Our Listees 2026

Thanda has dedicated her life to Myanmar Ocean Project, a marine conservation and ocean-impact initiative protecting the country’s coastal and marine ecosystems while creating sustainable, community-driven change. Tackling the problem of discarded fishing gear, the organisation has removed 1,800 kg of ghost nets while engaging with fishing communities to find sustainable local solutions to this problem. Thanda’s efforts have shone a spotlight on Myanmar’s marine biodiversity while empowering local communities to protect their natural resources.
“Thanda’s leadership within Myanmar Ocean Project embodies kindness through a deeply community-first and collaborative approach to conservation. Rather than focusing solely on environmental outcomes, she recognises that protecting the ocean also means supporting the people whose lives, livelihoods, and futures are connected to it. Her leadership style is grounded in respect, education, and inclusion – bringing together local communities, volunteers, partners, and advocates around a shared purpose of protecting Myanmar’s marine ecosystems.”
– The Noe San, Founder & CEO, MO

As Senior Residential Programs Manager, Raksmey embodies the Harpswell Foundation’s mission to train the next generation of women leaders through holistic development, ensuring students’ intellectual, emotional, and physical well-being. Her expertise is rooted in a diverse background of teaching and curriculum oversight within the private sector and international NGOs. As a Harpswell alumna, she finds deep purpose in returning to her roots – leveraging her extensive academic and professional experience to empower female leaders.
“Raksmey embodies kind leadership by seamlessly integrating empathy, consistency, and empowerment into her role. By prioritising students’ well-being, university readiness, and critical thinking skills, she fosters an enabling environment where their success becomes her own. Her recent academic skill development course initiatives demonstrate generosity and courage in innovation, ensuring students maximise their potential. Ultimately, Raksmey’s authenticity and resilience cultivate a stable foundation for the next generation of women leaders.”
–Moul Samneang, Country Director, Harpswell Foundation

Sumit is the founder of Fulminare Global, a grassroots-led development organisation transforming rural communities across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. From a farmer-led initiative in 2016, he has built a multi-sector platform impacting 25,000+ families through education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, improved livelihoods, and environmental action. His leadership enables sustainable, community-owned solutions that drive inclusive growth and long-term resilience in underserved regions.
“Sumit’s leadership is defined by empathy, humility, and a deep commitment to community empowerment. Beginning his journey alone in 2016, he worked directly with farmers, understanding their challenges firsthand. This grassroots connection shaped his leadership philosophy – solutions must be built with people, not for them … Beneficiaries become active contributors rather than passive recipients. This not only restores dignity but also builds resilience and self-reliance. Beyond organisational impact, his work contributes to broader social transformation by addressing systemic issues such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to basic services.”
– Rahat Sahu, Executive Director & Chief Development Officer, Fulminare Global

A Member of the Bangsamoro Parliament, Sittie Fahanie empowers communities and exemplifies servant leadership. As Chairman of the Committee on Amendments, Revision, and Codification of Laws, she champions reforms that strengthen governance in the Bangsamoro region. Her flagship initiative, FahanieCares, brings government services closer to the people by supporting vulnerable sectors, including persons with disabilities, students, solo parents, volunteer teachers, health workers, and small business owners.
“Sittie Fahanie’s leadership prioritises listening, collaboration, and practical solutions that uplift vulnerable sectors. Through initiatives like FahanieCares, she has cultivated a culture of compassion and accountability, encouraging public servants to act with integrity and purpose. This values-driven leadership has strengthened trust between government and communities while improving service delivery. By aligning compassion with effective governance, she demonstrates that kindness in leadership creates sustainable and impactful programmes.”
– Yasmin Hadji Azis, Political Affairs Officer II, Bangsamoro Transition Authority

Billy is a medical education specialist, philanthropist, and international advocate for peace and fair labour practices. He has developed innovative healthcare training and helped establish Macau’s first medical school. With decades of experience in medical simulation and professional training, he has supported the education of thousands of healthcare professionals across Asia. He is also the founding chairman of the Sino-Phil Asia International Peace Awards Foundation and an ambassador for the Global Fair Pay Charter.
“Sir Dr Billy Chan is widely respected for his ability to bring people together in the spirit of service, compassion, and shared purpose. Through his leadership of the Sino-Phil Asia International Peace Awards Foundation, he has created a powerful platform that connects leaders, humanitarians, educators, and community advocates from across Asia and beyond. By recognising individuals who work tirelessly for peace and social progress, he not only honours their achievements but also strengthens networks of cooperation that inspire further positive change.”
– Helen Bowen, Head of School, King’s College India

