Prof Ananda
Director, Institute for Research Capacity and Publication, TAR UMT
Prof. Dr. Ananda Kumar Palaniappan
Director, Institute for Research Capacity and Publication, TAR UMT
Prof. Dr. Ananda Kumar Palaniappan is a prominent academician and leading expert in educational psychology, creativity, and applied statistics. He currently serves as a Professor and the Director of the Institute for Research Capacity and Publication at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT). With a rich academic background including a BSc (Hons) from UKM, alongside an MEd, PhD, and MBA from Universiti Malaya, Prof. Ananda bridges the gap between psychological theory and institutional management. He is a frequent speaker at national forums, frequently addressing critical issues such as student psychological safety, emotional health in education, and youth behavior analysis. His insights offer actionable strategies for educators, policymakers, and corporate leaders looking to foster innovation and mental well-being.
Dr. Sandiyao Sebestian
Special Educationist / Educational Psychologist / Cognitive Therapist / International Trainer
Sandiyao Sebestian (Sandi) is a highly respected educator and international trainer with over 50 years of professional experience in education, child development, and cognitive enrichment. His extensive career reflects a lifelong commitment to empowering children, educators, and families through transformative learning practices. Beginning his journey as a nurse, Sandi developed a strong foundation in child health and human development before transitioning into education and psychology. He has since served in a wide range of professional and leadership roles including teacher, school principal, lecturer, learning and behaviour specialist, educational consultant, in Malaysia and Internationally. He is also an international trainer in Cognitive Enrichment for young children. His work has focused primarily on supporting children with diverse learning needs and neurodivergent profiles, helping schools and educators implement eLective, inclusive, and evidence-based practices. For the past 10 years, he has specialized in Cognitive Development in young children, applying cognitive approaches that strengthen thinking skills, attention, emotional regulation, and learning independence. As an International Trainer, Sandi conducts professional development programmes, workshops, and capacity-building training for teachers, therapists, school leaders, and parents. His training is practical, interactive, and deeply grounded in real classroom and therapeutic experience. Participants value his ability to translate complex theory into clear, applicable strategies that immediately enhance teaching eLectiveness and student outcomes. Sandiyao Sebestian remains passionate about equipping educators and communities to create learning environments where every child can succeed, think independently, and thrive.
Kavitha Sivapragasam
Corporate Wellness Consultant and Performance Coach
Kavitha Sivapragasam is a multi-award-winning Corporate Wellness Consultant and Performance Coach with over 10 years of experience partnering with organizations to enhance employee well-being, workplace resilience, and organizational performance. She designs and delivers evidence-based learning solutions that address today's workplace challenges, including stress management, mental well-being, employee engagement, resilience, workplace fitness, and sustainable behaviour change. Her programmes combine behavioural science, wellness principles, and experiential learning methodologies to help organizations cultivate healthier, more productive, and high-performing teams. Kavitha holds a First-Class Honours degree in Exercise & Sport Science from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), complemented by extensive experience in corporate training, coaching, and organizational development. Her practical industry experience enables her to bridge scientific knowledge with business needs, delivering measurable outcomes that support employee well-being and organizational success. Recognised among Malaysia's Top 10 Young Talents (2020) and honoured with the Young Hope Alumni Award (2024) by the Ministry of Higher Education, Kavitha continues to champion workplace wellness as a strategic driver of employee performance, leadership effectiveness, and organizational excellence.
Terumalar Devi Thanabal
Performance Coach and Mindset Facilitator
Terumalar Devi Thanabal is a Performance Coach and Mindset Facilitator with extensive experience in corporate operations, personal development, and behavioural transformation. She specializes in helping individuals, teams, and organizations enhance performance, productivity, and goal achievement through practical mindset strategies, effective tools, and transformational coaching methodologies. Prior to her coaching career, Devi built a strong corporate foundation with ExxonMobil, where she gained valuable experience in administration, logistics planning, and accounting. Her exposure to a multinational working environment has given her deep insights into organizational processes, workplace challenges, and the importance of developing the right mindset for professional success. Devi is a Certified Law of Attraction Trainer personally trained by internationally renowned author Michael J. Losier. She integrates mindset development, positive psychology, and practical performance strategies to empower individuals and organizations to achieve meaningful growth. As co-author of How to Be a Super-Charged Family, Devi is passionate about inspiring individuals to unlock their potential, strengthen resilience, and create positive transformation in both personal and professional environments.
Sivapragasam Arumugam
Managing Director of The LOA Centre (M) Sdn. Bhd. and a Corporate Performance Coach
Sivapragasam Arumugam ("Siva") is the Managing Director of The LOA Centre (M) Sdn. Bhd. and a Corporate Performance Coach with over two decades of experience in leadership, organizational development, and people transformation. Leveraging a strong foundation in engineering and corporate leadership, he partners with organizations to develop resilient leaders, high-performing teams, and positive workplace cultures through practical, results-driven learning experiences. Prior to his training career, Siva held engineering and leadership positions with multinational organizations including Motorola and National Semiconductor, culminating in his role as an expatriate Head of Department in India. His corporate experience enables him to understand the operational and people challenges faced by today's organizations and translate them into impactful workplace solutions. A Certified Law of Attraction Trainer personally trained by internationally renowned author Michael Losier, Siva integrates positive psychology, mindset development, emotional resilience, and performance coaching into his programmes. As co-author of How to Be a Super-Charged Family, he is committed to helping organizations strengthen leadership capability, employee engagement, and sustainable performance.
