Our Speakers
Dr. M Sanjayan
Nature Scientist & Conservation Leader TIME 100 Climate Leader
USA
Dr. M. Sanjayan is an accomplished conservation scientist, documentary host, and leader in global conservation efforts. As the former CEO of Conservation International, he oversaw a global organization with a presence in over 100 countries. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Oregon and a Ph.D. in conservation biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. In addition to his scientific and leadership roles, Dr. Sanjayan is a respected voice in environmental storytelling. He has hosted more than a dozen award-winning documentaries for major networks, including PBS, BBC, and National Geographic. His most recent series, Changing Planet, explores how climate change is impacting six of Earth's critical biomes and highlights the innovative solutions being implemented by Indigenous and local communities.
Munir (M) Merali
Executive Chair, Synergies Worldwide, Chair - Technical Advisory Group (TAG) - Health, Migration and Displacements - WHO, Business Development Advisor - CMED Health
Bangladesh
A visionary executive with nearly five decades of global experience leading strategic, cross-sector initiatives at the intersection of diplomacy, sustainability, sourcing, healthcare, education, and technology. Proven success in scaling complex international programs, forging public-private partnerships, and building future-ready institutions. Trusted advisor to governments, development networks, and multilateral agencies including WHO, Harvard Business School, and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Currently advancing sustainability and inclusive innovation through AI and emerging technologies across the Middle East, South Asia, and Eastern Africa.
Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya
Chief Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka on Digital Economy & Chairman – ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (Formerly) CEO - Telecommunications Business & Group Executive Director, Axiata Group Bhd
Sri Lanka
Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya is a distinguished leader in telecommunications and a key figure in Sri Lanka's digital transformation. With a career spanning over 30 years in the ICT industry, he has been honored with the GSM Association's Chairman's Award for his outstanding contributions to the global mobile industry.Formerly the Group Executive Director at Axiata Group, he is now the Chief Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka on Digital Economy and the Chairman of the Information & Communication Technology Agency (ICTA). Dr. Wijayasuriya's expertise encompasses digital transformation, mobile technology, and innovation ecosystems. A Chartered Engineer with a Ph.D. in Digital Mobile Communications from the University of Bristol, he is a frequent keynote speaker at global events like the Mobile World Congress.
Arjuna Herath
Chairman Board of Investments (BOI)
Sri Lanka
Arjuna Herath is a distinguished Senior Chartered Accountant and the Chairman of Sri Lanka's Board of Investment (BOI). He brings decades of experience from leadership roles in both the private and public sectors. Previously a Senior Partner at Ernst & Young (EY), he has held significant positions, including Chairman of the Sri Lanka Personal Data Protection Authority and Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka. As a past President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, he is a respected authority on corporate strategy, finance, and governance. His expertise guides foreign investment and national economic policy.
Dr. Achyuta Samanta
Founder KIIT University & KISS University, Odisha
India
Dr. Achyuta Samanta is a renowned educationist, social worker, and philanthropist from Odisha, India. He is best known as the founder of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS). KISS is a unique institution that provides free education, accommodation, and healthcare to indigenous children. Dr. Samanta's work has earned him over 70 honorary doctorates and numerous national and international awards, including the highest civilian honors from Mongolia and Bahrain, for his significant contributions to education and social development.
Shafiq Khan
President & CEO, Teach the World Foundation
USA/Pakistan
Shafiq Khan is a social entrepreneur and technology pioneer who serves as the President & CEO of Teach the World Foundation. With a belief that digital technology can eradicate global illiteracy, he founded the organization after a distinguished 30-year career in the corporate world. As a former leader in digital transformation at United Airlines and Marriott International, he pioneered e-ticketing and online booking. Khan, who holds an MBA from Harvard, now applies his digital expertise to education. He is a frequent speaker on the power of digital learning and the potential of technology to deliver educational access to underserved communities in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Malawi.
Tobby Simon
Founder & President Synergia Foundation
India
Tobby is the Founder and President of Synergia Foundation, a strategic do tank which works to develop impactful insights and interventions in the areas of advanced technologies and geo security He has over thirty five years of inter-disciplinary experience in biosecurity and health care, cyber security, aerospace and defense, energy security, telecommunication, advanced technologies, conflict resolution and international affairs.
Sara Pervaiz Amjad
Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Director of Student Life and Intercultural Education, New York University, Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
As the Associate Dean of Student Affairs at NYU Abu Dhabi, she oversees student life and intercultural education. She also serves as Chief of Staff to the Associate Vice Chancellor, contributing to high-level strategic initiatives and operations for the Student Affairs leadership team.Her background includes a Master’s in International Education Policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Bachelor’s in Theater and International Relations from Mount Holyoke College. Since 2013, she has worked in international higher education in the US, Singapore, Pakistan, and the UAE. Her expertise includes diversity and inclusion, leadership development, and fostering equitable and inclusive institutions. She has designed intercultural learning spaces and trained students, staff, and faculty at institutions like Harvard and NYU.