Sha Elijah is a distinguished law professor and public servant who has held key roles in the Bangsamoro Government, including Attorney General, Floor Leader of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, Minister of Interior and Local Government, Deputy Speaker, and Member of Parliament. She has dedicated her career to advancing justice, strengthening governance, and promoting inclusivity. Her work demonstrates that effective leadership is grounded not only in authority, but in genuine care for others.
“Sha Elijah’s kindness extends far beyond the workplace through impactful community programmes. Under her flagship Kaalalai initiatives, she has championed projects that support young people, solo parents, the elderly, and women. Her peace, environment, and sports youth campaigns encourage civic responsibility and unity, while her provision of cash aid, rice, food supplies, sports facilities, and medical assistance demonstrates responsiveness to immediate community needs. Through these initiatives, the nominee proves that kindness in leadership is not passive – it is intentional and transformative.”
– Khalid Hadji Abdullah, Member of Parliament, Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament

An expert in the design and implementation of social and behaviour change (SBC) programmes, Sopheap has led theory- and data-driven communications for over 15 years. She has developed and conducted training in interpersonal communications and community-based outreach for government representatives, NGO staff, and community activists. She has also provided technical assistance for numerous organisations to develop evidence-based theories of change and to conceptualise innovative, cost-effective SBC strategies.
“Despite her role, Sopheap is never distant. We call her ‘Bong Pheap’ (meaning ‘Big Sister Pheap’) because that’s exactly how she treats everyone – like family. She leads with compassion, patience, and grace. She doesn’t command; she guides. When challenges come up, she doesn’t point fingers or place blame. Instead, she helps find solutions, and always with a calm and reassuring presence. Bong Pheap sees people. She notices the small efforts, says thank you often, and makes sure everyone feels appreciated.”
– Bun Saosopheakneath, Postgrad Student, Monash University (former employee at FHI360)

Sammy is Managing Director, Buildings, at Asia Infrastructure Solutions (AIS), where he leads multidisciplinary engineering teams delivering complex building and infrastructure projects. With over 28 years of experience, he champions technical excellence, innovation, and collaborative leadership across the organisation. Beyond operational oversight and quality assurance, Sammy is deeply committed to nurturing young engineers – mentoring emerging talent, creating growth pathways, and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing.
“Sammy demonstrates a genuine commitment to developing young engineers. He actively engages with our Young Professionals Committee, not as a symbolic supporter, but as a hands-on mentor and advocate. He makes time to attend sessions, listen carefully to concerns, and provide thoughtful and practical guidance. His approachability, humility, and willingness to share personal experiences create an environment where young colleagues feel heard, respected, and valued. He also consistently champions company sponsorships to support young engineers in gaining external exposure.”
– Christina Chan, Human Resources Director, Asia Infrastructure Solutions Ltd

Salma is a financial governance and community services leader managing multiple medical facilities and hospitals across Sydney. With over 20 years in healthcare financial management, her leadership is defined by empathy, integrity, and compassion. She has voluntarily contributed 20,800+ hours as a Justice of the Peace, supporting access to essential services for 100,000+ refugees and immigrants. Her emergency interventions and sustained community support earned her recognition as Cumberland’s Local Citizen of the Year 2026.
“Salma embodies kindness in leadership by ensuring every financial and contractual decision prioritises patient access and human impact. Across multiple hospitals and medical facilities, she uses technology and strategic negotiations to expand healthcare coverage, enabling timely admissions for those in need. Her leadership fosters trust, inclusion, and psychological safety, empowering teams to collaborate and innovate … Beyond the workplace, her voluntary service and life-saving interventions reflect consistent compassion.”
– Paula Sanchez, Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Western Sydney University

Race is the co-founder of NASDAQ-listed Ohmyhome and CEO of DreamR, the group’s luxury interior design arm. A former award-winning entertainer, she has built a business with lasting impact, co-creating a platform that has served 13,000+ families across Singapore and Malaysia, saving customers over S$45 million in commission. Known for her people-first leadership, Race has championed pro-family workplace policies, advocated openly for gender equity in entrepreneurship and, through DreamR, designs spaces that put human well-being at their heart.
“Race leads by making people feel that their work and their lives outside of it genuinely matter. She built a child-friendly office with a playroom, consistently absorbed maternity leave costs without letting those costs influence hiring, and speaks openly about the pressures working mothers face. Her team-first orientation is not performative – she has described watching her staff step up in difficult moments as what keeps her going as a leader. This same care extends beyond the workplace through regular food delivery volunteering with TOUCH Community Services and her annual involvement in organising Sustainable Christmas.”
– Vairavan Shanmugam, Data Insights Specialist, Ohmyhome Property Management Pte. Ltd.

