Expertise | White Rook Advisory

Hoai Son Nguyen

Consultant
(Hanoi, Vietnam)

Hoai Son is an Attorney-at-Law and a member of the Hanoi Bar Association. With over 30 years of valuable experience in both the public and private sectors, he has achieved significant success in international law, antitrust law, and in-house legal counsel. Additionally, Hoai Son possesses extensive knowledge in aspects of government affairs strategy, regulatory issues, and public policy.

He believes that with passion and determination, nothing is impossible. When asked about what he foresees the next 25 years to look like, he envisions the Asia Pacific region becoming a hub for innovation and evolving into a more inclusive area where everyone is respected and heard.

A fun fact about him:

He is fluent in Japanese.

Nadhira Salim

Associate
(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Nadhira is a dedicated medical professional with a profound passion for continuous learning, not limited to the medical field. In addition to her medical pursuits, Nadhira has a keen interest in various creative outlets including writing, cooking, and photography. This multifaceted approach reflects her dynamic personality and her drive to explore different aspects of life.

A fun fact about her:

She uses humour as her coping mechanism and is a coffee enthusiast.

Luigi Joble

Consultant
(Manila, Philippines)

Luigi is an international and public affairs specialist who leverages his proven experience in strategic communications, policy analysis, and program management to deliver impactful and transformative results. His innovative, empathetic, and results-oriented approach is informed by a rich background in the Philippine government (Presidential Communications Office, Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces), academia (De La Salle University), and international research institutions (Japan Institute of International Affairs, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies).

Go-to quote:
“To live and leave a legacy.”

Vinkha Adinda

Associate
(Jakarta, Indonesia)

To continuously learn and find comfort in the uncomfortable. Vinkha believes in finding meaning amid chaos, approaching her work with sensitivity, and discovering grace in the unexpected twists and turns of life. Vinkha is passionate about understanding geopolitics and climate policy, diving deep into international issues and crafting strategies for a sustainable future.

When she’s not busy with work, international conferences or policy briefs:
You’ll find her reading, or experimenting with new recipes and sharing her culinary experiments on Instagram.

Mik Albert Vivo

Consultant
(Manila, Philippines)

Mik considers government relations work his ikigai and considerably enjoys translating novel, innovative concepts and ideas into concrete actions, just like praxis. Combining his experience in government relations and corporate communications with a primary focus in the healthcare sector, he served as a government relations expert for multinational pharmaceutical and medical device companies. Mik completed his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science at the University of Santo Tomas. He is likewise completing his Master’s Degree in Public Management at the Ateneo de Manila University.

Go-to-quote:
“Stay hungry, stay foolish.”

Alexis Jamie Chua

Associate Director
(Singapore)

Independent, adaptable, curious, open-minded and responsible, Alexis values different experiences and relishes the thrill of taking risks. With a Political Science Degree from the National University of Singapore, she’s worked on local and regional issues across a broad client base while previously interning with White Rook Advisory. Alexis dreams of setting up her own business in future.

Talents she wished she had:

The ability to speak all languages

Athirah Azmi

Manager
(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Identifying as a TCK (third culture kid), Athirah believes that her experiences have shaped her outlook and adaptability to any situation. Personable, driven, responsible and team-oriented, she is eager to contribute and give back to society in any way she can. Prior to joining White Rook, Athirah worked for over 8 years in Malaysia’s financial sector in the fields of client coverage, and strategic and project finance advisory. She also had the opportunity to intern with the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to the United Nations in New York where she worked on social, humanitarian and cultural issues. Athirah holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies and Political Science from the University of Chicago and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the University of Nottingham.

Favourite escape:
Chilling on the white sand beaches of Boracay or absorbing art and eating tapas in Barcelona!

Shue-er Peralta

Associate
(Singapore)

Open-minded and highly inquisitive, Shue-er believes in the philosophy of endless exploration and relentless learning. With a BA degree in Sociology from the University at Buffalo, Shue-er enjoys venturing beyond her comfort zone and is deeply invested in learning about different cultures and hearing new perspectives. She is particularly interested in health and sustainability within the realms of international development.

