Arief Hamizan is the Head of Research and Policy Advocacy at C4 Center, where he leads research and advocacy on a broad range of reform issues, including whistleblower protection, freedom of information, political financing, and environmental governance.
He holds an MSc Comparative Public Policy from the University of Edinburgh, graduating with distinction as a Chevening Scholar. His dissertation investigated the relationship between colonial land regimes and the construction of indigenous identity in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, and its impact upon policymaking following independence.
Arief also holds an LLB from the International Islamic University Malaysia and completed his pupillage at a major Malaysian law firm, where he worked in corporate litigation with a focus on anti-corruption issues and government abuses of power.
Bryan is a law graduate from the University of London external programme, and has had prior experience working for a human rights organisation as well as for a university research centre, focusing on drug policy and prison reform amidst COVID-19. Bryan’s current areas of research in C4 Center cover COVID-19 pandemic and governance issues related to the transparency of public procurement of healthcare services.
Si Peng has been a professional event manager for over 20 years overseeing corporate events in various industries ranging from IT, pharmaceutical to automobile organizing product launches, international and regional conferences, award ceremonies and sport events such as marathons and fun runs. She is also a qualified scuba diving instructor with the aim of training safe new divers with appreciation towards marine conservation. Since 2022 her areas of work in C4 Center expanded to include coordinating the research on waste trade and advocacy for a strong global plastic treaty.
Through his role as Research and Communications Officer at C4 Center, Benjamin combines his background in media studies with his keen interest in current affairs to contribute to the organisation’s advocacy and investigative works. His work sees him scrutinise the government’s commitment to their anti-corruption pledges and wider reform policies, primarily via the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024-2028 (NACS). Previously, Benjamin co-authored a report titled, “Navigating Reform: Challenges and Opportunities in the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024-2028” which evaluated the effectiveness of the NACS as an anti-corruption policy. A first class graduate from UCSI University with a degree in Mass Communication, where he majored in journalism, Benjamin is determined to uncover unseen instances of corruption that have served to widen social inequality in the country.
Farhana is the Finance and Administrative Officer who has dedicated several years to supporting programs, financial management, and administrative tasks at C4 Center. She completed three years of studies in Accounting and has worked in the corporate sector for nine years before joining the organization. Farhana also handles the admin works at C4 Center. She is a mom who during her free time enjoys outdoor activities such as camping and hiking with her boys.
Intan completed her studies in Secretarial Science which involve a range of administrative support task to ensure smooth operation within the organization. She is passionate about providing essential support in any work environment, from managing schedules and correspondence. She loves cats.
Asyraf Abdul Samad is the Social Media and Campaigns Officer. He graduated with honours from Limkokwing University with a degree in Broadcasting and Journalism, and has worked for several news organisations in Malaysia, including the New Straits Times and The Star. He previously co-directed a documentary film about the struggles of government hospital cleaners in Malaysia, which was screened at the Freedom Film Festival in 2019. The film, titled Bila Kami Bersatu, featured interviews with cleaners and their union leaders, receiving positive reviews in its honest highlighting of their plight.
Asyraf is passionate in his aspiration to expose injustices and human rights abuses. He uses his creative talents to tell stories that matter and raise awareness on issues that affect the most vulnerable. He is an active member of Amnesty International Malaysia, where he served as the Youth Representative to the Board of Governance until 2021.
Edmund Terence Gomez was Professor of Political Economy at the Faculty of Economics & Administration, University of Malaya. He specializes in state-market relations and the linkages between politics, policies, and capital development. He has also held appointments at the University of Leeds (UK) and Murdoch University (Australia) and served as Visiting Professor at Kobe University, Japan and at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Between 2005 and 2008, he served as Research Coordinator at the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), in Geneva, Switzerland. Other academic appointments include Visiting Fellowships at the Australian National University, Canberra and at the Nordic Institute of Asian Studies, Denmark. He has written and published several books on politics, economics, and Government-Linked Corporations (GLCs).
Cynthia Gabriel, is easily recognized as a key advocate of human rights and good governance in Malaysia and on the global platform. She was the recipient of the Anti-Corruption Champions Award 2022, a prestigious award conferred by the US Department of State. In June 2021, at a rare and exceptional invitation by the President of the United Nations General Assembly. Cynthia addressed the plenary of member states at their special session against corruption. Cynthia was appointed into the prestigious Global Future Councils of the World Economic Forum (WEF), on economic and anti- corruption issues for the term 2019-2020, an advisory body to the World Economic Forum, which meets every year in Davos, Switzerland. In 2020, Cynthia received a meritorious award by the King of Malaysia, for her outstanding efforts in fighting corruption and courage in advancing democratic freedoms in Malaysia and the region. Academically well-rounded, she has degrees in both the science and legal fraternities.
A firebrand social activist who has dedicated his life to fighting for human rights and public health. He now heads a social policy thinktank called the “Galen Centre”. His previous positions include being a senior manager with the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) as well various positions in humanitarian organisations such as the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). As a writer, Azrul is a frequent columnist for the Malay Mail and China Press.
Good and clean governance in Malaysia.
Foster open government policies at national, state and local levels, primarily through public sector reform, and enhanced citizenship governance