Hương is Vice Chairwoman of the Thiện Tâm Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Vingroup. Since its establishment in 2006, the foundation has become one of Vietnam’s largest private charitable organisations, delivering nationwide programmes in healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, and disaster relief. Under her leadership, these initiatives have reached millions of people. She is recognised by peers and colleagues for combining large-scale strategic impact with a deeply human-centred approach.
“Hương embeds kindness into systems, not just intentions. She ensures that every programme – whether funding life-saving medical care, supporting education, or rebuilding communities after disasters – is delivered with dignity and long-term purpose. Her leadership reflects a belief clearly seen in the foundation’s work: support should not only relieve hardship but create opportunity. By prioritising fairness, empathy, and sustainability, she has shown that kindness can guide decision-making at scale while maintaining trust and impact across diverse communities in Vietnam.”
– Jimmy Pham, Founder & Executive Chairman, KOTO (Know One, Teach One)

Sze Jin is a clinical psychologist and the founder of A Kind Place, where she champions empathy, authenticity, and respect in mental health care provision. Drawing from her experience as a therapist in the US and the challenges she faced upon returning to Singapore, she built a safe, supportive environment for practitioners. Her leadership emphasises kindness, resilience, and empowerment, ensuring staff feel valued so they can provide better care to clients. Her company’s services are accessible and affordable to make sure that people can access the mental health care they need.
“Sze Jin’s leadership is courageous. Having experienced unsupportive environments herself, she intentionally built A Kind Place to be different – one where people feel safe, included, and valued beyond their output. She invests time in mentoring, shares opportunities, and empowers her team to grow, recognising that strong practitioners deliver better outcomes for clients. The impact is tangible. Her team demonstrates higher engagement, stronger collaboration, and deeper commitment to their work. Clients benefit from more present, supported therapists, improving quality of care.”
– Serene Cai, Co-Founder, Speedoc

Channy is the founder and CEO of Reacheny Enterprise, a Cambodian snack brand born in 2018 in rural Battambang. A former accountant turned young mother, she started making banana chips with one frying pan and one neighbour to help local farmers whose harvests had no market. She has since built a trusted brand now stocked in 1,000+ stores across Cambodia. In 2024, she established a factory, employing 35 full-time staff and partnering with 60 contracted farmers supplying bananas, corn, sweet potato, and taro every month.
“Channy leads not for herself, but for others. From day one, she hired the most vulnerable women – those with no skills, no land, no income – and built a workplace around their needs with flexible hours and space for mothers to bring their children. She looked at women with burned hands peeling bananas in the heat and saw not workers, but families depending on her. That sense of responsibility became her greatest motivation. Her kindness is not separate from her business success – it is her business success. A thriving team, loyal farmers, and a beloved local brand are the proof.”
– Sotheavy AT, Founder, Sotheavy’s Consulting

From the front lines of grassroots social work, Nilanjana is now a published author and member of international advisory councils, using her platform to spread compassion and justice. While her journey has been marked by significant physical immobility and a psychosocial disability, she does not view these as constraints. Instead, they are a vital part of her testament; she is living proof that the spirit remains unbound despite physical limits. Her advocacy is rooted in the belief that resilience is the bedrock of any lasting peace.
“Nilanjana envisions an egalitarian world order where every individual, regardless of their physical condition or status, can flourish … As a Public Peace Prize Laureate and a Right Livelihood Award nominee, she testifies to courage and empathy in the face of adversity. As a member of the Global Compassion Coalition with connections to The World Transformation Movement, she believes in the emancipation of man, a perspective born from the extreme experiences of living in restrictive care environments in Kolkata and Hyderabad.”
– Sanjay Choudhry, Consultant & Social Entrepreneur, Winning Edge Education & Training PLC

Nila is Executive Director of Prasasti Centre for Policy Studies, an independent national think tank bridging government, industry, and civil society through evidence-based research in economics, geopolitics, and public policy. She has 24 years of experience in communications and public affairs, including eight years as Corporate Affairs Director at GoTo, Indonesia’s largest technology company, where she built the corporate affairs function from scratch into a team of 50. Throughout her career, Nila has placed people at the centre of every institution she has shaped.
“Nila built a culture of collaboration – teaching her team to be orchestrators rather than competitors, earning trust across the organisation. Her kindness is consistent, whether the company is thriving or in crisis. She gives generously of her time, her network, and her own personal resources – to colleagues, to the community, and to those she has mentored long after any formal obligation ended. Under her leadership, kindness is the engine that makes an entire team perform at its best.”
– Josefhine Chitra, Senior Vice President Public Affairs, TBS Energi Utama Tbk

The founder and CEO of Marinelife Conservation and Community Development, Hue also co-founded the ABG Leadership Institute, dedicating nearly a decade to fostering kind leadership amongst 700+ young people. An Obama Fellow (2018) and a Top 5 UN SDGs APAC finalist, she pioneers livelihood models that support coastal women to achieve financial independence and social influence. Hue bridges grassroots resilience with macro-policy, driving sustainable development through the transformative power of humanistic values and education.
“Hue embodies kindness through authentic, mindful listening. She cultivates a psychologically safe culture that harmonises the vast diversity of her NGO colleagues and hundreds of young leaders across Vietnam. Regarding ‘business sense,’ her empathetic leadership is a core strategic asset. In sectors prone to burnout and scarce funding, her kindness acts as a powerful magnet. It retains dedicated talent, builds unshakeable donor trust, and transforms zero-resource beginnings into thriving, resilient organisations that deliver sustained impacts.”
– Nguyen Van Hoang Huy, External Relations & Strategic Partnership Development Executive, iSMART Education – EQuest Education Group