Her favourite way to relax:
Listening to slow jazz with a glass of cold brew in hand.

Michelle Mathew

Associate
(Singapore)

Michelle is a detail-oriented and inquisitive individual transitioning from the precision of the laboratory to the dynamic landscape of business consulting – and is enthusiastic about applying her scientific background to solve complex challenges in the world! While she enjoys travelling and reading, Michelle also volunteers with charitable organizations as she strongly believes in giving back to society. Michelle graduated from the National University of Singapore with an undergraduate degree in Life Sciences and a minor in Psychology.

Someone she admires:
“Malala Yousafzai – her story inspires me to pursue my passions and advocate for meaningful change. Moreover, the fact that she has achieved so much at such a young age helps me hold firm in my belief that I, too, can make a significant contribution to society’s advancement no matter my age.”

Nabila Humaira

Associate
(Jakarta, Indonesia)

Nabila is a Political Science graduate from the University of Indonesia, where she cultivated a passion for reading, writing, and examining everyday experiences through a critical lens. With a broad industry exposure that she gained through several internships, from the Indonesian House of Representatives to a state-owned financial holding company, she has engaged with various stakeholders, enabling her inquisitive mind to gain new insights and prove her reliability by solving the different challenges.

Her favourite past time:
Pilates – it both challenges her body and calms her mind.

Joey Goh

Senior Associate
(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Sharp-minded, self-driven and resourceful; Joey believes there is no limit when it comes to learning. With her background in research, she is a strong advocate for data-driven storytelling on any topic imaginable

Go-to-quote:
“Amor Fati“, a latin phrase first coined by Nietzsche, in describing the stoic attitude of accepting one’s fate. This phrase helped her through the pandemic when the world seemed cynical.

Quynh Lam

Senior Associate
(Hanoi, Vietnam)

“Open ears, open heart and open mind” is Quynh’s approach in life. As a young, hungry and curious Marketing Management graduate, she has experienced various work cultures and is building up her core competency. Quynh is always eager to take on new challenges and broaden her knowledge and skillset, working hard to make her mark in the business world.

Her favourite hobby:
“Cooking! It is extremely therapeutic and satisfying to have total control and creative freedom in the kitchen to make whatever my heart desires”

Devika Bora

Associate
(Singapore)

Devika graduated from the National University of Singapore with a major in Political Science and a minor in History. Echoed by her academic pursuits and internship experiences, Devika is driven by her curiosity in understanding the intersections of the field of political economy within the domains of development, democratisation, and security. Embracing the belief that a versatile problem-solving repertoire stems from drawing upon a kaleidoscope of one’s life experiences, Devika strives to continually expand her horizons through traveling, forging connections with people, and immersing herself in a panoply of art forms.

One thing that greatly impacted her life:
“Having twin siblings after being an only child for 20 years has reaffirmed that change is the only constant. They have pushed me to rediscover the little joys in life through the prism of childlike wonder.”

Isabelle Chua

Associate
(Singapore)

Having graduated with a degree majoring in Politics, Law, and Economics, Isabelle sees the world as an interconnected tapestry of actors, interests, experiences, and capabilities. Her areas of knowledge reflect this, being familiar with the functioning of international institutions and economic movements. Thoughtful and cerebral, Isabelle believes that every word spoken and written invariably contributes something.

On Weekends:
Isabelle plays the drums in a few bands, and dabbles in writing math rock grooves.

Anissa Mariana Sukarna

Associate Director / Advisor
(Jakarta, Indonesia)

Logical, independent and observant, Anissa is able to draw the link between policymaking and the realities on the ground. Her background as an Adjunct Lecturer and her vast public sector experience as a policy advisor to the Indonesian House of Representatives and Parliamentary Working Groups allows her to provide critical insights and help clients navigate through the Southeast Asian landscape. In her free time, Anissa re-energises with a stay-home day and some quality time with her cats.

