Born and raised in a coastal city in Borneo, Malaysia, Michelle's passion for agriculture and food security stems from the challenges her country and community faces in these areas. As part of the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, she works on the engagement with Member States and Stakeholders in support of food systems transformation.
Prior to joining the Hub, she worked as a Partner and Liaison Specialist in the Brussels Office of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), supporting the engagement with Non-State Actors, technical bodies of the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). She later joined the World Food Forum team, leading the work of the Youth Action track, advocating for youth engagement and building capacities of youth to engage in policy processes. Michelle holds a Master's in Nutrition and Rural Development with a specialization in public health and a Bachelor's in Clinical Nutrition.
Joining the Steering Committee of YPARD, Michelle looks forward to growing the work of YPARD in empowering and showcasing the expertise of young professionals, especially in developing countries and the Asia-Pacific region, who are already contributing to food systems solutions. With her background, she looks forward to contributing to strategic areas to facilitate better and more meaningful engagement for young people in shaping the future of our food systems.