Deborah Dris

Deborah C. Dris
Strategic Communication Specialist | Advocate for Social Impact

Deborah is a strategic communications professional with over a decade of experience in government relations, community engagement, and education.

Currently serving as the Press Secretary to the Malaysian Minister of Women, Family & Community Development, Deborah oversees media relations and public messaging while advocating for policies that support gender equality and community capacity building.

Previously, Deborah founded and led Owl & Badger Research, an independent research firm focused on delivering data-driven insights for impactful social projects. She successfully expanded the firm’s reach, built partnerships, and led initiatives to empower young Sarawakians through civic education and workforce training.

Her career began with Teach For Malaysia, where she taught underserved students in Seberang Perai Utara, Penang and led initiatives that improved educational outcomes and community engagement. This experience fuelled her passion for creating meaningful social change, which she carried into roles at Arus Academy and later through her postgraduate research on education policy at the University of Edinburgh.

Deborah’s work is rooted in a commitment to fostering community connections, strategic problem-solving, and leadership. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys riding motorcycles, exploring history, and listening to podcasts.