Helmy is a co-founder of SERI and its first CEO. A practising respiratory specialist, he is the Head of the Lung Centre at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and a co-founder of Asthma Malaysia, a NGO advocating greater empowerment for patients with asthma. 

One of twenty global recipients of the Inter Academy Medical Panel's Young Physician Leader award and a part of Tatler's Gen T, Helmy was appointed as a technical adviser on tobacco control and a special adviser to two previous Health Ministers. He is a columnist with The Star, and is regularly sought after by the media for his views on issues related to policy.

Prior to founding SERI, Rashaad worked as a policy advisor to a Malaysian Member of Parliament. He also was as an analyst at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore with a research focus on federalism, institutionalism and public policy, publishing in academia as well as in media.

Rashaad also spent four years as an editorial manager at an e-commerce An avid musician, Rashaad has played drums in local bands for over 10 years and can still be found behind the kit at live music venues across the city.

Syafiqa Zakaria is a driven and versatile leader with a strong academic background in international affairs and political science. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs Management from Universiti Utara Malaysia, focusing on Political Science, International Relations, Malaysia's Political Economy, and International Law. Syafiqa’s career has spanned across political, creative, and community-driven sectors. She has worked as a Parliament Officer for prominent leaders such as Nurul Izzah Anwar and Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik and has served as a Councilor for Majlis Bandaraya Subang Jaya. Her creative journey includes her current role as Operations Manager at SERI, where she began in the Creative Department and quickly rose to leadership. Passionate about culture diplomacy, policy-making, strategic defense, and social work, Syafiqa is dedicated to making an impact through both innovative thinking and advocacy for change.

Sakinah is a graduate in Bachelor of Arts (Economics and Sociology) from Sciences Po Paris. Her passion for policy research began during her time volunteering as a writer and editor in Malaysian student organizations in France. She also ran a podcast with her best friend sharing about the challenges of studying abroad.

Sakinah is interested in the issues of education, gender and urban inequality and how they intersect to affect individuals of the community. She volunteered in several NGOs working on those issues such as AFEV France and G4G Malaysia.

A polyglot, she can handle French bureaucracy over the phone, and order food in Korean but she loves her Sarawakian dialect the most. During her free time, she reads tear-inducing books and binge-watching K-dramas.

Sara is a sociology graduate from the University of Manchester, with a deep interest in human behavior and how societies function. She started her career in the insurance industry, focusing on developing agents and fostering growth within the field. After gaining valuable experience, Sara made a career pivot into the world of think tanks, where she focuses on stakeholder management, working to build and maintain relationships with key partners, while supporting impactful research. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys hiking and exploring the outdoors.

Daniel is a Health Economics master's graduate from the University of York, with a deep passion for leveraging his skills to reduce health inequalities and improve healthcare access. During his placement at the Centre for Health Economics in York, he gained an interest in the application of a cross-sectoral framework to health issues, given their far-reaching impact on multiple sectors. An earnest reader and Star Wars fan, he enjoys reading novels and comic books and exploring the lore and mythologies of the Star Wars universe.

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Aliya is a recent graduate with a master's degree in anthropology and sociology from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Passionate about understanding human behavior and tackling social issues affecting Malaysian society, She recently transitioned into a new career path more aligned with her personal interests, having previously worked in the solar energy industry. In her free time, she loves discovering new coffee spots and small local cafes for catch-up sessions with friends and family. Music is a constant in her life, as she frequently swaps between different genres. On weekends, she enjoys inventing new languages with her 3-year-old twin nieces. When seeking peace, she finds comfort in lying in bed, staring into nothingness, lost in thought.

Farthinie is a recent graduate with an honors degree in Public Relations from Universiti Teknologi Mara. Known for her vibrant energy and friendly personality, she joins SERI with a strategic mindset and a strong passion for current issues and advocacy. Previously working as a Public Relations Consultant and Marketing Specialist, she developed her critical thinking skills and cultivated strong relationships with media professionals and influencers. Her natural ability to communicate and her marketing expertise make her an asset to SERI, where she’s focused on shaping communication strategies and boosting brand visibility.
Outside of her professional life, Thinie enjoys long drives with her favorite music, spending quality time with loved ones, and exploring new places to travel. She’s also a big fan of live music and enjoys attending concerts whenever she can.

Claudia is a final-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Social Science in International Relations at Taylor's University Malaysia who is committed to addressing pressing social inequalities and fostering positive change. When she is not immersed in research and analysis, she finds solace and inspiration in the world of literature and music.

In Malaysia, Claudia can often be found volunteering with refugee children, providing them with educational support and emotional encouragement. She continues to seek out opportunities to broaden her experiences in the IR field, striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Originating from the vibrant archipelago of Indonesia, she is an individual who is drawn to thought-provoking essays and philosophical discourse, seeking to delve into the complexities of life and society.