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AVNC Speaker Profile
AVNC 2026 brings together a diverse group of experienced professionals, educators, and practitioners from across the region and beyond. Our speakers represent a wide range of expertise within veterinary nursing and allied disciplines, sharing practical insights, clinical experience, and professional perspectives throughout the conference programme. Explore the profiles below to learn more about the individuals contributing to the AVNC scientific and educational programme.
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Dr. Nobuyoshi Murao (Japan)
Associate Professor
Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts
Dr. Murao is a nationally certified veterinary nurse in Japan and Australia, with 12 years of clinical experience in small animal general and emergency practice. He has 18 years of experience in veterinary nursing education and played a key role in the national certification of veterinary nurses in Japan. In 2008, he became the first veterinary nurse appointed as faculty in a four-year veterinary nursing degree program in Japan and is currently an Associate Professor at Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts. He holds a Ph.D. in animal handling and restraint and has authored textbooks on veterinary nursing and animal handling. He is actively engaged in advancing veterinary nursing education and international collaboration across Asia.
Ms Kimberley Weir (Hong Kong)
Veterinary Technician Specialist - SAIM
CityU Veterinary Medical Centre, Veterinary Specialist Services
Kimberley Weir is an Australian Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Small Animal Internal Medicine. She graduated from the University of Queensland in 2012 with a Bachelor of Applied Science, extended major in Veterinary Technology, and soon after joined Veterinary Specialist Services, where she began her career in specialist nursing.
Kim gained experience across all departments before focusing on internal medicine, an area where she has built considerable expertise. Kim also founded the Gold Coast Animal Blood Bank in 2020, developing it into a thriving and sustainable service.
In 2023, Kim achieved her VTS qualification in Small Animal Internal Medicine, becoming one of only two technicians in Australia to hold this credential. The following year, she was recognised as the VNCA Veterinary Nurse/Technician of the Year for her contributions to the profession and her commitment to advancing standards of care.
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Ms Anita Parkin (Australia)
Chief Executive Officer
N.I.T. Nurses In Training, MILA International
Anita is an experienced veterinary nurse and Employee Engagement Officer at Veterinary Specialist Services, a multi-site referral hospital group in Australia where she encourages staff wellbeing, diversity and professional development. She holds advanced qualifications in surgery and emergency / critical care and is a Registered and Accredited Veterinary Nurse. Internationally credentialed as a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner and Veterinary Technician Specialist in Anesthesia and Analgesia. Anita is the President of the AVTAA and founder of N.I.T. Nurses In Training and volunteers on many committees to ensure the progression of the industry.
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Dr. Minako Abe (Japan & Malaysia)
President
ALWAYS LLC
Dr. Minako is a veterinarian from Japan who is living in Malaysia. She travels between Japan and Malaysia to provide her original field of veterinary grief care to pets and people.
Pets have become important in our life today, and the attachment between pets and people is getting stronger. When we need to inform the owner of a disease, strong grief must happen to the owner and us.
Pets might have anxiety and fear when they see the negative expressions of the medical staff and the owner because pets can't understand any reason. I say it is grief on pets and created my field "veterinary grief care". It can help the mental health of pets with disease and enriches their quality of life. And it is not only helping the pet, but also the owner, veterinarian, and nurse. I'm focusing on training nurses to practice veterinary grief care in their animal hospital. I will explain veterinary grief care in my lecture which will be necessary in the future.
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Prof. Soojung Lee (Republic of Korea)
Assistant Professor
Department of Companion Animal Health, Yeonsung University
Dr. Soojung Lee is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Companion Animal Health at Yeonsung University, Korea, and a licensed veterinarian in Korea. She earned her PhD in Veterinary Surgery from the University of Tokyo, Japan. Her primary teaching areas include Introduction to Veterinary Nursing, Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology, and Emergency and Critical Care Nursing. Dr. Lee’s professional interests focus on animal welfare and shelter activities, research in animal stem cell therapy, clinical skills education, disaster medicine, and the expanding professional roles of veterinary nurses in modern veterinary practice. She actively contributes to educational programs, scholarly activities, and conference initiatives aimed at advancing the professionalism and global role of veterinary nursing.
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Ms Melissa Shoard (Australia)
Founder, Lead Educator
Veterinary Care Training Academy
Melissa is an emergency and critical care veterinary nurse in Western Sydney with over 10 years’ experience. She is passionate about training and education, holding her VTS (ECC), diplomas in ECC and GP, Certificate IV TAE, and proudly practices as an RVN and AVN. She has been published in the AVNJ, lectured nationally, and was awarded the 2024 Louise O’Dwyer VTS Aspiration Award. Melissa volunteers with the VNCA and founded the Veterinary Care Training Academy to support industry growth. She also hosts VetCare Talk Time, exploring the realities—good, bad, and messy—of veterinary life.
