerce Law), Regional Legal Integration and Sustainable Development, Human Rights and Public International Law, legal research. He is also an experienced legal adviser since 2012, and is being consulted in many legal cases. He has served as a law lecturer at IAU, Iran. Dr. Ali has a wealth of experience in legal research, with a strong track record of publishing articles in reputable journals. He was a research assistant at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya, in a project titled “Evaluation and Harmonization of Electronic Commerce L laws in ASEAN Countries using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods”, and in another 2 projects at University of Isfahan, Iran. He holds L.L.B (Hons) IAU, LLM in International Law from the PG College of Law, Osmania University, India, and Ph.D. in Cyber Law from the University of Malaya, Malaysia, PG Diploma in Criminology & Crime Administration, PG Diploma in Human Rights & International law, PG Diploma in International Relations & Diplomacy, E-Learning Technology (TCTP) Certificate (scholarship awarded by JICA, Japan), and International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) certificate. He is passionate about his work and is always eager to share his knowledge and skills with others, making him an excellent choice as a legal advisor and legal researcher. With a PhD in Cyber Law, he is well-equipped and knowledgeable to offer insightful and expert advice on a range of legal issues.
DR MUHAMMAD NIZAM AWANG
CONSULTANT
Dr. Muhammad Nizam Awang is a consultant for DPEX. He is an accomplished consultant with expertise in data protection law, data governance, artificial intelligence, and digital health law. He has extensive experience in the healthcare and life-sciences industry, as well as the halal industry, telecommunication, and vulnerable populations. He is currently a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, where he serves as the Module Convenor for Law of Torts, Data Protection and Privacy Law, Halal Audit, and Global Health Law. He has published numerous articles in his field of interest and has provided consultancy services to several high-profile clients, including FoodPanda Sdn Bhd, Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia, and QSR Brands Holdings (M) Bhd. Muhammad Nizam's upcoming engagement includes serving as an Invited Speaker for Data Protection and Privacy Law in the Age of Big Data and Algorithm at the School of International and Advanced Problems of Private Law, Erasmus+, and European Solidarity Corp, University of Gdansk, Poland in May 2023. He holds a Ph.D. from Brunel University, United Kingdom (2009-2014), an LL.M. (Distinction) from the National University of Malaysia (2003), and an LL.B from the National University of Malaysia (2002). Overall, his extensive experience, education, and expertise make him a valuable asset to DPEX.
DR MOHAMMED JAMIU SALMAN
CONSULTANT
Dr. Mohammed Jamiu Salman is a consultant for DPEX. He is a qualified expert in the field of Shari'ah Law, with an extensive educational background in the field. He earned his first degree in L.L.B. Shari'ah from the Islamic University of Madinah in Saudi Arabia, and later completed his Master's degree in Comparative Law and his Ph.D. in Islamic Law from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). His research interests include Waqf and its various categories, such as Public Waqf, Special Waqf, and Shares Waqf, as well as other areas of law that pertain to relationships between individuals or private sectors. He has presented papers at several international conferences on Islamic law-related issues, including Waqaf and company take-offer operation. In addition to his academic work, Mohammed Jamiu has also served as the Executive Principal of the Sunnah School in Malaysia and as the Head of the Arabic, Quran, and Sunnah departments. Furthermore, he has worked as a research assistant at the International Shariah Research Academy for Islamic Finance (ISRA) in Malaysia. His main role is in assisting DPEX in ensuring its compliance with Islamic law principles. He reviews the company's business practices and transactions to ensure they are in line with Islamic ethical and legal standards. He also advises on the creation of waqf endowments for charitable purposes, which could be a way for DPEX to fulfill its social responsibility obligations in a way that is consistent with Islamic principles. Overall, his knowledge and expertise could be valuable in helping DPEX operates in a way that is Shari'ah compliant.
