Keynote Speakers
Dr Michel Rod
Vice-Provost (Strategic Enrolment), University of New Brunswick (UNB), Canada
Dr. Rod is an accomplished academic leader and interdisciplinary researcher, with a career spanning Canada, New Zealand and the UK. In his current role, he leads UNB’s strategic enrolment efforts, covering student recruitment, international and domestic partnerships, registrarial services and institutional analysis. As former Dean of Business at UNB Saint John, he successfully led the faculty to earn the prestigious AACSB accreditation, placing it among the top 7% of business schools globally. He also played a pivotal role in overseeing the interdisciplinary Bachelor of Health program, leveraging his unique background in both business and medical sciences.
With a PhD in Commerce, a Master’s in Medical Sciences and a Bachelor’s in Pharmacology and Toxicology, Dr. Rod’s research bridges the worlds of health, entrepreneurshi, and policy. He has authored over 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and is widely recognized for his work on business-to-business relationships, commercialization of university-based intellectual property and the dynamics of government-university-industry collaboration.
In his keynote address on Circular Economy in Borneo and the Region, Dr. Rod will offer a research-informed perspective on how circular economy models can be practically applied in the Bornean context. Drawing on international experience and interdisciplinary insights, he will highlight strategies for sustainable value creation, the role of academia in driving innovation and the importance of cross-sector collaboration. Audiences can expect thought-provoking discussions that blend theory and practice, offering both policy-relevant insights and actionable ideas for local and regional stakeholders.
Mr Solomon Chang
Founder and Managing Partner of ASJ Global Solution PTE LTD
Mr. Solomon Chang is the Founder and Managing Partner of ASJ Global, a strategic advisory firm specializing in carbon asset strategy, ESG finance and sustainable infrastructure across Asia and other emerging markets. His interdisciplinary expertise lies at the intersection of sustainability, financial innovation and digital technology, with a professional portfolio that spans land-based carbon valuation, carbon portfolio structuring and policy engagement on emerging regulatory frameworks, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
Mr. Chang has played a key role in advancing net-zero transitions, including the development of carbon markets and AI-integrated infrastructure solutions. His work encompasses diverse geographies—from land-use transformation projects in Thailand to carbon asset development initiatives extending from Brunei to Brazil.
At the 3rd BSN Conference, Mr. Chang will deliver a keynote address on Smart City Transformation, Biodiversity, and Green Supply Chain in Borneo: The Importance of Carbon Credits. His presentation will explore how carbon finance mechanisms—particularly nature-based solutions such as forest conservation and biochar initiatives—can serve as effective catalysts for sustainable economic transformation. He will highlight successful case studies like the Katingan Peatland Restoration Project and the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary, emphasizing the critical role of carbon credits in preserving biodiversity, empowering local communities, and positioning Borneo as a key player in global climate action.
Dr Isradi Zainal
Rector of Balikpapan University, Kalimantan, Indonesia
Dr. Ir. Isradi Zainal, ST, MT, SH, MH, MM, DESS, M. KKK, IPU, ASEAN Eng, is the Rector of Balikpapan University (UNIBA) and the Secretary General of the PII Chancellor Forum. He was actively involved in the early phase of Indonesia’s new capital, Ibu Kota Nusantara (KN), relocation as part of the IKN Transition Team, working alongside the Rector of Mulawarman University (UNMUL) and the Governor of East Kalimantan, Isran Noor. Academically, he holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) and completed the Engineer Profession Program from UNHAS, ITS, and UGM. His multiple Master’s degrees were earned from UNHAS (MT), Indonesia University (MM, M.KKK), UNIBA (MH), and Université Pierre Mendès-France in France (DESS/MBA), followed by a Doctorate from UNMUL.
Dr. Isradi a Practitioner, Academician and Social Entrepreneur. He has completed numerous international trainings in Japan, Sweden, China, France, Australia, India, Malaysia, and Thailand in fields ranging from quality management to maritime and safety systems. As a certified Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) expert and Principal Professional Engineer, he has held leadership roles including Chairperson of APJK3N and the National OHS Council Commission. He currently serves as Deputy Chair of the Indonesian Engineers Association (PII), in addition to other regional engineering and business organisations.
In his keynote address, he will explore the management and development of IKN, envisioned as a forested, green, smart and sustainable world-class city. Through literature review, field study, and interviews, the research assesses the phased implementation plan (2022–2045) and identifies areas for improvement. Findings highlight that while progress aligns with the vision, stronger support from government, academia, investors and society is essential for achieving its long-term sustainability goals.
