IoC Changemakers Asia Pacific

09/06/2026

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗭𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗵 invites you to 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗴𝗶𝗮: 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴, an academic event that explores how nostalgia influences consumer behavior and strengthens brand connections in today’s marketing landscape. Happening on 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 from 𝟭:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠 to 𝟱:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠 at 𝗣𝗨𝗣 𝗕𝘂𝗹𝘄𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘁𝗮𝘀.

Recognizing its impact, the event highlights how familiar memories and emotional touchpoints are transformed into strategic storytelling, shaping how brands engage and connect with audiences in meaningful ways.
As we prepare to revisit the power of nostalgia in marketing, step into the experience and relive meaningful moments.

Pre registration is now open to step into Newstalgia!

http://tiny.cc/NEWSTALGIA
http://tiny.cc/NEWSTALGIA
http://tiny.cc/NEWSTALGIA

08/06/2026

We at the Icons of Change Secretariat extend our warmest congratulations to H.E. Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar, Minister (Economic Affairs) at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Malaysia’s Overseas Office, Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing, for being recognized as a Changemaker for Strategic Bilateral Economic Diplomacy, Multilateral Trade Architecture, Belt and Road Initiative Operationalization, and Cross-Regional Economic Integration (Malaysia), with a focus on Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

H.E. Unny Sankar’s distinguished diplomatic career exemplifies sophisticated economic statecraft and the art of building resilient, mutually beneficial international partnerships in a complex global landscape. As Minister of Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing, he continues to play a pivotal role in deepening Malaysia–China bilateral economic relations through strategic frameworks that enhance investment flows, trade facilitation, technology collaboration, and supply chain resilience.

His earlier leadership at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia was instrumental in shaping the country’s external economic architecture. Notably, he led the establishment of the Belt and Road Initiative National Secretariat (BRINS Malaysia) in 2017, driving the effective operationalization of BRI projects in alignment with national priorities. He has also overseen the coordination of the Five-Year Program for Economic and Trade Cooperation between Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China.

H.E. Unny Sankar’s contributions extend to high-level multilateral negotiations, including serving as ASEAN Lead for the Economic and Technical Cooperation Working Group in the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) 3.0 upgrade. He has simultaneously strengthened Malaysia’s economic ties with the European Union through the implementation of EU ARISE+ Malaysia programs and targeted trade and investment initiatives. His civil service journey began in 2003 at the Ministry of Health Malaysia, where he contributed to critical Free Trade Agreement negotiations, with a strong emphasis on intellectual property rights, trade in goods and services, and public health safeguards.

A highly accomplished policy expert, H.E. Unny Sankar holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (Honors) from the University of Malaya and a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University. His commitment to excellence and public service is further reflected in his tenure as Honorary Secretary of the Harvard Club of Malaysia and his recognition in Britishpedia’s *Successful People in Malaysia* in 2023.

Through visionary diplomatic leadership and the cultivation of strategic cross-regional partnerships, H.E. Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar has significantly advanced Malaysia’s integration into global value chains while championing inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking international cooperation.

For his outstanding contributions to SDG 17 through high-level economic diplomacy, BRI coordination, ACFTA 3.0 negotiations, EU–Malaysia partnership building, and the strengthening of resilient multilateral trade ecosystems, H.E. Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar is proudly recognized as a 2026 Icon of Change.

We commend his continued service in fostering meaningful global partnerships that drive shared prosperity and sustainable development.

Thank you for your exemplary leadership and dedication to advancing Malaysia’s strategic interests on the world stage.

KUALA LUMPUR: Menteri Hal Ehwal Ekonomi di Kedutaan Malaysia di Beijing, Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar mencipta sejarah sebagai rakyat Malaysia pertama menerima Icons of Change International Awards 2026, pengiktirafan global yang menghargai individu dan institusi yang menyumbang kepada pembangunan mampan.

Gerakan Icons of Change™ ialah platform pengiktirafan global utama yang memberi penghormatan kepada Pembuat Perubahan transformatif - individu dan organisasi yang visi, kepimpinan dan intervensi inovatifnya menjana impak yang boleh diukur merentasi industri dan komuniti di seluruh dunia.

Dalam peranannya ketika ini, Unny Sankar, yang menerima anugerah itu tahun ini, bertanggungjawab memperkukuh hubungan ekonomi dan perdagangan dua hala antara Malaysia dan China.

