IPC 15 : Biodata of Speakers

Dr Asma Abdullah

mobile: +60122013201

A freelance consultant, coach, trainer, and author on topics related to culture, cross-cultural orientation, corporate culture, diversity and inclusion, negotiation, women and leadership.

Spent 22 years in a US multinational as a human resource development practitioner. Taught at Putra Business School on subjects related to Training Development, Organization Development, and Cross-cultural Management.

Written Numerous Articles on culture, women and training and authored several books such as Understanding the Malaysian Workforce, Going Glocal, Understanding Multicultural Malaysia, Culture Matters and Insights into Malaysian Culture and designed 3 cross-cultural packages - Culture Detective, Diversophy, and Cross-cultural cardgame.

Member of several civil society organizations working on peace, women and cultural understanding, namely - PCORE, Persatuan Siswazah Malaysia, Sisters in Islam and G25, and Alhunafa. A consultant on culture matters with the Institure of Youth under the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Educational qualifications include a PhD in Anthropology, Master of Science in Education, Master of Education, Bachelor of Arts and Diploma in Education. A Certified HRDF Trainer and Certified People Coach.

Stephen McDonald

Stephen has been an active member of the Theosophical Society (TS) since 1976.

He is a past President of Blavatsky Lodge, Sydney and was recently elected as National President of the TS in Australia.

He has had an enduring interest in the work of J Krishnamurti and Theosophical classics, such as Voice of the Silence and Light on the Path.

For many years, Stephen ran a private clinic as a homeopath and later became a lecturer at Torrens University. He holds a Master of Health Science degree from Newcastle University and a post-graduate qualification in teaching.

John Vorstermans

John is currently the National President of the Theosophical Society in New Zealand and Past-President of the Indo-Pacific Federation of the TS, Past President of Wellington Branch and Auckland HPB Lodge.

John has a deep interest in the ageless wisdom tradition and over recent times John has focused on transformative processes that help people to understand themselves to help create change in their lives.

Professionally, John has been self-employed and a director in several companies over the last 40 years, including other not-for-profit organizations.

Renée Sell

Renee is currently the National Vice President of the New Zealand Section and has served recently as the National Coordinator of the TOS NZ for 18 years.

An active worker for the Society since first joining in 1998 in many different capacities; locally at Auckland Branch and also Nationally including speaking, events and administration.

Renee is passionate about weaving the Ancient Wisdom teachings into everyday life, and a special interest in seeing the teachings presented in a more practical and usable way so as to make Theosophy interesting, relevant and transforming for all who touch its shores.