As founder of Indians in Sydney, Nadeem has created a community of 135,000+ members, connecting people while addressing social challenges such as isolation, cultural integration, and food insecurity. A dedicated peace ambassador and community leader, he has led initiatives promoting inclusion, multicultural harmony, and social welfare, including Winter Drive, Meal for Everyone, and Samvaad. Recognised with multiple awards for service and leadership, Nadeem empowers individuals, fosters belonging, and inspires positive change.
“Nadeem’s initiatives demonstrate leadership that goes beyond strategy: he listens deeply, mentors newcomers, and mobilises volunteers with care and respect. By fostering inclusion, he ensures every voice is valued, creating a culture of belonging and collaboration. Through interfaith and multicultural events, he promotes dialogue and understanding across communities, strengthening social cohesion, and inspiring others to act with compassion. His leadership has tangible impact: volunteers and members feel empowered to contribute, partnerships flourish, and vulnerable communities gain meaningful support.”
– Imtiaz Khan, Director, Indians in Sydney

Mei is a second-generation business leader who has grown Asia Green Group from a traditional property developer into an ecology-conscious organisation. By aligning shareholders, employees, and partners through conscious retreats and workshops, she has led a profound cultural shift, fostering unity and shared purpose. Her approach emphasises discovering individual soul ikigai, healing the body, heart, and soul, and cultivating awareness. Through this, she advances sustainable development and contributes to a future ecological civilisation.
“Mei’s leadership centres on creating platforms and projects that empower individuals to practice meditation, cultivate self-awareness, and listen inwardly when making decisions and defining their purpose. She fosters a culture where mistakes are embraced as part of growth, building trust, courage, and authenticity. By aligning people through the Truth, Light, Justice philosophy, she creates self-sustaining, self-motivated teams that generate innovative solutions, manage projects more effectively, and collaborate with clarity.”
– Evelyn Chew, CEO, One Life Consultancy

As CEO of the BCCK, Lucinda is meticulous about ensuring inclusivity – fostering connections and ensuring all voices are heard. She conceived and built the Empower Programme to close the gender pay gap in the country. It has grown through partnerships with UN Women Korea and Korean companies such as Hyundai Motor Group, and has spawned offshoots such as EmpowerED for women in education. Prior to joining the BCCK, Lucinda spent 10 years as a project manager for Standard Chartered Bank, working in London, Singapore, and most recently Korea.
“Lucinda has dedicated her role to connecting the British and Korean business communities, creating genuine relationships rather than just transactional networks. That kind of sustained, people-first work reflects a fundamentally generous instinct. She first visited Korea in 2007 and chose to build her professional life around the country – that’s not career opportunism, it’s genuine affection for a place and its people.”
– Nicola Weir, Partner, Deloitte

Lorena is a teacher and advocate working with blind and visually impaired learners. She founded Future Vision Sighted-Blind Inc in 2014 to help people with visual impairments access education, skills training, and opportunities for work. Based in Taguig, Lorena is committed to teaching children and adults with visual disabilities, especially those from nearby communities. As a blind teacher, she shows students that disability does not define one’s capacity to learn, teach, or lead.
“Lorena’s passion for helping children and adults with visual impairments – whom she affectionately calls ‘Visionistas’ – is truly admirable. She established the Future Vision Home, a safe residence where Visionista students can stay while pursuing their high school and college studies. She personally shoulders major expenses such as rent, water, and electricity, ensuring that these learners have a stable and supportive environment to continue their education. Through Future Vision, she has transformed the futures of over 50 Visionistas.”
– Marife Flores, Treasurer, Future Vision Sighted-Blind Inc

Kim is a creative director, interior designer, painter, and founder of the Kapit-Kulay Foundation. With over 15 years in the design industry, she has built a reputation for work that balances strong aesthetics with deep human sensitivity. Beyond her professional practice, Kim channels her creative expertise into social impact, most notably through sustained, hands-on engagement with marginalised communities. She is known not only for her design vision but for her belief that art is a fundamental human right, not a privilege.
“For the past two years, Kim has facilitated monthly art sessions for 50 to 100 incarcerated women, covering every expense herself. What began as a creative programme has become something far more significant: a consistent, safe space where participants reconnect with their sense of self at a time when everything familiar has been stripped away. Kim does not treat these sessions as charity. She treats them as collaboration. She listens, she participates, and she takes the work seriously, including selected pieces in public exhibitions.”
– Maica Teves, Executive Director, SPARK Philippines