Mr. Leo H. Gonzaga (Philippine)
Operations Manager
Philippine Veterinary Technologist and Nurses Association
Leo Gonzaga is a veterinary technology professional with nearly six years of experience in animal health, wildlife conservation, laboratory diagnostics, hospital operations, and higher education. He has held supervisory and officer-in-charge roles, leading health management programs, systemizing medical and laboratory records, and supporting disease surveillance initiatives. He currently serves as President of the Philippine Veterinary Technologist and Nurses Association (PVTNA), where he leads initiatives on professional development, policy advocacy, and the advancement of veterinary technologists’ roles in animal welfare and public health.
Ms Faith Nicole A. Moncada (Philippine)
Veterinary Technologist / Faculty
Davao del Sur State College
Faith Nicole A. Moncada is an Instructor at the Veterinary Technology Department of Davao del Sur State College, Philippines. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from the University of Southern Mindanao and a Master of Science in Zoology (minor in Veterinary Medicine) from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Her professional interests include veterinary parasitology, veterinary public health, companion animal care, and wildlife. She has clinical experience in veterinary practice and remains involved in limited clinical work and volunteer service with a local animal rescue organization alongside her academic and research roles.
Ms Harnesh Kaur
SEA Health & Wellbeing Manager
Mars
Harnesh Kaur is the SEA Health & Wellbeing Manager at Mars, where she has been for over 3 years, supporting teams across Southeast Asia. She partners with leaders to embed health, wellbeing, and inclusion into the organizational culture, driving impact across diverse markets.
With over a decade of experience in corporate health, Harnesh has worked closely with senior leaders to design and implement strategies that improve employee wellbeing, mental health, and inclusion. Her career spans clinical, community, and corporate health, giving her a unique ability to bridge evidence-based practice with practical organizational impact.
Beyond her corporate role, Harnesh is also a certified Sound Healer and Clinical Hypnotherapist, integrating holistic approaches that support resilience, mental health and personal growth.
Outside of work, she’s a proud mother to Jay and Jesleen, and pet parent to Daisy, who all continue to inspire her to live and lead with empathy, kindness, and purpose.
Ms. Evelyn Leong Wei Ying (Malaysia)
Veterinary Physiotherapist
Evelyn Leong Vet Physio Services
Evelyn Leong is a Veterinary Physiotherapist and the founder of Evelyn Leong Vet Physio Services, based in Penang, Malaysia. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy from the University of Liverpool. Prior to transitioning into veterinary practice, Evelyn spent four years working as a physiotherapist in an acute hospital setting, building a strong foundation in evidence-based rehabilitation and clinical reasoning. Her professional interests include postoperative rehabilitation, neurological cases, and empowering pet owners through education to optimise long-term patient outcomes.
Ms Jo Hatcher (Australia)
Emergency Veterinary Nurse and Trainer
Animal Industries Resource Centre/Crampton Consulting Group
Jo is an experienced Registered and Accredited Veterinary Nurse of over 25 years and is a trainer and assessor for Animal Industries Resource Centre and Crampton Consulting Group in Australia. She also works as an emergency and critical care/ surgical nurse at SASH Adelaide. Jo is very passionate about training and development of veterinary nurses to increase their skills and knowledge and has a great passion for the profession, being an active member of the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA) as a past board member and president and is currently the Vice Chair of the Australian Veterinary Nurses and Technicians Regulatory Council.
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Ms Jasmine Pengelly (Australia)
Training Consultant / Veterinary Nurse
Animal Industries Resource Centre
Jasmine is a registered veterinary nurse with over 20 years experience. She has worked in GP and specialist practice in both clinical and management roles. She has been a training consultant with AIRC for over 20 years and has lectured both in Australia and internationally. Jasmine has volunteered for the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia since 2008, including roles on state and national committees, as well as the Board of directors including 2 years as president.
Mr James Low Wai Mun (Singapore)
Senior Veterinary Technologist
Comparative Medicine (NUS)
James Low Wai Mun is an adjunct lecturer at Temasek Polytechnic with over 25 years of experience in laboratory animal science and management. He currently serves as President of the Singapore Veterinary Nurses and Technicians Chapter (SVNTC) and leads a team of veterinary technicians in laboratory animal care. James is a Certified Veterinary Technician (USA), Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist (RLATG), and Certified Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR). He holds an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University and a Master of Science in Zoology from Nanyang Technological University, and is a graduate of the Institute of Laboratory Animal Management (ILAM).