Her ideal getaway:
A short camping or road trip with lots of nature and no internet!

Dian Febriani

Manager
(Jakarta, Indonesia)

A registered nutritionist in Indonesia, Dian’s passion and expertise have been nurtured through her various experiences in nutrition and health-related projects that aim to connect the private sector with government stakeholders and academic institutions. As an adaptable and future-oriented individual, she is always motivated to find the best way forward. Dian holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical and Public Health Nutrition from University College London, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition from Universitas Indonesia.

Her role model:
Her mother, who is a pillar of strength for Dian.

Vilakone Chanthavongsa

Consultant
(Vientiane, Lao PDR)

With more than 7 years in the government sector, Vilakone brings with him valuable expertise across various fields and wide networks in Laos. Always on the lookout for opportunities, Vilakone is not afraid to be hands-on and take risks to achieve his goals – including pursuing his own business to reach his goals of creating a positive impact on the community. He strives to be the best version of himself and believes that with the right approach and perspective, nothing is impossible.

Go-to quote:
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln. This quote serves as a reminder that I have the power to shape my own destiny and it’s important to take an active role in creating the future I want.

Mega Utami

Associate
(Jakarta, Indonesia)

With a degree in Political Science from the University of Indonesia, Mega is passionate about all things politics, and her love for learning and engaging stakeholders has enriched her understanding of the space. A hard worker, collaborator, and results-oriented individual, she is keen to reach every set milestone and finds joy in delivering impactful projects.

Her favourite past time:
Yes, she may love politics, but she also loves reading poetry books and people-watching.

Shalini Muniapan

Manager
(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Ambitious and driven, Shalini enjoys building solutions and innovating mission-oriented policies. She lives by the motto: to learn, unlearn and relearn; which is always evident in her work. Prior to joining White Rook Advisory, she has served as Special Officer (Public Policy) for a Member of Parliament, and has spent close to a decade in the political realm. She was then appointed as the National Focal Point for ASEAN Parliamentarian for Human Rights (APHR) where she reported to the board on human rights and political developments in Malaysia. Shalini read Law in Aberystwyth University and completed Malaysian Bar exams.

Her favourite way to relax:

When she is not busy working, you can find her with a book on her hand or a badminton racquet; or even both together!

Dr. Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani

Senior Advisor
(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Open-minded and ever-growing, Dr Sani has had impressive and interesting experiences throughout his career. An academic-turned-strategic communications expert, Dr Sani has earned himself numerous academic accolades for his various publications, taught at universities around the world, headed strategic communications with the Ministry of Defence, and even worked closely with three Malaysian Prime Ministers in his career. His current research interests include nationhood, leadership and youth – which are reflective in his work – and you can be sure there is a wealth of knowledge to tap on with Dr Sani.

His favourite quote:

“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass but learning to dance in the rain.”

Why? According to Dr Sani, the person who dances with you in the rain will most likely walk with you in the storm. Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain, so dance in the rain!

Nuraishikin Jasmani

Administrative Executive
(Singapore)

Shikin lives by a very strong set of beliefs and values. Sociable and decisive by nature, Shikin has worked closely with diverse groups of people of all ages and all walks of life in her previous role as an educator. She’s able to balance between work and play – and you will never have a dull moment with her.

Her favourite quote:

“Make the best of every given situation. Where people struggle to find light in the darkness, I illuminate.”

Venetta Miranda

Partner/Managing Director
(Singapore)

“For me, achievements are segments of life’s tapestry that get sewn together over time… my first taekwondo black belt, the first trade agreement I closed… the first of anything really… it’s the adrenaline and exhilaration …the journey and heartache and then the sense of fulfilment that never gets old.”

A self-proclaimed vintage Gemini, Venetta’s approach to life is simply about balancing work that pulls her in different directions, with family, good wine and long walks. That’s why her philosophy in life is simply, “Live. Laugh. Love.”