Kavita is dedicated to building safe, equitable communities. Transitioning from a 12-year corporate career, she established CCSDO in 2020 with a ‘prevention-first’ approach to crime. Her leadership has empowered 1,250+ women through vocational training and educated 1,700+ children across 130 schools. Beyond grassroots work, Kavita serves as President of the Wheelchair Cricket Federation of India, championing inclusive sports. Through strategic partnerships with Tihar Jail and the Delhi Police, she integrates skill-building and safety into social reform.
“Kavita redefines leadership by replacing transactional management with transformational empathy. At CCSDO, her ‘kindness of inclusion’ integrates marginalised groups into mainstream development, fostering a high-trust culture where team members are mission-driven stakeholders … By prioritising ESG standards and ‘prevention-first’ models – such as rehabilitating inmates – she has secured elite partnerships with the Delhi Police and global think tanks. Ultimately, Rawat demonstrates that empathy drives both social equity and organisational excellence.”
– Dr Vivek Trivedi, Founder, Association of Professional Social Workers and Development Practitioners

Since 1996, Hussain has trained hundreds of students at his karate academy and organised more than 35 karate tournaments. With a passion for sports development, he has organised seminars, training young leaders and sports enthusiasts in a part of the world where young people, especially girls from ethnic minorities, have limited opportunities. He is the first-ever Pakistani citizen to become a 6th Dan in karate and embodies the core values of self-discipline, self-control, and respect for all.
“Hussain’s approach comes from the core principles that karate is practiced to ensure self-protection and to avoid causing harm to others … Human kindness in karate means staying calm and composed, maintaining self-control in difficult situations, treating everyone with dignity, and using our strength to help, not hurt. All of these promote kindness, character, sportsmanship, respect, and moral discipline. Hussain always teaches his students that karate is not about becoming stronger; rather, it is about becoming a better human being.”
– Hameed ul Mehdi, Executive Director, Community Development & Entrepreneurship Foundation

In her first six months as Vice Mayor of Panglima Sugala, Dayang passed progressive ordinances on gender, economic growth, public health, and peace. As the municipality’s first and youngest female Vice Mayor, elected with 99% of the vote, she has demonstrated decisive leadership and set a precedent for inclusive governance. She led the passage of a landmark Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Ordinance protecting all individuals, including the LGBTQIA+ community, from discrimination in public services, education, employment, and healthcare.
“VM Dayang’s leadership inspires everyone to be more understanding and open to change – change that is essential for the 21st century. She fosters a culture of inclusivity, empathy, and forward-thinking governance, encouraging communities to move beyond tradition-bound limitations and embrace progress that uplifts all sectors of society. Through her example, she demonstrates that meaningful change is not only possible but necessary, and that true leadership lies in guiding people toward a more just, equitable, and compassionate future.”
– Alyssa Tan, Co-founder, MANGAN

Evelyn is the founder of One Life Consultancy, a platform empowering founders to evolve into purpose-driven social entrepreneurs. She guides individuals to align with their purpose through a heart-centred approach and deepen self-awareness. Known for her authenticity and empathy, Evelyn supports leaders to share their truth and lead with courage and compassion. She has been invited as a youth leader to share her voice at the United Nations, inspiring a more conscious and connected world.
“Evelyn empowers leaders to align their personal purpose with their work, helping them move from simply ‘being’ into ‘doing’. She has guided 10 leaders to build 10 impactful companies that serve wider communities. Within One Life Consultancy, she fosters a culture of trust, inclusion, and belonging. Her leadership encourages open expression, accountability, and growth. Beyond her organisation, she is building a love-and-kindness-based system that inspires entrepreneurs to create impact beyond profit.”

Kae is a sociotech entrepreneur and sustainability advocate driving equitable economic growth across Southeast Asia. As Founder & CEO of Valtor Solutions, she is digitising procurement for property developers while embedding ESG and carbon tracking into construction supply chains. Her entrepreneurial journey spans more than eight years: she also founded Alea Chocolates, Bicol’s leading cacao company, and Toyama Trading Company, promoting sustainable fishing across nine countries.
“Kae’s leadership is defined by a deep commitment to uplifting the communities her businesses touch – from smallholder cacao farmers in Bicol to fishing communities in Japan. Rather than extracting value, she builds full value chains that share opportunity at every level. At Valtor, she creates systems where suppliers, developers, and the environment all benefit. Her academic background in public policy and her years teaching at the University of the Philippines reflect a leader who invests in people’s growth, not just business outcomes.”
– Mel Mayol, Executive Assistant, 100×100

Efrit is an education impact leader with Study Group in Bangladesh, where she contributes to initiatives focused on education and community empowerment. Her work cultivates student engagement, partnership building, and sustainable development solutions, helping students access higher education support abroad. Through her leadership and programme involvement, she supports scalable, locally driven approaches to social change and inclusive development.
“Efrit Karim demonstrates kindness in leadership through empathy, humility, active listening, and a strong sense of responsibility toward both her team and the communities she serves. She takes time to understand individual team members’ strengths, challenges, and aspirations, creating space for growth rather than pressure. Colleagues describe her as approachable and fair – someone who leads with respect, even in high-stress situations.”
– Esrat Karim Eve, Founder & Director, Amal Foundation

