Meet The Team
LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE TEAM
President
Cindy Biding
Licensed Counsellor • UNODC Consultant • DDR & Drug Policy Specialist
Cindy provides strategic leadership for OAPTAR, guiding national and regional collaboration efforts, programme development, and policy engagement. Her work spans prevention science, school health, community strengthening, and drug policy reform across Asia.
Secretary & Legal Advisor
George Young Si Ricord Jr.
Lawyer • Governance & Compliance Specialist
George ensures that OAPTAR operates with strong governance, legal compliance, and accountability. He provides legal oversight, advises on organisational documentation and regulatory requirements, and strengthens institutional systems.
Treasurer
Nashwin Zain
Certified Recovery Support Coach • Entrepreneur • Community Advocate
Nashwin Zain oversees OAPTAR’s financial management and accountability processes. As Treasurer, he is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, verifying transactions, and ensuring timely payments and prudent use of funds. He plays a key role in strengthening financial governance, transparency, and sustainability across the organisation’s programmes and operations.
TECHNICAL & PROGRAMME TEAM
Lead Trainer & Treatment Specialist
Dato’ Zainuddin Bahari
Seasoned DDR Professional • International Trainer • 30+ Years Experience
Dato’ Zainuddin has over three decades of expertise in treatment, rehabilitation, and workforce development. His contributions include international assignments in Afghanistan and extensive global training roles, making him a respected anchor in Malaysia’s treatment and recovery landscape.
Family Therapist & Counsellor
Gunapathy Arumugam
Family Programmes Specialist • Youth Advocate
Gunapathy delivers family and youth programmes across Malaysia and South Asia,, supporting communities, treatment centres, and universities. He is passionate about building strong families and promoting healthy communication and resilience.
Clinical Psychologist
Ashwin Thind
SUD Specialist • National Trainer • Mental Health Practitioner
Ashwin works daily with individuals facing Substance Use Disorders, providing assessment and evidence-based interventions. He also trains service providers at the national level, strengthening Malaysia’s mental health and SUD workforce.
Social Worker & Youth Leader
Melanie Helthen
Emerging Practitioner • Creative Thinker • Community Champion
Melanie is a promising youth leader with sharp insight and a fresh perspective. She is always ready to explore new ideas, think outside the box, and support community and family-focused programmes with enthusiasm and curiosity.
Recovery Support & Community Development Advocate
Johnek Henry Ajong
Community Mobiliser • Passionate Helper • Determined Changemaker
Johnek is deeply passionate about recovery communities and grassroots empowerment. Known for his bold ideas and relentless determination, he consistently goes the extra mile to support individuals and families on their recovery journey.
Social Media & Youth Engagement
Nurizzati Binti Talib
Social Worker • Youth Advocate
A Social Worker with a strong interest in youth development, Nurizzati supports OAPTAR’s digital communication by managing social media content that promotes wellbeing, prevention, and positive youth engagement. She ensures that online messaging reflects OAPTAR’s values and remains responsive to the voices of young people and communities.