Agenda

Fahmi Fadzil is a Malaysian leader of the new generation who is currently the Minister of 
Communications. He is serving his second term as a Member of Parliament for the Lembah 
Pantai constituency. Born in 1981, Fahmi graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical 
Engineering (BSChE) from Purdue University in Indiana, USA.

Upon assuming his new role in the Ministry, he faced challenges such as addressing internet 
coverage issues in rural areas and overseeing the implementation of the 5G network in 
Malaysia. Additionally, he played a key role in the transition from a Single Wholesale Network to a Dual Network approach for the 5G rollout.

In addition to telecommunications, the Ministry is responsible for postal services, broadcasting, media, and the creative industry. As Communications Minister, Fahmi's work also focuses on improving media ethics, protecting press freedom, and addressing the welfare of media practitioners, re ecting his strong commitment to the media industry.

In February 2025, the Malaysian Media Council Bill, championed by Fahmi, was approved by the lower house of Parliament, marking a signi cant milestone in the country’s media governance.

Fahmi played a pivotal role in the installation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim as the 17th King of Malaysia. In his capacity as Chairman of the Special Committee for the King's Installation Events, Fahmi was instrumental in organising and overseeing the ceremonies associated with the King's ascension. In March 2025, he was conferred the Darjah Kebesaran Panglima Mahkota Wilayah (Commander of The Order of The Territorial Crown), which carries the title "Datuk." Fahmi also serves as the government spokesperson.

Before entering politics, he was an award-winning theatre practitioner and writer.

 Member of Parliament for Kibamba Constituency; 
 ⁠ Chairperson of the National Advisory and Monitoring Committee on Generation 
Equality Forum Implementation in Tanzania, which was established by the 
President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu 
Hassan, the GEF Global Champion. From 2024 to date; 
 ⁠ ECDAN champion for Early Childhood Development; 
 Current Cabinet of Ministers, she serves as the Minister of Communication and 
Information Technology from November 2025 to date; 
 Further (between October 2022 and August, 2024), she served as the Minister of 
State in the President's Office (Regional Administration and Local Government) 
and Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, respectively; 
 Also Served as Advisor to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania; 
 In the previous Administrations (2010-2020), she served as the Minister of State 
in the Prime Minister's Office in charge of Investments, the Minister of Minerals, 
and the Minister of State in The President's Office is in charge of Public Service 
Management and Good Governance; Deputy Minister of Land, Housing, and 
Human Settlement and Deputy Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs; 
 Before entering politics, she worked as a Parliamentary Draftsman in the Attorney 
General's Chambers and as a State Attorney in the Office of the Director of Public 
Prosecution; 
 Thereafter, she joined the Private Sector as Head of the Department of Ethics, 
Compliance, and Governance at VODACOM Group PTY. In 2012, she was on Forbes 
Magazine's 20 Young Power Africans Women's list. In 2013 and 2014, I was 
nominated as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum; 
 Law graduate, an Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania, and a Member of the 
Tanzania Institute of Arbitrators;

WORK EXPERIENCE:

17/6/2024  - Today    Acting Permanent Secretary of Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy               

1/6/2015 – Today        Director in the Department of Electronic Communications of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy

                                           Regulating the use of radio spectrum and the use of electronic trust services (electronic identity and signature), Implementing the national Broadband Plan, Formulating and monitoring the implementation of the national Space Strategy

4/2012 – 5/2015          Acting Director in the Department of Electronic Communications of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works

2000 – 31/3/2012        Senior Officer in the Department of Electronic Communications of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works

Management and monitoring of the use of the radio spectrum, dealing with space issues, evaluating and introducing new technologies in Cyprus, preparing contest documents (auctions), issuing authorizations and setting the relevant fees, surveillance of the market related to radio equipment, representing the electronic communications interests of Cyprus internationally. 

1993 – 2000                   Captain in the Head of Signals of National Guard

Involvement in issues related with telecommunications, strategic planning, preparation of technical and performance reports, negotiations and contracts with local and foreign companies (for procurement purposes), project and quality management.              