Ngọc is a Vietnamese educator and founder of the Vietnam Digital Journey initiative, reaching over 20 provinces and thousands of students and teachers. She applies AI and digital innovation to transform the way history, culture, and civic education are delivered, particularly for underserved communities. She also mentors and trains teachers in digital transformation and AI. She is currently developing the Light Classroom project to expand access to robotics and technology education in remote and border areas.
“Ngọc embodies kindness through inclusive and impact-driven leadership. She focuses on expanding opportunities for underserved students while equipping teachers with practical digital and AI skills. By encouraging collaboration and shared ownership, she brings together educators, students, and communities to co-create meaningful learning experiences. Her leadership has strengthened engagement, built a culture of support and innovation, and inspired others to initiate similar efforts.”
– Nguyễn Duy Tân, Teacher, My Tu Primary School

Simone has been practising orthodontics since 2001 and has consistently prioritised the needs of her patients and those around her. As a young professional, she offered pro bono orthodontic treatment to girls from a community orphanage, which became the foundation for a much larger outreach effort. She offers unwavering support and strength to her colleagues, as well as thoughtful guidance to younger clinicians. Simone treats every individual with equal dignity and warmth, and her generosity of spirit touches everyone around her.
“Kindness comes effortlessly to Simone, and everyone she meets or interacts with is touched by her sincerity and compassion. Whether it is an unknown senior citizen needing a steady, supportive hand or assistance at a busy hospital reception, or a close family member or friend requiring help with organising medical care, she is always willing to step in without hesitation. What sets Simone apart is not just the scale of her actions, but the consistency with which she shows up for others.”
– Rekha Khanduri, Advisor to the Board, The Scholar High School

Zi Jian is a Business Management lecturer and Head of the Industrial and Agency Collaboration Operations unit at Batu Lanchang Vocational College, as well as a national Master Trainer in Business Management. An award-winning educator and AI for Good Certified Instructor, he has positioned the college as a forward-looking technical and vocational education and training institution. His leadership fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusive education, creating lasting impact within the college and its wider community.
“At Batu Lanchang Vocational College, Zi Jian transforms empathy into action by creating opportunities for students and staff to grow, lead, and belong. Through inclusive mentorship, fair access to resources, and strong industry collaboration, he builds a culture grounded in respect, trust, and empowerment. His consistent and resilient leadership connects people to purpose while integrating AI and sustainability into meaningful learning. The result is improved employability, stronger institutional excellence, and changed lives.”
– Tuan Noor Hazariani Binti Tuan Zakaria, Counselor, Batu Lanchang Vocational College

A visionary in deep-tech and founder and CEO of WeavAir, Nataliya leads global teams to bridge the ‘sustainability trust gap’ using satellite data and AI, transforming complex climate challenges into collaborative human triumphs. Her leadership integrates high-stakes innovation with radical empathy, fostering inclusive growth. Beyond her 14-year technical tenure, she has dedicated 500+ hours to empowering 50+ young entrepreneurs through Next 36 and Enactus. Holding a PhD in Chemical Engineering, she is a tireless advocate for women in STEM.
“Nataliya prioritises human-centric growth over mere output. In male-dominated deep-tech, her empathy-first approach has fostered a culture where 50+ mentees feel empowered to innovate. This style has built a high-retention, multidisciplinary team that spans five global markets. Through mentorship, she builds a ‘trust dividend’ that makes business sense: her reputation for authenticity and fairness has secured strategic partnerships with GIC and global evaluators, proving that kindness is the ultimate catalyst for sustainable, scalable success.”
– Hyeonsuk Lim, Director, ESGSAT

Juhi is a consultant anesthetist with over 12 years of progressive clinical experience in anaesthesia, obstetrics and gynaecology, and hospital management. Her background includes contributions to national health and family planning programmes, multidisciplinary team collaboration, staff training, and patient safety initiatives. She played a critical frontline role during the pandemic, handling airway management, intubation, mechanical ventilation, and ICU care for critically ill COVID-19 patients in a small city with very limited resources.
“Juhi sets the bar for kindness and what ‘above and beyond’ means. For her patients, coworkers, and organisation, she is fully committed to going the extra mile, making the extra call after hours to check in, bringing strong resolve to get the right referral, and offering compassion during the hardest days. During the COVID pandemic, she selflessly delivered on her duty in the Intensive Critical Care Unit and covered extra shifts – volunteering to help her juniors. She doesn’t just practise medicine – she elevates it with kindness and connectivity.”
– Muskan Varshney, EMEA Director, SS&C

