Speakers

Bio

Ulziibayar Zandan is a highly-experienced electrical engineer with extensive technical expertise and exceptional leadership abilities. He graduated from the Mongolian University of Science and Technology in 1999 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Starting his career path as an Electrician, he advanced through roles such as Senior Electrician, Dispatch Engineer, and Senior Engineer, consistently demonstrating proficiency and technical prowess. Currently, Ulziibayar is the Head of the Dispatching Department at the National Power Transmission Grid State-Owned Joint Stock Company. In this role, he ensures efficient and secure operation of the power transmission system, maintaining uninterrupted power flow and remarkable reliability. Notably, he successfully supervised the installation and commissioning of 110 kV Substations during the Ikh Toirog Project, showcasing project management skills. His technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and leadership qualities have been instrumental in optimizing system performance and overcoming complex challenges.

Bio

Dr. Uma Rajarathnam heads the Applied Research and Collaboration center at Enzen. She has done her Masters in Environment Science and Doctorate from Center for Energy Studies, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi. She is also alumni of Stanford Graduate School of Business, USA and Said Business School, Oxford. She had illustrious career with reputed institutes namely The Energy and Resource Institute (NEERI) and National Environmental Engineering Research Institute. She has over 30 years of experience in wide ranging roles such as business leader, research coordinator for applied and policy research, project manager and mentor mostly in the areas of clean energy and environment. She is responsible for the technical direction and delivery of complex multi-disciplinary projects in the areas of energy efficiency and renewable energy.She has been worked on various assignments with international bodies namely Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), World Health Organization (WHO) The World Bank and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Her contribution for climate Change activity was recognized as a contributing activity towards the UN International Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. She has been awarded with Fulbright Indo American Environment leadership Program (Fulbright-IAELP) fellowship and Chevening Rollce-Royce fellowship on Science, Innovation, Leadership and Policy. She has published more than 30 research papers in peer reviewed journals and books.

Bio

Usha Maskey Manandhar, with a Master Degree in Sustainable International Development, has over twenty-five years of active work experiences in projects related to ethical labour management, sustainable livelihoods, climate change mitigation & adaptation, energy-efficiency and renewable energy, WaSH and building construction sectors. In MinErgy, she brings in her vast experiences of managing partnerships, engagement and collaboration with government entities, private sector (primarily small and medium enterprises) and local organisations towards improving energy and environment conditions and inclusive services. She is well versed on coupling approaches in the projects such as i) pyscho-social and agency-based empowerment, ii) techno-social integration in technology development and adaptation; iv) gender equality and social inclusion; v) strengthen supply chain and market system development, vi) private sector engagement and vii) local governance. She has provided her services to various funding agencies also for projects internationally such as Mongolia, Rwanda, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Bio

Utsav Dhoj Adhikari is currently a Vice President at Delphos International, a leading financial advisory firm for clients in emerging market, providing transaction advisory and technical assistance to private, public, and multilateral clients in energy sector engagements.

He has extensive experience across the energy sector, spanning power markets, project finance, corporate finance, utility regulation, power trade, and off-grid or distributed energy services, with particular expertise in renewable energy. He holds an MPA in Energy Policy and Finance from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs.

Bio

Vaibhav, a dynamic Engineering Techno-Marketing maestro with a remarkable 19-year legacy in innovation, ignites industry advancement. His diverse skills empower him to revolutionize productivity for corporations and edifice owners through bespoke Indoor Air solutions. A virtuoso in IAQ systems, he crafts atmospheres of purity in homes, offices, schools, healthcare facilities, and more, enhancing inhabitants' well-being. Accredited by IGBC and RESET-Air, Vaibhav excels as a GRIHA Trainer & Evaluator and GEM Certified Professional. Winner of ADB’s Innovation Global Challenge 2021 (for designing the “Disease Resilient and Energy-Efficient Centralized Air-Conditioning Systems”), is adept in LEED, WELL, and UNDP's Climate Change solutions. Vaibhav spearheads initiatives for Carbon Neutral & Sustainable Education Campuses, specializes in Net Zero Energy buildings, and contributes to BEEP, leveraging expertise from roles at Godrej & Boyce and CII.

Bio

Valeria Arroyave has been contributing to sustainable development initiatives at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) since 2021. As the Project Coordinator of the Accelerate-to-Demonstrate (A2D) Facility for Critical Minerals, she leads the implementation of catalytic projects throughout the critical minerals supply chain. Previously, she worked in the Montreal Protocol Division, focusing on sustainable cooling and energy efficiency initiatives. Prior to UNIDO, Valeria spent five years at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), specializing in climate transparency through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and GHG emissions reporting. Valeria holds a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering and a Master's degree in Public Administration and Sustainable Management, combining a strong foundation in technical skills with policy expertise.

