Meet the team behind Emergent.

A public policy veteran and tech strategist, Steven brings 30 years of experience at the crossroads of innovation and regulation. He's led game-changing public affairs for global brands including Airbnb and eBay, and now channels that expertise into guiding innovators - from high-growth startups to industry leaders - through complex, evolving policy landscapes.

Barbara brings over 30 years of experience shaping narratives and guiding companies through transformation. From global newsrooms like the BBC and CNBC to leading DJI’s comms through rapid growth and crisis, she’s built a career at the frontlines of media, tech, and geopolitics - now bringing that sharp, global lens to Emergent’s clients.

With over two decades of experience across government and industry, Lih Shiun has built multi-stakeholder coalitions and shaped inclusive policies to enable the responsible and rapid adoption of emerging technologies across Asia. He brings strategic clarity and a systems lens to help companies navigate scrutiny, complexity, and evolving expectations.

A seasoned geopolitical strategist, Malminderjit has spent over two decades helping leaders navigate Asia Pacific’s most complex landscapes. From negotiating trade agreements to leading high-stakes campaigns, he builds the coalitions and narratives that drive results.​​​​​​​​​​​​

An international relations, transport and security policy leader with more than 20 years of experience, Evangeline’s expertise spans maritime, aviation, urban transport, and supply chain security. Her career includes Singapore’s Ministry of Transport and Maritime and Port Authority, working across government, international institutions, and industry on complex cross-border issues and strategic partnerships.

PeiChin is a policy leader working at the intersection of AI, the future of work, and digital transformation. Formerly at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, she has led government innovation programmes across the UK and Singapore, coordinated a 14-member pan-European consortium, and contributed to multilateral forums at the UN, OECD, and World Bank. She brings deep knowledge of Singapore's fast-moving AI and digital policy landscape and a track record of turning complex policy challenges into meaningful outcomes.

Sophie is a communications leader with more than two decades of experience across business, government and media. She specialises in helping companies build reputation and navigate scrutiny, developing integrated strategies across consumer, B2B and government audiences. Sophie has held senior communications leadership roles at Airbnb and eBay in Australia and New Zealand, and previously worked in government communications and media.

With over a decade of experience across Asia Pacific and the Middle East, Anum has led government engagement and policy strategy at Amazon Web Services and Visa, shaping regulatory frameworks on cloud, data, AI, and financial services. She brings a global perspective, digital policy expertise, and a strong track record of building coalitions and driving high-impact policy outcomes.

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With over a decade of experience across Asia-Pacific, Sharon advises organisations on complex business, technology and policy issues, developing clear positioning, thought leadership and stakeholder engagement strategies that support reputation and business objectives. Her experience spans regional and multi-market programmes, with a particular focus on translating emerging issues into credible narratives, research-led communications and campaigns for diverse audiences.

A privacy and AI lawyer with experience across the United States and Asia-Pacific, Nanda works at the intersection of law and policy on data governance, responsible AI, frontier AI safety, and child online safety. He has engaged governments, civil society, and corporations across both regions on these issues, and is an active voice in the global communities and publications shaping AI governance - from the Center for AI Safety to the Harvard Journal of Law & Technology Digest.

Anuthida is a public affairs strategist with a sharp eye for policy trends and a proven track record in driving thought leadership and advocacy across the technology, sustainability, and public sectors. With over eight years of experience, she helps organisations build strategic coalitions and navigate dynamic policy environments - grounded in strong analysis and a deep understanding of the region’s evolving landscape.

Michael is a public affairs and government relations specialist advising global companies on emerging technology across Southeast Asia, with deep expertise in Malaysia. His work has spanned technology and healthcare clients, covering regulatory strategy, AI governance, digital regulation and market entry. Michael is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Carmela leverages creative as a powerful vehicle for strategic communication and policy advocacy - using visual language to inform, influence, and inspire. She brings over a decade of experience in branding, advertising, and digital design, helping organisations distil complexity and deliver messages with clarity and impact.

A creative strategist and experience designer driven by a genuine fascination for human behaviour, Moira brings storytelling to the heart of everything she does. From producing videos and visual campaigns to experiential programmes, she translates complex ideas into narratives and moments that resonate. Her work is grounded in a simple conviction: people don't connect with information - they connect with meaning.
 

Talitha is a finance and operations leader with experience spanning financial management, accounting, advisory and business operations. She brings deep expertise in financial reporting, audit and tax coordination, and has managed complex, multi-entity finance operations across APAC and international markets.