Dr. Mik O' Leary (Australia)
Education Manager
Animal Industries Resource Centre (AIRC)
Dr Mik O’Leary BVSc, DipVET, DipTDD is a veterinarian and education specialist with experience in clinical practice and veterinary nursing education across Asia and the wider Asia–Pacific region. His clinical background includes a strong interest in orthopaedic surgery, alongside extensive involvement in clinical skills training, assessment design, and professional development for veterinary nurses. Mik is known for delivering practical, experience-based education that reflects real clinic workflows and supports the development of confident, work-ready veterinary nursing teams.
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Ms. Janet Murray (Australia)
Veterinary Educator
Animal Sense Academy
New Zealand-born, Janet began as a veterinary nurse in NZ. Travelling to the UK, she gained experience across referral practices and at The Royal Veterinary College, London. After roles in Ireland including pharmaceutical territory management and teaching at University College Dublin, she moved to Perth in 2012, transitioning to veterinary nursing education.
Janet holds multiple qualifications including a Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing and Adult Education credentials. She served as VNCA president, AVA Veterinary Business Group's first non-veterinarian president, and received the prestigious 2019 Dr Earl Rippie Scholarship for veterinary nursing leadership. She founded the Animal Academy and Animal Sense Academy, training animal care and veterinary professionals.
Ms Lyndsey Hughes (United Kingdom)
Senior Vice President, British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) & Small Animal Director,
The Drove Veterinary Hospital
Lyndsay started working in practice in 2002 and qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2013. Since then, she has worked in various first opinion practices in head nurse or management roles. Currently she is one of the small animal Directors of a busy independent small animal hospital in the UK. Lyndsay is jointly responsible for all aspects of running the practice from streamlining processes, auditing, supporting staff development, best practice, as well as bringing a new perspective to the board of Directors as the only nurse within the directorship. Alongside working full time, Lyndsay is the Senior Vice President of the British Veterinary Nursing Association. She has undertaken the Edward Jenner Leadership programme, received the Veterinary Leadership and Management award with Distinction. Lyndsay is also an OSCE examiner and guest lectures in Business Management for veterinary nurses
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Prof. Kamalan Jeevaratnam (UK & Malaysia)
Dean and Professor of Clinical Physiology
University of Surrey, UK
Professor Dr Kamalan Jeevaratnam DVM, MMedSc, PhD, FRCVS is Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Professor of Clinical Physiology at the University of Surrey. He leads highly interdisciplinary research in cardiology and clinical risk predictions with applications to both human and veterinary medicine. In recognition of his contributions to cardiology knowledge, he was awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2021. He continues to maintain a strong interest in all aspects of cardiac rhythm management and prediction of adverse cardiac events in veterinary patients. He is also a keen educator and has been involved in developing the new RCVS Accreditation Standards that was launched in 2023 as well as the training of accreditation panel members. He has published extensively on preparing students for workplace clinical training in addition to delivering workshops and training on veterinary education pedagogy. He is a strong advocate for interprofessional working with focus on growing the role of nurses in the care delivery of his patients. He is keen to support the development of a pathway for nursing recognition and training in Asia as a core and valuable member of the veterinary healthcare professional team.
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Mr Kenichiro Yagi (UK)
Chief Veterinary Nursing Officer - Veterinary Emergency Group & Program Director for the RECOVER Initiative
Ken has dedicated his career to reimagining veterinary nursing for 24 years. He is currently the Chief Veterinary Nursing Officer for Veterinary Emergency Group, and the Program Director for the RECOVER Initiative.
Over the years, Ken has received many accolades, including the Veterinary Technician of the Year award by NAVTA and the AVECCTN Specialty Technician of the Year award. Ken co-edited the Veterinary Technician and Nurse’s Daily Reference Guide for Canine and Feline, and the Manual of Veterinary Transfusion Medicine and Blood Banking, and publishes articles and presents internationally on topics in ECC, transfusion medicine, and the veterinary nursing profession.
Ken passionately works to bring further recognition of the vital role of the veterinary nurses and technicians through work with industry leading organizations. He is also an advocate for the Open Hospital Concept, encouraging veterinary practices to invite the pet owners to “the back” as a part of the team.
Ken invites everyone to ask “Why?” to understand the “What” and “How” of our field, and to continually pursue new limits as veterinary professionals and individuals.
Ms Asuka Kurose (Japan)
Chief Nursing Officer,
VCA Japan Pal Animal Hospital
A graduate of Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts, Asuka Kurose earned the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2017. As Chief Nursing Officer at VCA Japan Pal Animal Hospital, she lectures extensively on “Animal-Friendly Restraint.”
