meet the cerah team
Welcome to the brains behind CERAH! We are a dynamic team of individuals from diverse backgrounds and expertise, united by a common goal – to tackle the pressing issue of air pollution in Malaysia. We believe that through collaboration and innovation, we can make a positive impact on the air quality in Malaysia and improve the health and well-being of its citizens. Join us on this journey to a cleaner and healthier future!
DENNIS CHAN
PRESIDENT
Dennis is an advocate in the non-profit field on refugee rights issues. With a background in finance, he is currently attached to a refugee community hub and learning centre based in Kuala Lumpur
AP Dr Helena Varkkey
VICE PRESIDENT
Dr Helena is an Associate Professor of Environmental Politics at the Department of International and Strategic Studies, Universiti Malaya. Her areas of expertise include transboundary haze governance and peatland management in Southeast Asia, and global palm oil politics.
NAJAH ONN
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Najah is an environmental engineer and sustainability consultant. Being the director and founder of Footprint Mechanics and FASHINFIDELITY, she specialises in HSE compliance, circular systems, resource efficiency, and designing sustainability, carbon and risk reduction strategies.
TANG KOK KEONG
TREASURER
Tang is an Edtech Advisor in the English language for teaching and digital learning, and has a strong passion for environmentalism. Over the last 35 years, he has developed teaching and training materials in educational technology, project management, and learning solutions.
AZIRA AZIZ
ASSISTANT TREASURER
Azira is a practised lawyer at Messrs Azira Aziz and majoring in corporate and commercial law. Her areas of interest include child rights, women’s rights, good governance and institutional reforms, environmental law, politics, and PC Gaming.
KIU JIA YAW
SECRETARY
Jia Yaw is a sustainable development lawyer and works on systemic change, institutional reforms, and organisational transformation. He advises policymakers and leaders in businesses, nonprofits, and government bodies on sustainable development issues. He is also the Co-Chair of the Malaysian CSO-SDG Alliance.
CHLOE YIIN
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Chloe is a data analyst with a background in environmental science. She has always been passionate about environmental protection and has been especially interested in transboundary haze issues when she wrote her dissertation on the issue along with the El Nino phenomenon.
HENG KIAH CHUN
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Heng is currently working in a non-governmental organisation with a focus on air pollution, transboundary haze, and public awareness. He is also a strong advocate for strengthening civil society engagement and capacity to mobilise actions to overcome environmental issues.