19th July 2025, Saturday
10.00am ~ 5.00pm
Prof. Dr. Sharifuddin Md Zain is the Founder and Director of Makerspace
@ UM.
With a PhD in High-Resolution Spectroscopy from Imperial College London, and a strong research background in computational chemistry and chemical data analytics, Prof. Sharifuddin brings a deep-rooted STEM perspective to his leadership in the Maker Movement.
He envisions Makerspace @ UM as a dynamic hub where individuals of all ages can ideate, collaborate, design, and create. Believing in the power of experiential learning, he emphasizes the importance of hands-on making—where people not only share tools and skills but also gain tangible experience in bringing their ideas to life from the earliest stages of education.
Makerspace @ UM fosters creativity, innovation and STEM learning by encouraging active participation from students, staff, and the wider community. Prof. Sharifuddin remains committed to championing the Maker Movement as an inclusive and transformative force aligned with the future of STEM education.
Brian Cracknell, Director,
Language Works Sdn. Bhd
Brian Cracknell brings over four decades of experience in Learning & Development, with a specialization in professional communication. Based in Malaysia since 1983, he has worked extensively across Asia and the Middle East with clients in both corporate and public sectors, including education.
Brian's early academic role at the International Islamic University Malaysia and later work with the British Council Kuala Lumpur established his reputation for blending practical learning strategies with deep expertise in communication and language development.
His approach is especially relevant to early childhood educators, as he understands how effective communication skills must be nurtured from the foundational years.
Brian has held roles such as Lead Consultant for Climate Change Education with Green Growth Asia Foundation, and Executive Committee Member for IPMA Malaysia.
His current work focuses on helping individuals and organizations adapt and thrive through communication, inquiry, and custom learning solutionsmaking him uniquely positioned to speak on building communication skills through inquiry and exploration in young learners
Dr. Nurul Nadiah Sahimi,
Dean, Faculty of Education, Saito University College
With a PhD in Children’s Environment from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and dual Master’s degrees in Educational Technology (Universiti Putra Malaysia) and Child and Family Studies (University of Massachusetts), Dr. Nadiah brings a rich, cross-disciplinary approach to nurturing inquiry-based learning among young children.
Her expertise lies in infant and toddler development, the design of child-centric learning environments, and the use of inquiry learning to stimulate curiosity and critical thinking from an early age. She has studied neonatal behaviour at Boston Children’s Hospital, further deepening her understanding of how early sensory and cognitive experiences shape a child’s development.
Currently serving as the Vice President of Early Care and Education Malaysia, she is committed to embedding STEM learning within early childhood frameworks.
Through her vast network, she actively connects students, educators, and caregivers with global best practices via seminars, workshops, and collaborative initiatives that highlight the value of STEM education in the early years.
Coach Jacky Cheng
Founder of Genius Home School
Genius Minds International
Jacky Cheng brings with him more than 35 years of experience in the areas of motivational and inspirational coaching and training. He has helped more than 300,000 people – children, youth, young adults, parents, families and young professionals, to empower and change their lifes.
His work had brought him to different parts of Asia and also the UK. He is a dynamic speaker and often captures the hearts of his audience with his unique personality and coaching style. He has made it his mission, as a coach, trainer and speaker, to bring about transformation in his disciples, trainees and participants.
He believes that anyone can be transformed – when the right desire is created.
His passion is working with children and youth, focusing on helping them to develop their character and creating their personal success.
His coaching clients include AIA, Coca Cola, Great Eastern, Hitachi Semiconductors, Motorola, OCBC Singapore, SKII, ST Group and many other MNCs.