Sandun Hapugoda
Country Manager - Sri Lanka & Maldives, Mastercard
Sri Lanka & Maldives
Sandun joined Mastercard in 2017 to lead the company’s Digital and Value Added Services business in Sri Lanka and Maldives. Since then he has been instrumental in deepening the company’s partnerships with banking and non-banking financial institutions, fintechs and merchants by enhancing and streamlining their digital payment journeys.
Sanjeev Asthana
CEO, Patanjali Foods
India
Sanjeev Asthana is a distinguished leader in Food & Agriculture with over 30 years of experience. He is the CEO of Pathanjali Foods and serves on the boards of NABCONS and the Agriculture Skill Council of India. He is also a non-resident fellow at The Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
Asthana has managed large businesses across Europe, Southeast Asia, and India, including leadership roles at Reliance Retail, Cargill India, and ITC Global Holdings. He works closely with government bodies and international institutions on food security and sustainability, and has chaired committees for industry chambers like CII and FICCI. He is also a frequent speaker at global conferences.
Leong Sze Hian
Chairman, Singapore Professional Centre
Singapore
Leong Sze Hian is a prominent figure in Singapore with a diverse background that spans finance, media, and activism. An alumnus of Harvard University and a pioneer in Singapore’s financial sector, he has served as the president of four professional bodies.As a speaker, Leong draws on his extensive experience as a financial advisor, author of four books, and a widely quoted media commentator. He has hosted a money radio show and written a daily newspaper column. Leong is known for his commentary on social and economic issues, often advocating for more equitable government policies.
Sumit Gupta
CEO, Waseda Global
India
Sumit Gupta serves as a Director at Waseda Global Private Limited, a non-government company involved in wholesale trade via e-commerce.His professional background includes extensive experience in the commodities and supply chain sectors. He was a Director at McDonald Pelz Global Commodities India Private Limited from 2014 to 2025. He also holds directorships at Provenance Agri Supply Chain Solutions Private Limited and Grainx Global Private Limited, and was previously a Director at Woxho Lifestyle India Private Limited. This experience underscores his expertise in international trade, supply chain management, and the commodities market.
Sameer Chishty
General Partner SparkLabs VC
Pakistan | Saudi Arabia
SparkLabs VC, General Partner; technology venture capital investor in Asia, recently launched SparkLabs Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, investing in Mobility, Gaming, AI, FinTech, eCommerce. AsiaPak Investments, Chairman; infrastructure private equity investor in Pakistan, focusing on energy, logistics, technology, financial services.
Kandeban Balendran
President Harvard Club of Sri Lanka. Founder & CEO Academics Group and EMBRAX Inc
Sri Lanka
Kandeban Balendran, a media veteran turned serial entrepreneur and educator, is a staunch believer in Sri Lanka's potential. Founder of Academics Group, he's acclaimed as a "Dreamer" by Harvard Business School and recognized among Australia's "19 Future Chasers - Young Global Leaders." His vision extends beyond borders, seeing the region as a nexus for educational excellence and transformation. Kandee firmly believes that nations thrive through their people - individuals driven by passion and vision.
Sajju Jain
Serial Entrepreneur & Regional Director - Asia Pacific, Harvard Alumni Association
India
Sajju has helped build several startups in their early stages that have grown to deliver global impact. Dlight's solar lights have improved the lives of 150 million people, Embrace's infant warmer has helped over 475,000 babies, and Chirag has illuminated 700+ villages.
Shabari Nair
Senior Programme Coordinator (Economic Recovery, and Labour Migration and Integration) - IOM - UN Migration
Turkey
Shabari has over 17 years of experience in International Relations, specializing in economic recovery, labor migration, and integration. He currently leads key initiatives for the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Ankara, Türkiye.His career includes roles with IOM, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. He has been posted in cities around the world, including Geneva, New York, New Delhi, and Doha.Shabari holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard University, a Master’s in International Relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy, and a double Bachelor’s degree from Griffith University.
Prashant Kandoi
Managing Director EVIO
India
He undertakes turnkey Electrical and Automation projects for Industries and Buildings. Evio is a Pan India Company with Projects across 15 states. Evio has completed more then 500 large projects for Blue Chip Indian and Multinational companies over the last 10 years.
Asanka De Mel
Founder LOVI
Sri Lanka
Asanka founded LOVI to create an authentic and united fashion identity rooted in Sri Lankan ethos—with the hope of sharing his love of this island paradise, its people and its culture with the world. Two things you should know: he’s a visionary working towards developing Sri Lanka and he’s hell bent on building LOVI into an international fashion brand.