1988 – 1993                   Manager of the Department of Telecommunication and Electronic  
Applications of GEVO Company  

Philip Marnick is the General Director of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA). He was appointed early January 2022 by the Members of the Board, to assume the position, paving the way for a more effective regulatory framework by continuing the evolution of the telecom sector liberalization.

Mr. Marnick leads the TRA, including the development of consumer protection initiatives and resolving disputes. The TRA develops regulatory rules that promote competition, innovation, and investment in broadband services and facilities, as well as developing a more comprehensive and competitive framework that aligns with international best practices. Ensuring that Bahrain remains a center of innovation and that its telecommunications sector serves everyone while supporting Bahrain’s strategic objectives.

Before assuming his role at the TRA, Philip managed and directed at Ofcom in the UK, where he was the Group Director of Spectrum responsible for all aspects of UK national and international spectrum management – from strategy to delivery including awards, clearance and enforcement. 

Mr. Marnick has worked in the telecommunications sector for over 30 years. He has served as a senior executive in technology, operations, and strategy. Mr. Marnick has worked in both start-ups (from inception to sale) and major corporations, in firms such as UK Broadband, O2, Orange, BT, J-Phone in Japan (now Softbank Mobile), Extreme Mobile, and SpinVox (now Nuance).

From analogue to 5G, he has engaged across every mobile generation. Throughout his carrier he has been at the forefront of industry developments – in both fixed and mobile. He has collaborated on the first deployments of mobile networks utilizing new technologies and standards, this has also included innovative products such as the first camera phone and photo messaging service, as well as mobile internet and hosted voice services. 

Top executive and economist with over 20 years of leadership experience in telecommunications regulation, competition policy, and strategic governance and management. Recognized for spearheading Brazil’s 5G auction, shaping national 
telecommunication policy, and advancing consumer rights and service quality. Proven track record in leading a governmental organization with 27 offices and a workforce of over 1,200 staff. Accomplished academic and published author with expertise in innovation, finance, and economic regulation. Fluent in three languages and experienced in high level international collaboration.

Ms. Helena Fernandes is currently the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the INCM, where she also played the role of an Executive Board Member in charge of Corporate Affairs (September 2021 to July 2024). Previously, she served as Director of Administration and Finance at INCM and Head of Department of Finance at the Ministry of Science, Technology and High Education.

As a leader at INCM, she has been contributing to the development of the postal and telecommunications sectors in Mozambique.

At the international level, Mrs. Fernandes chaired the Executive Committee and the Finance and Audit Committee of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization (CTO) and the Communications Regulatory Association of Southern Africa’s (CRASA) Finance and Audit Committee, for 7 years. She chaired the WTDC-17’s Finance Committee in Buenos-Aires and vice-chaired the Committee 3 of ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-18) in Dubai.

Mrs. Fernandes has actively participated in the financial and management reforms process of the CTO and the Portuguese Speaking Countries Telecommunication Regulatory Association (ARCTEL-CPLP).

Mrs. Helena Fernandes graduated in Economics and holds a MBA.

Whitney Baird is President and CEO of the US Council for International Business (USCIB), an organization dedicated to powering the success of American businesses.  

Baird's international affairs experience gives her perspective on the complex challenges and opportunities facing American businesses in today’s global economy. Prior to USCIB, Baird served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs at the US State Department, leading efforts to promote American economic interests abroad. Baird also led the US Mission to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) as Chargé d'Affaires from 2020-2022. 

During her diplomatic career, Baird was appointed Minister Counselor for Economic Affairs at U.S. Embassy London, Director of Multilateral Trade, Director of European Union Affairs, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for West Africa and Security Affairs, and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Europe and European Union and Regional Affairs. She also served at US embassies in Madrid, Dakar, Lome, and Yaoundé, earning distinction as the recipient of the Secretary’s Career Achievement Award and multiple Superior Honor Awards. 

Baird holds an MS in International Security Studies from the National Defense University and a BS in Political Science from the University of North Carolina.