Bio

Mr. Vatanak Chheng is currently serving as the deputy director of Program Management and Support Division, at the National Committee of Subnational Democratic Development, in Cambodia. In this role, he led a number of developing partners’ projects, developed new guidelines for the utilization of climate change adaptation funds on gender focused to sub-national administrations, and formed a partnership in create access to low-interest renewable energy (RE) financing. He is a proponent of affordable access to green financing. Prior to NCDDS, Mr. Chheng has spent many years in the petrochemical and oil and gas industry in the United States and Germany. He helped to develop regulatory framework and policies to better manage Cambodia’s the oil and gas energy sector. He holds a bachelor of science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Virginia and a master of business administration from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

Bio

Verick is a Senior Advisor for Energy at the Agency for Business and & Economic Development (AWE). The Agency advises companies on how to cooperate with the German Development cooperation as well as on its promotional programs and financing possibilities. It is financed by German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and powered by experts from DEG and GIZ. His previous experience includes management positions at P&G, Fraunhofer Society and GIZ. He is a Chemical Engineer from the University of Karlsruhe and he holds an MBA from the University of Toronto and the University of St. Gallen.

Bio

Vibhushree wears two hats at REN21 – strategising global Community (Member & Partnership) Development, and leading Regional Programs (research, community building, dialogues, and debates). Her key projects in the last 6+ years, include the Asia-Pacific Renewable Energy Status Report, the UNECE Renewable Energy Status Report, Country Hard Talks, the biennial REN21 Academy and the International Renewable Energy Conferences (IRECs). Prior to REN21, she worked as a Management Consultant at Business Sweden, promoting trade and cooperation between India and Sweden for over 5 years, mainly in the renewable and clean energy, healthcare and transport sectors. Vibhushree holds an advanced master’s degree in International Public Management and Energy from Sciences Po - Paris School of International Affairs.

Bio

Mr. Keo Vichet is a physics graduate with a research interest in PV Module Technologies and Nuclear Physics, and he holds an MSc. in Energy Policy. He has been working in Cambodia's power sector for more than seven years; currently, he is the deputy director of the Department of Energy Development, the Ministry of Mines and Energy. He was actively involved in accelerating and modernizing rural electrification during his term in the Office of Rural Electrification before being assigned to the Chief of Investment Procedures. In addition, his work mainly involved investment in energy infrastructure, accelerating the energy transition, energy statistics, and balance table preparation. He facilitated the development of newly adopted Cambodia's Power Development Master Plan 2022-2040, National Energy Efficiency Policy 2030, and Rooftop Solar Principles. In addition, he has actively participated in discussions and dialogue on GMS/ASEAN Regional Power Market (RPM) Development under ADB's GMS Energy Transition Task Force initiative and meetings under the ASEAN framework, especially under the Regional Energy Policy and Planning, ASEAN Power Grid and the development of ASEAN Energy Outlook.

Bio

H.E. Victor Jona, equipped with a 1989 Electrical Engineering degree from the Institute of Technology of Cambodia, embarked on a remarkable career in Cambodian energy. Starting in the Department of Energy Development (pre-2001), he rose through the ranks, becoming Deputy Director General (2006-2014) and championing renewable energy and rural electrification. His leadership culminated in his appointment as Director General (2014-2021) and then Under Secretary of State (2021-present) at the Ministry of Mines and Energy. He oversees vital energy planning departments, such as the Department of Energy Development and Thermal Energy, while assisting the Permanent Secretary. Beyond Cambodia's power sector development, he fosters regional collaboration, mainly as a senior officer (SOE) for energy leaders under the ASEAN Energy Cooperation framework, and heads the Energy Transition Task Force (formerly GMS Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee). He also chairs Electricite du Cambodge's board, leveraging his expertise for the national energy provider.

Bio

Viktoria is a dedicated professional and passionate advocate for renewable energy. With a focus on clean and sustainable solutions, she serves as the Renewable Energy Lead for Asia at Blue Water Shipping. Her expertise in sales and project delivery, combined with her commitment to advancing renewable energy through excellence in logistics, drives success in the renewable industry. Viktoria holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with a major in Power Engineering and has completed a Masters in Energy Engineering from the University of the Philippines. In addition to their professional achievements, she is also a dedicated athlete. As a triathlete and marathoner, she brings the same determination and discipline to her athletic pursuits as she does to her professional endeavors. With a strong passion for renewable energy, a solid educational background, and a commitment to personal excellence, Viktoria aims to make a significant impact in the renewable energy industry."