Trainer Portfolio: Ms. Cynthia Gabriel

HRDC Accredited Trainer | Legal Professional | Advocate & Solicitor | Governance & Anti-Corruption Specialist

Cynthia Gabriel is an award-winning legal advocate, governance advisor, and internationally recognised anti-corruption expert with almost two decades of experience advancing the rule of law across the public, private, and civil society sectors. With a rare interdisciplinary background in both law and analytical chemistry, combined with extensive training experience, Cynthia is highly sought after for her ability to translate complex legal, compliance, and governance issues into practical, actionable insights for business leaders, regulators, and professionals.

As an accredited professional trainer and speaker, she has designed and delivered high-impact programs for corporate boards, senior management teams, legal practitioners, journalists, and industry associations. Her expertise spans anti-bribery management systems, corporate governance, ESG integration, risk management, collective action, and organisational integrity frameworks.

Academic & Professional Qualifications

• Advocate & Solicitor

• Certified Professional Trainer & Speaker

• Qualified Analytical Chemist

• Degrees in Science and Law

• 20 years of experience spanning litigation, governance advisory, anti-corruption advocacy, policy development, and capacity building

Global Recognition & Contributions

Cynthia’s leadership in global anti-corruption reforms has earned her significant international recognition:

• Global Anti-Corruption Champion Award (2022)

• Nominee, U.S. International Woman of Courage Award (2022)

• Special Address at the United Nations General Assembly (2021) – selected among hundreds of global advocates to speak at the UN’s first-ever Special Session against Corruption

• Appointee, World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Future Councils on Economic & Corporate Governance (2019–2021, 2023–2024)

• Awarded by the United States Congress (2017)

• Consultant to CIPE (US), UNODC & UNDP on anti-bribery, ESG, collective action, and governance reforms

• Founding board member and past Vice President of the UNCAC Coalition, leadership positions with FIDH and Forum Asia

• Advisor to UK-based SPOTLIGHT on Corruption (from 2022)

Her international engagements include speaking roles at the World Bank StAR Forum, International Anti-Corruption Conferences, APEC, ASEAN interface meetings, the UN Human Rights Council, and corporate integrity programs with global multinationals such as Intel, Keysight Technologies, and Motorola.

National Leadership & Impact

Cynthia’s contribution to Malaysia’s governance landscape is extensive and influential:

• Meritorious Award by the King of Malaysia (2020) for contributions to the rule of law

• Member of the 1MDB Special Investigative Committee, providing guidance on asset recovery and international cooperation

• Part of the Drafting Committee for Malaysia’s first National Anti-Corruption Plan (2019–2023)

• Advisor and reviewer for major national bills, including:

  • National Anti-Financial Crimes Centre (NFCC) Bill

  • Public Procurement Bill

  • Ombudsman Bill

• Founder and leader of the Center to Combat Corruption & Cronyism (C4 Center)

• Trainer for young lawyers, corporate managers, journalists, and trade unions on anti-corruption, business integrity, and human rights

• Speaker for chambers of commerce, business councils, and foreign embassies on governance reforms and political financing

Training Expertise

Cynthia’s training and advisory expertise covers:

• Anti-Corruption & Anti-Bribery (ISO 37001, compliance systems, ABMS implementation)

• Corporate Governance & Board Integrity

• ESG Governance & Responsible Business Conduct

• Policy Development & Legal Compliance

• Risk Management & Conflict of Interest

• Business & Human Rights

• Collective Action for Corporates

• Public Sector Governance & Institutional Reforms

Her sessions are known for being strategic, insightful, and highly engaging, blending real-world cases, policy frameworks, and practical governance tools tailored for corporate and public-sector audiences.