When she’s not solving licence-to-operate issues, legislative hearings and inquiries, public health and safety crises or those requiring litigation support, she’s tirelessly absorbing and sharing new information to ensure the team is constantly three steps ahead of everyone else. She leverages on her 20-over years in policy and government experience to strategically guide the whole team, always ensuring everyone delivers to White Rook’s high standards, which are second to none. In short, if your project requires you to win on all sides, then you would want Ven in your team.

Go-to quote:

“I can do things you cannot. You can do things I cannot. Together, we can do great things” – Mother Teresa.

Natasha Gray

Advisor
(Singapore)

With a decade of public affairs experience under her belt, Natasha is always on the lookout for opportunities to apply her expertise in translating complex issues into opportunities that bridge various stakeholder interests, to her passion for advocating on behalf of technology and international development issues. A resourceful strategist, she applies her knack for problem-solving both at the stakeholder meeting and on a bouldering wall.

Natasha most recently led a 17-strong international communications team at DJI and advised senior leadership on critical business issues including: data stewardship, anti-trust allegations, product safety, and market access challenges. Prior to DJI, she advanced a range of client reputation and advocacy initiatives at APCO Worldwide and WE Communications. An advocate of lifelong learning, she is currently completing a Master’s in International Relations at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. Her graduate thesis investigates the imminent implications of digital sovereignty in ASEAN.

Her go-to quote:
“You have to live spherically – in many directions. Never lose your childish enthusiasm – and things will come your way.” – Federico Fellini

Sambath Sak

Consultant
(Phnom Penh, Cambodia)

If you need a practical solution, Sambath is the person to look for. Hardworking, independent and logical, Sambath has chalked up years of valuable knowledge and experience across a broad range of expertise from trade to business and finance. Over the years, he has worked with several international financial institutions such as the Asian Development Bank, World Bank and International Finance Corporation, while being deeply engaged in private sector developments. In his free time, you can find Sambath playing a game of table tennis.

His greatest achievement:

Despite having limited access to educational opportunities in rural Cambodia, he taught himself English and worked hard, eventually earning his Master’s Degree in Economics and International Development from International University of Japan.

Dr. Anthony Golez

Senior Advisor
(Manila, Philippines)

Dr. Golez brings with him nearly two decades of valuable experience in both the public and private sector, working in a myriad of fields from health, nutrition, disaster risk management and defense, making him the recipient of the much-coveted The Outstanding Young Man In the Philippines Award (2007). Dr. Golez has served in the 15th Congress of the House of Representatives where he sat on the Committees on Health, National Defense, and Transportation, among others. Prior to that, he was the Deputy Press Secretary and Deputy Presidential Spokesperson of Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. He is also the Executive Director of the Infant and Pediatric Nutrition Association of the Philippines (IPNAP), and concurrently grows his passion in the disaster risk management field as a businessman and an Adjunct Professor. When he’s not at work, he loves spending time with his family.

His favourite pastime:
He enjoys playing golf and has been able to maintain his handicap.

Amanda Goh

Managing Director (Acting)
(Singapore)

In Amanda’s experience, for every problem, there is a solution – though it may not always be a neat solution.

Articulate, sharp, and savvy, Amanda brings with her in-depth experience working in bilateral and multilateral settings from her time with the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including several years at the Singapore Embassy in Beijing. Both her time as a diplomat and her current stint at White Rook Advisory have given her the tools to be resilient and nimble in uncertain and fast-moving environments.

Philosophy in life:

“Unbeknownst to most, the world is completely controlled by a single pipe smoking rabbit” – Marc Johns.

Nishita Rao

Associate Regional Director
(Singapore)

If one could describe Nishita, it would be something like this – “Trustworthy. Kind. Has the patience of a saint! Respected by her clients given her vast knowledge bank and ability to break down data into simple, easy-to-understand language. She always has your back!” Nishita focuses on the food and nutrition industry, trade associations and development partners such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB). She works on projects that straddle global, regional and local issues for multinational clients operating in the Asia Pacific region.