She believes veterinary nurses are vital for minimizing patient stress through compassionate, evidence-based care. Dedicated to advancing restraint techniques to evolve the profession, her lecture provides practical strategies for managing aggressive cats. Using clinical video footage, she demonstrates safe, low-stress techniques that protect both feline patients and handlers.
Prof Dr Malaika Watanabe (Malaysia)
Dean, School of Veterinary Medicine, IMU University
Chair, Tropical Council for Companion Animal Parasites (TroCCAP)
rofessor Dr. Malaika Watanabe is currently Dean, School of Veterinary Medicine at IMU University. She is a diplomate of the Asian College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and her focus is on Small Animal Infectious Diseases. She obtained her DVM degree from Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2001 and a PhD from the United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Japan in 2006. Dr. Watanabe has extensive experience in academia and clinical practice. Her research interests include parasitology and vector-borne diseases. Dr. Watanabe mhas published numerous articles in peer reviewed journals and has been an invited speaker at various local and international conferences. She is actively involved in professional organizations most notably as a founding member and current chair of the Tropical Council of Companion Animal Parasites.
Dr Ashraf Ahmed Salah (Dubai)
Sales Manager & Clinical Educator-Veterinary
Leader Healthcare Group
Dr. Ashraf Ahmed Salah is a veterinarian, Sales Manager, and Clinical Educator within the Veterinary Cluster at Leader Healthcare Group. With practical experience as a practicing veterinarian and active involvement in multiple veterinary education projects worldwide, he brings a unique perspective on modernizing veterinary training and reshaping traditional approaches to clinical education.
In his role at Leader Healthcare, Dr. Ashraf leads and supports several veterinary simulation initiatives focused on advancing veterinary education and promoting innovative, hands-on learning methods. He is a strong advocate for ethical alternatives in veterinary training, emphasizing the use of simulation and modern teaching tools to enhance practical skills while reducing reliance on live animals.
Through his global work and speaking engagements, Dr. Ashraf promotes the importance of practical training in improving standards of veterinary care—not only for veterinarians but also for veterinary nurses and technicians, whose roles are vital to the profession. Passionate about veterinary medicine since his college days, Dr. Ashraf is committed to highlighting the value of the profession and its impact on animal welfare, education, and the future of veterinary healthcare.
Dr Ku Chi Ling (Malaysia)
Strategy and Marketing Manager
Vet’s Care Line
Dr. Ku is a veterinarian with over 14 years of experience in companion animal practice, with particular interests in internal medicine, pharmacology, and therapeutics. Throughout his career, she has been actively involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive care of small animal patients, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based treatment and client communication. She has extensive clinical experience in medical diagnostics, individualised treatment planning, and preventive healthcare, while also contributing to staff mentorship and the promotion of best clinical practices within the veterinary profession. Dr. Ku obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Universiti Putra Malaysia and previously completed a Diploma in Animal Health and Production from the same institution. She remains committed to advancing clinical knowledge and professional development within the veterinary field.
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Dr Ng Li Kai (Malaysia)
Veterinary Communication Manager
Pawxie Sdn. Bhd.
Dr. Ng Li Kai is a veterinarian with professional experience spanning wildlife, small animal, and exotic pet medicine. He has been actively involved in clinical diagnostics, treatment, and preventive healthcare for a wide range of species, while emphasising effective client communication and education. His career includes providing medical care and welfare management for wildlife species in multidisciplinary settings, as well as delivering comprehensive clinical services for companion and exotic animals in veterinary practice.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Ng is engaged in veterinary communication and professional engagement, where he contributes to bridging clinical knowledge with industry and professional education initiatives. He obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Universiti Putra Malaysia and previously completed a Diploma in Animal Health and Production from the same institution.
Dr Selapoom Pairor (Thailand)
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,Kasetsart University, Thailand
Dr Selapoom Pairor is a veterinarian based at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Thailand. His professional interests include small animal transfusion medicine, with a particular focus on blood typing, cross-matching, and transfusion safety in dogs and cats.
Through his academic and clinical work, Dr Pairor is actively involved in training and supporting veterinary professionals in practical transfusion techniques and laboratory methods. He brings a strong emphasis on applied, clinic-relevant skills, making complex transfusion concepts accessible and useful for veterinary nurses in everyday practice.
Dr Pairor will be presenting the Blood Collection, Typing and Cross-Matching Masterclass, sharing practical insights and hands-on approaches tailored to veterinary nursing teams.