Sebelum pelantikannya di Beijing, beliau berkhidmat sebagai Pengarah Seksyen China dan Seksyen Eropah II di Kementerian Pelaburan, Perdagangan dan Industri (MITI), menyelia perkara berkaitan Inisiatif Jalur dan Laluan (BRI) Malaysia serta hubungan ekonomi dengan China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, Kesatuan Eropah dan beberapa negara Eropah Barat terpilih.

Dalam ucapan penerimaannya, Unny Sankar menyifatkan anugerah itu sebagai penghormatan peribadi yang besar dan pengiktirafan terhadap usaha memperkukuh kerjasama antarabangsa.

“Dengan penuh rendah diri dan penghargaan, saya menerima Icons of Change International Awards 2026. Pengiktirafan ini amat bermakna kepada saya sebagai individu yang komited memperkukuh hubungan bermakna antara negara.

“(Menerusi peranan saya), saya mengetuai usaha memperkukuh hubungan ekonomi dan perdagangan dua hala antara Malaysia dan Republik Rakyat China, dua negara dinamik yang perkongsiannya membentuk Asia yang lebih saling berhubung dan makmur,” katanya, sambil menyatakan kerjasama kedua-dua negara berkembang menerusi pelbagai rangka kerja ekonomi serantau dan antarabangsa utama.

Menerusi rangka kerja seperti BRI, Perkongsian Ekonomi Komprehensif Serantau (RCEP) dan Kawasan Perdagangan Bebas ASEAN-China, beliau berkata kedua-dua negara menggalakkan perdagangan, pelaburan dan pemindahan teknologi yang melangkaui pertumbuhan ekonomi semata-mata.

Menurut Unny Sankar, Malaysia dan China sedang giat meneroka kerjasama dalam pembangunan hijau, kenderaan tenaga baharu, tenaga boleh baharu dan teknologi sedang muncul.

Beliau berkata, usaha itu termasuk libat urus dengan pegawai kerajaan pusat dan wilayah, lawatan ke syarikat inovatif serta pemuktamadan memorandum berkaitan ekonomi digital, pembangunan hijau dan industri mampan.

“Tugas saya selari secara langsung dengan Pelan Induk Perindustrian Baharu Malaysia 2030 dan Rancangan Malaysia Ke-13, memacu inovasi, mewujudkan pekerjaan dan membina rantaian bekalan yang berdaya tahan,” katanya.

Beliau berkata, inisiatif sedemikian turut menyumbang secara langsung kepada Matlamat Pembangunan Mampan (SDG) PBB menerusi galakan pertumbuhan ekonomi inklusif, penggunaan bertanggungjawab, tindakan iklim dan pengurangan ketidaksamaan.

“Kami bukan sekadar meningkatkan keluaran dalam negara kasar (KDNK), tetapi turut melabur dalam masa depan rendah karbon yang memberi manfaat kepada rakyat kedua-dua negara dan planet ini,” katanya.

Menyifatkan pengiktirafan itu sebagai dorongan untuk terus memperkukuh kerjasama ekonomi mampan, Unny Sankar menegaskan kepentingan menterjemahkan diplomasi kepada hasil yang nyata.

“Anugerah ini memberi inspirasi kepada saya untuk melakukan lebih banyak lagi. Perubahan sebenar berlaku apabila diplomasi diterjemahkan kepada kemajuan mampan yang nyata untuk generasi akan datang,” katanya.

Beliau turut menyeru kerjasama global dipertingkat bagi mengimbangi pertumbuhan ekonomi dengan kelestarian alam sekitar.

“Mari kita terus membina dunia yang perkongsian ekonomi dan pemeliharaan alam sekitar bergerak seiring,” katanya.

Unny Sankar memiliki Ijazah Sarjana Muda Sains (Kepujian) dalam Biokimia dari Universiti Malaya dan Sarjana Pentadbiran Awam dari Universiti Harvard.

Pada 2023, beliau turut diiktiraf Britishpedia menerusi penerbitan Successful People in Malaysia, sekali gus mengukuhkan kedudukannya sebagai antara penjawat awam Malaysia yang cemerlang di pentas antarabangsa.

Ucapan penuh penerimaannya boleh ditonton di https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mue830VpqNQ.