Diljott is an actress and humanitarian holding a master’s in human rights. She was selected for Human Rights Youth Training at the UN Headquarters in Geneva and is also a TEDx speaker. As the founder of the Dream Buds Foundation, she empowers underprivileged individuals, offering them the opportunities, resources, guidance, and awareness needed to fulfil their dreams. This includes supporting differently-abled players to prepare for the Paralympics and distributing bicycles to schoolgirls to foster access to education.
“Diljott ardently contributed in the wake of the Punjab floods, serving flood-affected families, ensuring the distribution of tarpaulins, mosquito nets, groceries, ready-to-eat food items, medicine, health and hygiene kits, beds, mattresses, shoes, blankets, and home essentials. Health camps provided free medical consultation. Sanitary pads and hygiene kits were distributed amongst women, and awareness was raised regarding menstrual hygiene.”
– Dr Vivek Trivedi, Founder, Association of Professional Social Workers and Development Practitioners

Dhara is a social impact practitioner working on issues that connect mental health, media framing, and democratic awareness. Her project You Are Not Alone supports young people to establish dialogue spaces nurturing psychological safety, confidentiality, and trust so they can have conversations related to mental health, gender, and civic pressures. Through Dhara for Dhara, she addresses destructive media stories in a way that avoids shame and polarisation, leading to a decrease in hostilities fueled by misinformation.
“Dhara embodies a leadership style that is guided by acts of kindness built on listening, trust, and respect. With You Are Not Alone, she builds stigma-free environments in which youth can comfortably voice their concerns, decreasing feelings of loneliness and emotional exhaustion. In her leadership role, she ensures that empathy and accountability form the foundation of the team culture. With Dhara for Dhara, these values lead to positive impacts on social worth.”
– Deeksha Kunder, Senior Consultant, Biotech, Medtech

David is the curator and license holder of TEDxSeoul. His belief in sharing ideas and creating space for collective thinking and collaboration led him to self-fund the first three years of the platform. He also generously gives his time to nurture young Koreans wanting to gain work experience, mentoring and training over 400 volunteers. Collaborating with local schools, he has established a TEDxSeoul youth event to give kids a space to feel empowered and share their voices.
“David listens, gives space, and gives energy for new voices to be heard. He leads with affirming grace … He is often surrounded by South Korean women who are serious about their careers and breadth of experience. He is mindful of how to position himself to allow space for women to grow and take on the most senior roles. In an environment with fewer than 10% female leaders, this is critical … He encourages members of the new TEDxSeoul board to challenge old approaches, makes sure a range of opinions are heard and considered, and instils trust in the team to go out and build the community.”
– Nicola Weir, Partner, Deloitte

Nor Fariza is a healthcare leader and Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist, currently serving as Deputy Director-General of Health (Research and Technical Support) in Malaysia’s Ministry of Health. In over three decades of public service experience, she has led national ophthalmology services, advanced clinical research, and championed innovations including telemedicine, AI, and precision medicine to improve equitable care. Her leadership reflects deep compassion, strengthening patient-centred systems, mentoring future specialists, and shaping ethical research practices.
“Nor Fariza leads collaboratively, welcoming ideas, speaking gently, and consistently building synergy rather than division. Her commitment to disadvantaged groups, such as advancing rare disease policy despite funding constraints, reflects moral courage and fairness. She is generous with her time, supporting clinical and research teams even amid her national responsibilities. Her authenticity and respect foster trust across ministries, strengthening collaboration in initiatives like the precision medicine roadmap.”
– Soo Hwang Teo, Adjunct Professor, University of Malaya

Chaminda has led Kansarmen SL Foundation with unwavering compassion and purpose, delivering WASH initiatives to underprivileged schools and communities. Under his leadership, the organisation has completed 350+ water and sanitation projects in rural Sri Lanka. He believes support should reach all, without regard to status, caste, or background. At the same time, he safeguards the dignity, health, and safety of every team member, especially in the most remote conditions.
“Chaminda consistently guides us to prioritise real community needs over donor-driven targets, reminding us that our purpose is service, not reporting … Because of him, we have learned to see beyond numbers and labels. His kindness has shaped a culture where dignity comes before data, where inclusion matters more than image. He has built a team that listens deeper, acts fairer, and serves with heart. And in doing so, he has strengthened trust with communities and ensured that our work creates real, lasting change – where it is needed most.”
– Nayani Perera, Program Officer, Kansarmen SL Foundation

Brett is a mentor and executive coach who has spent 15 years investing in the development of leaders across Cambodia, working with organisations that include Impact Hub Phnom Penh, SHE Investments, Cambodian Children’s Fund, Epic Arts, FTB Bank, COVA, and Manulife. Through mentoring, coaching, and leadership programmes, he supports emerging leaders, social entrepreneurs, and executives to grow in confidence and purpose. Much of his work has been delivered pro bono, driven by his commitment to empowering local trailblazers.
“Brett leads with a deep belief that people matter more than position or power. His leadership is marked by generosity, humility, and a genuine commitment to seeing others succeed. In Cambodia, he has invested countless hours mentoring emerging leaders, often pro bono, creating safe spaces for people to grow in confidence, courage, and capability. His approach builds trust, strengthens teams, and develops leaders who lead others well. People consistently see stronger cultures, greater engagement, and more resilient leadership.”
– Lida Loem, Founder, Y-Invest

