Axel Searle is an Investment Specialist in the Private Sector Operations Department at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), where he supports the structuring, appraisal, and implementation of private sector investments across priority sectors. His work focuses on mobilizing capital for development, including through innovative financing solutions, public–private partnerships, and blended finance instruments to enhance project bankability and impact.

Jito Vanualailai is Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Education) at the University of the South Pacific (USP), where he provides strategic leadership in academic affairs, teaching and learning, and student success across the university’s regional campuses. He oversees the development and implementation of education policies, quality assurance systems, and curriculum innovation to strengthen higher education delivery in the Pacific.

Dong-Yeol Park is Director at the Korean Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training (KRIVET), where he leads research and policy advisory work to strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems in the Republic of Korea. In this role, he contributes to evidence-based policymaking, institutional development, and the advancement of skills systems aligned with evolving labor market demands.

Oliver Diehl is Deputy Head of Division for Vocational Education and Training at the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), where he also serves as Deputy Head of the Section on Further Learning and the European Education Area. He plays a key role in shaping policies and initiatives related to technical and vocational education and training (TVET), lifelong learning, and European education cooperation.

Siripan Choomnoom is President of the Thailand Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC), where she provides strategic leadership in the development and management of the country’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system. She oversees policy implementation, institutional governance, and partnerships with industry and development partners to strengthen skills development and enhance workforce readiness in line with national priorities.

Tamar Dvali is Head of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) under an Asian Development Bank (ADB)–supported program, where she leads the planning, coordination, and execution of project activities in line with national priorities and ADB requirements. She oversees day-to-day implementation, including procurement, financial management, safeguards compliance, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that project outputs are delivered efficiently and in accordance with agreed timelines and quality standards.

Lyqa Maravilla is an education influencer and content creator known for making learning accessible, engaging, and relatable for students across the Philippines and beyond. Through her widely followed online platforms, she produces educational content that simplifies complex topics in subjects such as mathematics, science, and language, helping learners build confidence and improve academic performance.

Josephine Romero is President of the Private Sector Jobs and Skills Corporation and Head of the Secretariat of the Private Sector Advisory Council in the Philippines, where she plays a central role in advancing private sector–led initiatives on workforce development, job creation, and skills alignment. She works closely with government, industry leaders, and development partners to design and implement programs that address labor market needs, strengthen industry competitiveness, and support inclusive economic growth.