-- BERNAMA

08/06/2026

We at the Icons of Change Secretariat extend our warmest congratulations to H.E. Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar, Minister (Economic Affairs) at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Malaysia’s Overseas Office, Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing, for being recognized as a Changemaker for Strategic Bilateral Economic Diplomacy, Multilateral Trade Architecture, Belt and Road Initiative Operationalization, and Cross-Regional Economic Integration (Malaysia), with a focus on Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

H.E. Unny Sankar’s distinguished diplomatic career exemplifies sophisticated economic statecraft and the art of building resilient, mutually beneficial international partnerships in a complex global landscape. As Minister of Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing, he continues to play a pivotal role in deepening Malaysia–China bilateral economic relations through strategic frameworks that enhance investment flows, trade facilitation, technology collaboration, and supply chain resilience.

His earlier leadership at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia was instrumental in shaping the country’s external economic architecture. Notably, he led the establishment of the Belt and Road Initiative National Secretariat (BRINS Malaysia) in 2017, driving the effective operationalization of BRI projects in alignment with national priorities. He has also overseen the coordination of the Five-Year Program for Economic and Trade Cooperation between Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China.

H.E. Unny Sankar’s contributions extend to high-level multilateral negotiations, including serving as ASEAN Lead for the Economic and Technical Cooperation Working Group in the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) 3.0 upgrade. He has simultaneously strengthened Malaysia’s economic ties with the European Union through the implementation of EU ARISE+ Malaysia programs and targeted trade and investment initiatives. His civil service journey began in 2003 at the Ministry of Health Malaysia, where he contributed to critical Free Trade Agreement negotiations, with a strong emphasis on intellectual property rights, trade in goods and services, and public health safeguards.

A highly accomplished policy expert, H.E. Unny Sankar holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (Honors) from the University of Malaya and a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University. His commitment to excellence and public service is further reflected in his tenure as Honorary Secretary of the Harvard Club of Malaysia and his recognition in Britishpedia’s *Successful People in Malaysia* in 2023.

Through visionary diplomatic leadership and the cultivation of strategic cross-regional partnerships, H.E. Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar has significantly advanced Malaysia’s integration into global value chains while championing inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking international cooperation.

For his outstanding contributions to SDG 17 through high-level economic diplomacy, BRI coordination, ACFTA 3.0 negotiations, EU–Malaysia partnership building, and the strengthening of resilient multilateral trade ecosystems, H.E. Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar is proudly recognized as a 2026 Icon of Change.

We commend his continued service in fostering meaningful global partnerships that drive shared prosperity and sustainable development.

Thank you for your exemplary leadership and dedication to advancing Malaysia’s strategic interests on the world stage.

Menteri Hal Ehwal Ekonomi di Kedutaan Malaysia di Beijing, Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar mencipta sejarah sebagai rakyat Malaysia pertama menerima Icons of Change International Awards 2026, pengiktirafan global yang menghargai individu dan institusi yang menyumbang kepada pembangunan mampan.

Gerakan Icons of Change™ ialah platform pengiktirafan global utama yang memberi penghormatan kepada Pembuat Perubahan transformatif - individu dan organisasi yang visi, kepimpinan dan intervensi inovatifnya menjana impak yang boleh diukur merentasi industri dan komuniti di seluruh dunia.

Baca lanjut.

https://dakwatrakyat.com/2026/06/06/unny-sankar-rakyat-malaysia-pertama-terima-anugerah-icons-of-change/

08/06/2026

We at the Icons of Change extend our warmest congratulations to H.E. Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar, Minister (Economic Affairs) at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Malaysia’s Overseas Office, Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing, for being recognized as a Changemaker for Strategic Bilateral Economic Diplomacy, Multilateral Trade Architecture, Belt and Road Initiative Operationalization, and Cross-Regional Economic Integration (Malaysia), with a focus on Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

H.E. Unny Sankar’s distinguished diplomatic career exemplifies sophisticated economic statecraft and the art of building resilient, mutually beneficial international partnerships in a complex global landscape. As Minister of Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing, he continues to play a pivotal role in deepening Malaysia–China bilateral economic relations through strategic frameworks that enhance investment flows, trade facilitation, technology collaboration, and supply chain resilience.

His earlier leadership at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia was instrumental in shaping the country’s external economic architecture. Notably, he led the establishment of the Belt and Road Initiative National Secretariat (BRINS Malaysia) in 2017, driving the effective operationalization of BRI projects in alignment with national priorities. He has also overseen the coordination of the Five-Year Program for Economic and Trade Cooperation between Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China.

