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Melvin is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Contemplative Inquiry at SFU and a Master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). A third-generation Punjabi-Sikh from Malaysia, and a graduate of SFU’s International Studies program with a specialization in Security and Conflict, he brings both lived experience and a global perspective to his work.

He is particularly interested in questions of migration, forced displacement, conflict, human rights, and political accountability—and how communities can shape more equitable systems through meaningful participation. For Melvin, dialogue is more than conversation: it is a reciprocal practice of listening, connecting, and building shared meaning that strengthens relationships and fosters justice.

Whether working with government partners, academic institutions, or community organizations, Melvin’s focus is on creating environments where people feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute. His approach blends strategic thinking with deep facilitation skills, ensuring that engagement is not only well-designed but also grounded in care, equity, and community wisdom.

What is your role at the Centre for Dialogue?

As a Research and Engagement Coordinator, I work at the intersection of strategy and facilitation. My role is to design and support engagement processes that make it possible for communities, governments, and organizations to have meaningful conversations on complex issues. That can mean mapping out key voices and perspectives that need to be included, developing content and facilitation approaches, or ensuring that the logistics and operations behind an event create the right conditions for trust and openness. At its core, my work is about holding space—so that people not only show up but feel heard, respected, and part of the solutions being shaped.

What does dialogue mean to you?

Dialogue, for me, is an intentional practice of listening and connecting across difference. It’s not just about speaking—it’s about creating the trust and structure that allows people to be open, honest, and courageous. As a facilitator, I see my role as both guide and listener: providing enough framework to move a conversation forward, while leaving space for participants to shape the process with their own insights. Done well, dialogue helps us bridge divides, nurture empathy, and work toward more just and inclusive futures.

What is a common assumption you'd like to demystify?

A common misconception is that engagement is simply about collecting feedback. In reality, good engagement is a two-way exchange. Communities bring knowledge and lived experience that institutions can’t access on their own. When engagement is designed as co-creation, it becomes more than consultation—it becomes an opportunity to build trust, share power, and create solutions that reflect the wisdom of all involved.