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Mr Bram Sumantri (Indonesia)
Head of Professional Development
Indonesian Veterinary Paramedic Association (IVPA/PAVETI)
Bram Sumantri is the Head of Professional Development for the Indonesian Veterinary Paramedic Association (IVPA/PAVETI) and a member of the AVNC 2026 committee. A graduate of the Veterinary Medical Technician Diploma at IPB University, he has dedicated his career to the health and welfare of wild and domestic animals more than 20 years. Bram has extensive experience in animal quarantine, orangutan rehabilitation with BOSF, and, most recently, in training and developing Indonesia’s quarantine workforce at Centre for Human Resource Development for Animal, Fish and Plant Quarantine - Indonesia Quarantine Authority (IQA).
Mr Joseph Au (Hong Kong)
Operation Director
Animal Medical Academy Hospital
Joseph began his veterinary nursing journey in 2000, later completing his Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2013. He has since shaped a diverse career through advanced training in Emergency and Critical Care, telemetry monitoring, and veterinary POCUS, where he has developed a strong passion for teaching. Joseph now mentors fellow nurses and champions lifelong learning, demonstrating how ongoing professional development can open pathways from clinical specialisation to education, allowing veterinary nurses to tailor careers that evolve with their interests.
Ms Kim Soo Yeon (South Korea)
President
Korean Veterinary Nurses Association (KVNA)
Sooyeon Kim is the President of the Korean Veterinary Nurses Association (KVNA) and an experienced veterinary nurse and educator. Since beginning her clinical career in 2001, she has accumulated over 25 years of experience in small animal practice. She holds a Master’s degree in Veterinary Medicine and has completed doctoral coursework in Veterinary Nursing, currently preparing her dissertation. She teaches animal health science and clinical nursing at several universities across Korea, focusing on training future veterinary professionals.
Ms Sukanya Thunsap (Thailand)
Secretary General
Board member of the Veterinary Technologist Association of Thailand (VTAT)
Sukanya Thunsap is the Secretary General and a board member of the Veterinary Technologist Association of Thailand (VTAT). She is a leading advocate for the establishment of professional legislation and legal protection for veterinary technologists and nurses in Thailand. With her extensive experience in association management, Sukanya is dedicated to elevating the professional status and ensuring the legal recognition of the vocation, both nationally and through regional collaboration across Asia.
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Dr Low Ji Zhen (Singapore)
Course Chair
Diploma in Veterinary Technology at Temasek Polytechnic
Ji Zhen graduated from Murdoch University with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery and has practiced as a small animal veterinarian in the USA, Australia, and Singapore. She is the Course Chair for the Diploma in Veterinary Technology at Temasek Polytechnic, where she leads a dedicated team of lecturers and veterinary technicians in delivering high-quality educational programs. Her work focuses on fostering meaningful learning experiences and exploring creative approaches to teaching for veterinary nurses.
Prof Katsumi Ishioka (Japan)
President
Japanese Society of Veterinary Nursing (JSVN)
Professor Ishioka from the School of Veterinary Nursing and Technology at Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University will be participating in AVNC. He is the current President of the Japanese Society of Veterinary Nursing (JSVN) and previously served as Chair of the first national committee that developed the core curriculum for veterinary nursing education in Japan — a framework essential for establishing the national qualification system. He now plays a central role as Vice-Chair and coordinating member of the national examination committee for Veterinary Nurses for Companion Animals.
Ms Susanna Taylor (Hong Kong)
City University of Hong Kong,
Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences
Susanna Taylor is a UK‑qualified and registered veterinary nurse and Veterinary Technician Specialist in anaesthesia and analgesia. She previously worked at the Royal Veterinary College, UK, as Head Anaesthesia Nurse. After moving to Hong Kong in 2014, she taught on the Advanced Diploma in Veterinary Nursing programme. She currently teaches on the City University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine programme and holds a Master’s degree in Veterinary Education. She is a RECOVER CPR Instructor and trains veterinary professionals across Asia.
Ms Chong Su Via (Malaysia)
President
Malaysian Association of Veterinary Nurses and Assistants (MAVNA)
Chong Su Via is the President and founding member of the Malaysian Association of Veterinary Nurses and Assistants (MAVNA) and serves as the Congress President of the 1st Asian Veterinary Nursing Conference. She has spent many years working in the companion animal veterinary field and is a passionate advocate for the advancement and professional recognition of veterinary nurses in Malaysia and across Asia.
Driven by a commitment to education and professional development, she is currently pursuing veterinary nursing studies through Purdue University’s Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning programme, with additional training in veterinary anaesthesia. Through her work with MAVNA, she actively promotes accessible education, professional standards, and stronger collaboration within the veterinary nursing community.