H.E. Unny Sankar’s contributions extend to high-level multilateral negotiations, including serving as ASEAN Lead for the Economic and Technical Cooperation Working Group in the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) 3.0 upgrade. He has simultaneously strengthened Malaysia’s economic ties with the European Union through the implementation of EU ARISE+ Malaysia programs and targeted trade and investment initiatives. His civil service journey began in 2003 at the Ministry of Health Malaysia, where he contributed to critical Free Trade Agreement negotiations, with a strong emphasis on intellectual property rights, trade in goods and services, and public health safeguards.

A highly accomplished policy expert, H.E. Unny Sankar holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (Honors) from the University of Malaya and a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University. His commitment to excellence and public service is further reflected in his tenure as Honorary Secretary of the Harvard Club of Malaysia and his recognition in Britishpedia’s *Successful People in Malaysia* in 2023.

Through visionary diplomatic leadership and the cultivation of strategic cross-regional partnerships, H.E. Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar has significantly advanced Malaysia’s integration into global value chains while championing inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking international cooperation.

For his outstanding contributions to SDG 17 through high-level economic diplomacy, BRI coordination, ACFTA 3.0 negotiations, EU–Malaysia partnership building, and the strengthening of resilient multilateral trade ecosystems, H.E. Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar is proudly recognized as a 2026 Icon of Change.

We commend his continued service in fostering meaningful global partnerships that drive shared prosperity and sustainable development.

Thank you for your exemplary leadership and dedication to advancing Malaysia’s strategic interests on the world stage.

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian diplomat Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar (picture) has been named a recipient of the Icons of Change International Awards 2026, becoming the first Malaysian to receive the global honour for advancing sustainable development initiatives.

The award was presented in conjunction with the United Nations-designated International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026.

The Icons of Change™ movement is a premier global recognition platform honouring transformative Changemakers – individuals and organisations whose vision, leadership, and innovative interventions generate measurable impact across industries and communities worldwide.

Currently serving as Minister of Economic Affairs at the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing, Unny Sankar is responsible for strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations between Malaysia and China.

Before his current appointment in Beijing, he served as Director of the China Section and Europe II Section at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), overseeing Malaysia’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)-related matters and economic relations with China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, the European Union and selected Western European countries.

In his acceptance speech, Unny Sankar described the award as a significant personal honour and a recognition of efforts to foster stronger international partnerships.

“It is with profound humility and gratitude that I accept the Icons of Change International Awards 2026. This recognition deeply honours me as an individual committed to fostering meaningful connections between nations.

“(Under my role), I lead efforts to strengthen bilateral economic and trade ties between Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China, two dynamic nations whose partnership is shaping a more connected and prosperous Asia,” he said, noting that cooperation between the two countries has expanded through major regional and international economic frameworks.

Through frameworks like the Belt and Road Initiative, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement, he said both countries are fostering trade, investment and technology transfer that go beyond growth.

According to Unny Sankar, Malaysia and China are actively pursuing collaboration in green development, new energy vehicles, renewable energy and emerging technologies.

He said these efforts include engagement with central and provincial government officials, visits to innovative companies, and the finalisation of memoranda on the digital economy, green development, and sustainable industries.

“My work aligns directly with Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the 13th Malaysia Plan, driving innovation, creating jobs and building resilient supply chains,” he said.

He added that such initiatives contribute directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting inclusive economic growth, responsible consumption, climate action and reduced inequalities.

“We are not only boosting GDP (Gross Domestic Product), we are investing in a low-carbon future that benefits both our peoples and the planet,” he said.

Describing the recognition as a motivation to continue advancing sustainable economic partnerships, Unny Sankar stressed the importance of translating diplomacy into tangible outcomes.

“This award inspires me to do even more. True change happens when diplomacy turns into tangible, sustainable progress for generations to come,” he said.

He also called for greater global cooperation in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, saying, “Let us continue building a world where economic partnership and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.”

Unny Sankar holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biochemistry from the University of Malaya and a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University. In 2023, he was recognised by Britishpedia in its publication “Successful People in Malaysia”, further cementing his standing as one of Malaysia’s distinguished public servants on the international stage.