Downtime activities:

Feeding her headspace with politically-charged crime novels or experimenting with colours to stretch the limits of her imagination.

Dalaphone Sihanath

Consultant
(Vientiane, Lao PDR)

An enthusiastic, creative and disciplined individual, Dalaphone believes in remaining adaptable in life. She brings with her almost 20 years of experience working in various sectors such as investment, health, agriculture, forestry, industry and commerce, as well as research. Her sense of humour is evident in the relationships she builds and has lent itself well to her wide networks and partnerships across the region. Dalaphone has previously worked at the International Finance Cooperation as the Lao Agroforestry Project Officer to support its implementation and management, in close collaboration with the Lao Department of Forestry. In her prior capacity, she has also served as a consultant for various organisations such as the European Forest Institute, CGIAR and the United Nations Development Programme, a national specialist for the Food and Agriculture Organisation and CIRAD, and has worked closely with USAID.

“My hobbies? I love watching movies and hanging out with my friends to exercise a sense of humour and build networking skills!”

Kadri Taib

Senior Advisor
(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

A determined, dedicated and delightful individual, Kadri brings with him over 40 years of valuable experience in the public affairs and communications space, with expansive overseas and journalistic experience. His extensive knowledge in the private sector, government relations and industry issues is evident in his work in The Coca-Cola Company as the Director of Public Affairs and Communications for nearly 21 years. Prior to his work at The Coca-Cola Company, he has also managed corporate communications in various sectors after stints in both ABB Malaysia and Projek Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan (PLUS). Kadri currently serves as the President of the Malaysian Advertisers Association and the Vice-Chairman of Advertising Standards Malaysia.

His Greatest Achievement:
As an avid cyclist, one of his greatest achievements is completing a 160km bike ride.

Maria Esperanza Frio Alconcel (Maes)

Advisor
(Manila, Philippines)

Maes is the go-getter you’d want on your team. With years of experience in international trade negotiations and policymaking under her belt, she has built an arsenal of skills in promoting and advocating for business needs and interests. She looks out for the interests of those she advocates for by sharing global best practices with stakeholders, championing the robust enforcement of trade and investment standards, and conducting capacity building.

Ananda Ambarsari

Senior Associate
(Jakarta, Indonesia)

With a keen eye for detail and a strong analytical mind, Ananda has the ability to switch gears from science to business seamlessly. She leverages on her extensive experience in the automotive, food and beverage and renewable energy industries to craft accessible solutions for her clients in the nutrition and energy sectors. Outside the office, Ananda can be found doing fun, outdoor activities like swimming and cinematography.

Go-to app:

Twitter. To get real-time updates and to understand the workings of people’s minds and attitudes at any point in time.

Ramesh Narayanan

Managing Partner
(Singapore)

“In the next 25 years, Asia will be the region to be in – its diversity, history and culture make it such a complicated region that a singular policy prescription is out of the question. On the flip side, it is also an engine for growth. Creating demand given a young population with growing affluence will make Asia a compelling market that cannot be ignored.”

If you get one shot at life why waste it playing for a draw? For Ramesh, it’s about playing to win. The unexpected can and will occur, so flexibility and adaptability counts. Never lose sight on the goal.

Taking his wealth of experience in the telecommunications industry across the Asia Pacific, he sought out his next challenge in life by dipping his toes in a completely different sector and co-establishing White Rook Advisory. With White Rook Advisory, his goal is to challenge the status quo of how management consultancies in Asia work. Instead of a top-down, top-heavy approach, Ramesh believes in a bottom-up, challenge-and-build approach to ensure that clients hear what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. He counsels versatility in leadership and strategy when it comes to navigating uncertain landscapes.

When he’s not running or flexing his brain muscles at work, Ramesh spends time with his family. He is also actively engaged in social interest groups related to children with special needs.