Nishan de Mel
CEO Verite Research
Sri Lanka
Nishan is an economist with extensive academic, policy and private sector experience. Nishan taught and researched economics at Oxford and Harvard universities. Nishan completed his undergraduate studies at Harvard University, and his graduate studies at Oxford University, where he was a Chevening Scholar.
Sooraj Mundayat
India Head & Vice President of Professional Services, Precisely
India
Sooraj Mundayat is the India Head & Vice President of Professional Services at Precisely, a global data integrity software company. With over 18 years of experience, he is a seasoned business and technology leader known for building and scaling offshore businesses and startups. Mundayat has a strong background in technology and operations across the EMEA and APAC regions, having previously launched several successful startups. He is also an active angel investor and corporate strategist, advising various startups. A Harvard Business School alumnus, he frequently speaks on business scaling, technology strategy, and data integrity, emphasizing the power of leveraging technology to drive business growth and value.
Manisha Gupta
Editor - Commodities, CNBC
India
Manisha Gupta is the Editor of Commodities & Currencies for CNBC-TV18, a leading business news channel in India. She is a respected voice on both domestic and global commodity and currency markets, with more than a decade of experience in the field. She provides in-depth analysis and is the host of the weekly show "Commodity Champions."Her expertise extends across various sectors, including agriculture and non-agro commodities. She is a regular on multiple CNBC platforms, including CNBC Awaaz (Hindi) and CNBC Bajar (Gujarati). Before joining Network 18, she led commodity research for prominent brokerage firms. She holds an MBA and a postgraduate degree in International Export/Import regulations.
Garima Jain
Board Member, Agriculture Skill Council of India
India - Harvard Moderators
Garima Jain is a highly experienced professional in the agricultural and commodities sector, currently serving as a Board Member at the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI). She is also the Deputy CEO and Head of Grains, India for Louis Dreyfus Company. With over 17 years of experience, she has held leadership positions at major companies like Agrocorp India and Cargill, demonstrating expertise in supply chain management and international trade. She holds an MBA in International Business from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade and a BTech in Chemical Engineering. Jain is recognized for her role in strengthening India's agribusiness sector and is a strong advocate for women in trading.
Meghana Dutta
Director Studio Decode
India
Meghana Dutta is a founding partner of Studio Decode, an award winning Architecture and Urban design firm. One of Studio Decode’s commissions was by PUMA Global, which was to design the Greenest Retail Building in the country.
Robert Coulson
Executive Advisor for Real Estate, Accenture
UAE
Robert Coulson is a seasoned advisor on value creation in the built environment, bringing over 25 years of real estate and construction experience to his work with Accenture's clients. He specializes in corporate and investment strategy, M&A advisory, and portfolio optimization, helping organizations navigate complex development projects. Coulson is a champion of digital transformation, integrating technologies like Agentic AI, Blockchain, and immersive experiences into sustainable solutions. His dedication to innovative strategic asset management is reflected in his credentials as a LEED AP, RICS Fellow, and Counselor of Real Estate.
Bhanuka Harischandra
Managing Director, Short Circuit
Sri Lanka
Bhanuka Harischandra is a self-taught serial-entrepreneur that believes in testing, adapting and not conforming to set rules. Bhanuka established Surge Global, a design, marketing and technology firm to focus on the needs of helping businesses grow in the modern economy. In 2018, Senior Executives within the Tavistock Group, invested in the company to leverage and support some of the group's most strategic and valuable investments.
Daniel Alphonsus
Economist South Asia Fintech Team Lead, Daraz
Sri Lanka
Daniel Alphonsus is a distinguished professional with a diverse background in technology, finance, and government. He currently leads the payments and financial services divisions for Daraz, the Alibaba Group's South Asia fintech team. His professional experience includes serving as an economic adviser to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance. Alphonsus is a respected voice on topics such as economic policy, digital transformation, and governance. A Fulbright Scholar, he holds degrees from Balliol College, Oxford and Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. His insights blend fintech innovation with deep expertise in public policy.
Aritha Wickramasinghe
General Counsel TWC Investment Banking, Director - Equality Law (Justice Programme) iProbono
Sri Lanka
Aritha Wickramasinghe is a distinguished international finance lawyer and a pioneering activist in the field of diversity and inclusion. Having worked at top-tier law firms in London, he has advised the UN and the British government and has been instrumental in public policy reform in Sri Lanka.A passionate advocate for social justice, he is a respected voice on topics such as human rights, equality, and public policy. He has been involved in several key initiatives, including advising lawyers across the Commonwealth on challenging discriminatory laws. His expertise is also focused on leveraging business as a force for social change. He was ranked by the Financial Times as a Top Global LGBT Future Leader, highlighting his leadership and influence.