His full acceptance speech can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mue830VpqNQ. — BERNAMA

08/06/2026

We at the Icons of Change Secretariat extend our warmest congratulations to H.E. Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar, Minister (Economic Affairs) at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Malaysia’s Overseas Office, Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing, for being recognized as a Changemaker for Strategic Bilateral Economic Diplomacy, Multilateral Trade Architecture, Belt and Road Initiative Operationalization, and Cross-Regional Economic Integration (Malaysia), with a focus on Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

H.E. Unny Sankar’s distinguished diplomatic career exemplifies sophisticated economic statecraft and the art of building resilient, mutually beneficial international partnerships in a complex global landscape. As Minister of Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing, he continues to play a pivotal role in deepening Malaysia–China bilateral economic relations through strategic frameworks that enhance investment flows, trade facilitation, technology collaboration, and supply chain resilience.

His earlier leadership at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia was instrumental in shaping the country’s external economic architecture. Notably, he led the establishment of the Belt and Road Initiative National Secretariat (BRINS Malaysia) in 2017, driving the effective operationalization of BRI projects in alignment with national priorities. He has also overseen the coordination of the Five-Year Program for Economic and Trade Cooperation between Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China.

H.E. Unny Sankar’s contributions extend to high-level multilateral negotiations, including serving as ASEAN Lead for the Economic and Technical Cooperation Working Group in the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) 3.0 upgrade. He has simultaneously strengthened Malaysia’s economic ties with the European Union through the implementation of EU ARISE+ Malaysia programs and targeted trade and investment initiatives. His civil service journey began in 2003 at the Ministry of Health Malaysia, where he contributed to critical Free Trade Agreement negotiations, with a strong emphasis on intellectual property rights, trade in goods and services, and public health safeguards.

A highly accomplished policy expert, H.E. Unny Sankar holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (Honors) from the University of Malaya and a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University. His commitment to excellence and public service is further reflected in his tenure as Honorary Secretary of the Harvard Club of Malaysia and his recognition in Britishpedia’s *Successful People in Malaysia* in 2023.

Through visionary diplomatic leadership and the cultivation of strategic cross-regional partnerships, H.E. Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar has significantly advanced Malaysia’s integration into global value chains while championing inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking international cooperation.

For his outstanding contributions to SDG 17 through high-level economic diplomacy, BRI coordination, ACFTA 3.0 negotiations, EU–Malaysia partnership building, and the strengthening of resilient multilateral trade ecosystems, H.E. Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar is proudly recognized as a 2026 Icon of Change.

We commend his continued service in fostering meaningful global partnerships that drive shared prosperity and sustainable development.

Thank you for your exemplary leadership and dedication to advancing Malaysia’s strategic interests on the world stage.

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian diplomat Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar (picture) has been named a recipient of the Icons of Change International Awards 2026, becoming the first Malaysian to receive the global honour for advancing sustainable development initiatives. The award was presented in conjunction with ...

08/06/2026

We at the Icons of Change extend our warmest congratulations to H.E. Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar, Minister (Economic Affairs) at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Malaysia’s Overseas Office, Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing, for being recognized as a Changemaker for Strategic Bilateral Economic Diplomacy, Multilateral Trade Architecture, Belt and Road Initiative Operationalization, and Cross-Regional Economic Integration (Malaysia), with a focus on Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

H.E. Unny Sankar’s distinguished diplomatic career exemplifies sophisticated economic statecraft and the art of building resilient, mutually beneficial international partnerships in a complex global landscape. As Minister of Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing, he continues to play a pivotal role in deepening Malaysia–China bilateral economic relations through strategic frameworks that enhance investment flows, trade facilitation, technology collaboration, and supply chain resilience.

His earlier leadership at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia was instrumental in shaping the country’s external economic architecture. Notably, he led the establishment of the Belt and Road Initiative National Secretariat (BRINS Malaysia) in 2017, driving the effective operationalization of BRI projects in alignment with national priorities. He has also overseen the coordination of the Five-Year Program for Economic and Trade Cooperation between Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China.

H.E. Unny Sankar’s contributions extend to high-level multilateral negotiations, including serving as ASEAN Lead for the Economic and Technical Cooperation Working Group in the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) 3.0 upgrade. He has simultaneously strengthened Malaysia’s economic ties with the European Union through the implementation of EU ARISE+ Malaysia programs and targeted trade and investment initiatives. His civil service journey began in 2003 at the Ministry of Health Malaysia, where he contributed to critical Free Trade Agreement negotiations, with a strong emphasis on intellectual property rights, trade in goods and services, and public health safeguards.