Life-changing experience:

Completing the Standard Chartered Marathon in 2019. He believes that anyone can run a 5km, but if you want a life changing experience, run a marathon.

Josephine Petra Lovensa

Associate
(Jakarta, Indonesia)

With Josephine, it’s always about value. Persistent, independent and determined to get things done, she loves to give anything a go! Leveraging on her extensive background from building Indonesia’s first deep-sea port to interning at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), she’s valued for her critical, valuable insights and problem-solving abilities. Finding balance in this fast-paced environment, Josephine enjoys painting, writing and playing musical instruments.

Talents she wished she had:

The ability to sense everyone’s reality.

Sai Nay Shine

Consultant
(Naypyidaw, Myanmar)

Coming from a small town named Mogok where 90% of the world’s rubies and sapphires are mined, Sai has witnessed first-hand how the abundance of natural resources could be both an advantage and a curse. Enthusiastic about bringing sustainable economic development to his own country, Sai believes that digital technology can be used to jumpstart this development process. Over the years, Sai has worked across different sectors ranging from telecommunications and economic development to education technology. In his free time, Sai enjoys listening to good music, especially those from the 1960s and 1970s.

Go-to quote:

“Do it for the passion. Do it for love. Do it for the people. Do your best.”

Sak Sambath

Consultant
(Phnom Penh, Cambodia)

Sambath’s can-do attitude belies his passion for development issues. Over more than 20 years, he has worked with diverse development partners such as USAID, FAO, the World Bank, ADB, to name a few. He has lent his drive and expertise to business start-ups, incubation and capacity-building for SMEs, private sector development across the agricultural value chain, and entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem mapping and design.

Datuk Ravidran Palaniappan

Senior Advisor
(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

With over three decades of experience working with Malaysia’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Datuk Ravidran brings profound knowledge about the Asia Pacific region, having been directly involved in various ASEAN economic initiatives, as well as bilateral and regional Free Trade Agreements. He’s also served as the Economic Counsellor at the Malaysian Embassy in Thailand. An easy-going individual who loves to unwind with sporting activities, he cites his children as his greatest achievements.

Go-to quote:

“Work responsibly. Don’t think about the rewards of your actions.”

Crisis management

• Building and enhancing organisational resilience by being prepared for the unforeseen – assessing risks, determining business or other tangible impact, identifying contingencies and building a plan for a rainy day

• Maintaining organisational credibility and stakeholder confidence in times of uncertainty or upheavals

Strategic Communications

• Strategising with our partners not just on what to communicate but how to communicate and who to communicate with

• Providing our partners with the information, tools and skills to communicate right

Regulatory Advocacy

• Working with businesses to formulate their market access, go-to-market, and license-to-operate strategies and expanding their footprints in markets

• A sounding board for our partners in the pragmatic formulation and implementation of public policy

Public Affairs & Government Relations

• Effecting public policy impact by building meaningful, constructive relationships with myriad stakeholders, from governments and the wider public sector to business, NGOs, and the media

• Finding practical pathways to navigate complex public policy issues

Public Affairs & Government Relations

• Effecting public policy impact by building meaningful, constructive relationships with myriad stakeholders, from governments and the wider public sector to business, NGOs, and the media

• Finding practical pathways to navigate complex public policy issues

From Safeguarding License to Operate to Turnkey Solutions

Where/ Client Lorem ipsum

Challenge Lorem ipsum

Solution Lorem ipsum

Outcome Lorem ipsum

Complex challenges require pragmatic, agile and flexible strategies

Public Affairs &
Government Relations

Regulatory
Advocacy

Strategic

Communications

Crisis

Management

Complex challenges require pragmatic, agile and flexible strategies

Public Affairs &
Government Relations

Regulatory
Advocacy

Strategic
Communications

Crisis
Management

Public Affairs & Government Relations

From Safeguarding License to Operate to Turnkey Solutions