A highly accomplished policy expert, H.E. Unny Sankar holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (Honors) from the University of Malaya and a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University. His commitment to excellence and public service is further reflected in his tenure as Honorary Secretary of the Harvard Club of Malaysia and his recognition in Britishpedia’s *Successful People in Malaysia* in 2023.

Through visionary diplomatic leadership and the cultivation of strategic cross-regional partnerships, H.E. Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar has significantly advanced Malaysia’s integration into global value chains while championing inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking international cooperation.

For his outstanding contributions to SDG 17 through high-level economic diplomacy, BRI coordination, ACFTA 3.0 negotiations, EU–Malaysia partnership building, and the strengthening of resilient multilateral trade ecosystems, H.E. Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar is proudly recognized as a 2026 Icon of Change.

We commend his continued service in fostering meaningful global partnerships that drive shared prosperity and sustainable development.

Thank you for your exemplary leadership and dedication to advancing Malaysia’s strategic interests on the world stage.

Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar, Icons of Change Internati

08/06/2026

We at the Icons of Change Secretariat extend our warmest congratulations to H.E. Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar, Minister (Economic Affairs) at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Malaysia’s Overseas Office, Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing, for being recognized as a Changemaker for Strategic Bilateral Economic Diplomacy, Multilateral Trade Architecture, Belt and Road Initiative Operationalization, and Cross-Regional Economic Integration (Malaysia), with a focus on Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

H.E. Unny Sankar’s distinguished diplomatic career exemplifies sophisticated economic statecraft and the art of building resilient, mutually beneficial international partnerships in a complex global landscape. As Minister of Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing, he continues to play a pivotal role in deepening Malaysia–China bilateral economic relations through strategic frameworks that enhance investment flows, trade facilitation, technology collaboration, and supply chain resilience.

His earlier leadership at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia was instrumental in shaping the country’s external economic architecture. Notably, he led the establishment of the Belt and Road Initiative National Secretariat (BRINS Malaysia) in 2017, driving the effective operationalization of BRI projects in alignment with national priorities. He has also overseen the coordination of the Five-Year Program for Economic and Trade Cooperation between Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China.

H.E. Unny Sankar’s contributions extend to high-level multilateral negotiations, including serving as ASEAN Lead for the Economic and Technical Cooperation Working Group in the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) 3.0 upgrade. He has simultaneously strengthened Malaysia’s economic ties with the European Union through the implementation of EU ARISE+ Malaysia programs and targeted trade and investment initiatives. His civil service journey began in 2003 at the Ministry of Health Malaysia, where he contributed to critical Free Trade Agreement negotiations, with a strong emphasis on intellectual property rights, trade in goods and services, and public health safeguards.

A highly accomplished policy expert, H.E. Unny Sankar holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (Honors) from the University of Malaya and a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University. His commitment to excellence and public service is further reflected in his tenure as Honorary Secretary of the Harvard Club of Malaysia and his recognition in Britishpedia’s *Successful People in Malaysia* in 2023.

Through visionary diplomatic leadership and the cultivation of strategic cross-regional partnerships, H.E. Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar has significantly advanced Malaysia’s integration into global value chains while championing inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking international cooperation.

For his outstanding contributions to SDG 17 through high-level economic diplomacy, BRI coordination, ACFTA 3.0 negotiations, EU–Malaysia partnership building, and the strengthening of resilient multilateral trade ecosystems, H.E. Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar is proudly recognized as a 2026 Icon of Change.

We commend his continued service in fostering meaningful global partnerships that drive shared prosperity and sustainable development.

Thank you for your exemplary leadership and dedication to advancing Malaysia’s strategic interests on the world stage.

: Malaysian diplomat Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar has become the first Malaysian to receive the Icons of Change International Awards, a global recognition honouring individuals driving meaningful and measurable impact in their communities and industries.

Currently serving as Minister of Economic Affairs at the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing, he was recognised for his contributions towards sustainable development and efforts to strengthen economic cooperation between Malaysia and China.



MORE AT: https://www.sarawaktribune.com/unny-sankar-makes-history-as-first-malaysian-recipient-of-icons-of-change-international-award/