Brad is the founder of Rainbow Roos, an inclusive soccer programme that has changed what sport means for many families. The organisation emerged from Brad’s own experience as a parent and has grown to facilitating over 30 sessions a week for kids, more than 60% of whom have additional needs. Brad’s focus has always been simple: make sure every child feels like they belong. He has built a non-profit that genuinely supports families and gives kids a place to feel confident and included.
“Brad doesn’t talk about inclusion as an idea, he lives it every day. You see it in the way he interacts with the kids, the way he supports families, and the way he leads his team. One of the biggest things he’s done is remove competition from the sessions. It’s opened the door for kids who would normally sit on the sidelines or not come at all. Kids of different ages, abilities, and confidence levels are all able to be in the same space and feel comfortable. That doesn’t happen by accident, it comes from really understanding what people need.”
– Ryan Hoffman, Coach, Rainbow Roos AU Inc

Baintan plays a vital role in advancing peace in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. As Government Co-Chair of the Joint Task Forces on Camps Transformation under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, she leads the implementation of the Camps Transformation Plan, delivering socio-economic programmes in former Moro Islamic Liberation Front camps. Her leadership bridges policy and community needs, ensuring normalisation translates into livelihoods, infrastructure, and hope.
“Baintan exemplifies kindness in leadership by grounding governance in compassion, inclusion, and tangible service. As Deputy Speaker of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, she advances laws that directly improve people’s lives, including the Bangsamoro Sustainable Development Board Act, the Pura Municipal Hospital Act, and the Maguindanao Provincial Hospital Upgrading Act. These measures expand access to healthcare, strengthen long-term development planning, and prioritise underserved communities, demonstrating that policy can be an instrument of care.”
– Khalid Hadji Abdullah, Member of Parliament, Bangsamoro Transition Authority

A social entrepreneurship and community development leader, Bahar has created collaborative platforms that drive sustainable economic growth with a focus on female leadership. The community hubs she has designed have been instrumental in fostering vibrant ecosystems for local entrepreneurs and innovators. As part of her coaching experience, she has trained 2,500 Save the Children employees, providing kind, structured feedback that inspires others to grow.
“Bahar’s leadership is defined by a profound sense of humanity and the belief that kindness is a catalyst for systemic change. Her impact is most visible in her response to the 2015 earthquake, where she founded Nepal Communitaire. At a time of immense collective trauma, she didn’t just offer aid; she provided a sustainable ecosystem of hope, purpose, and opportunity. By creating a space for innovation and maker culture, she empowered young Nepalis to rebuild their own futures, transforming a moment of despair into a movement of self-reliance.”
– Gareth Weir, UK Deputy Ambassador, Seoul, UK Government

Arun is Founder and Director of Youngistaan Foundation, a youth-led nonprofit in Hyderabad, India. Under his leadership, the Foundation has mobilised 70,000+ young people, impacted 5 million+ lives across 60+ cities, served 2.5 million+ meals, supported 2,500+ homeless individuals, reached 15,000+ people through gender and health awareness, and supported 300+ children. Arun’s work has redefined service as a mirror that helps young people see society, responsibility, and their power to create change.
“Arun embodies kindness in leadership by seeing young volunteers before they see their own potential. Many enter Youngistaan with different life views, limited experience, and simple skills. Through his mentorship, they learn to understand people beyond their circumstances, take ownership of community work, and lead with care. For some, this changes their career path. Today, five former volunteers are Youngistaan employees, carrying both skill and belief into the work.”
– Natasha Paul, Advocate/Patient Management, United Healthcare

Arjuna is a British filmmaker and foreign correspondent covering South Asia for The Times and The Sunday Times. The 2025 Richard Beeston Fellow, she has reported on the ground during the India-Pakistan escalation, the Ahmedabad plane crash, the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, and Bangladesh’s post-revolution politics. Her writing appears in Prospect Magazine, The London Magazine, and Engelsberg Ideas. As a filmmaker, her work on the structural legacies of colonialism has been exhibited at Tate Modern and internationally.
“Arjuna’s journalism is defined by a commitment to elevating voices that rarely reach mainstream British media. Whether reporting on the surveillance of Indigenous Tibetan communities in the Himalayas, the testimonies of victims of political crackdowns in Bangladesh, or the stories of Nepali protesters, she builds her work around the people at the centre of these events rather than the geopolitical abstraction. In a landscape where South Asia is often reduced to crisis headlines, Arjuna consistently centres dignity and human detail.”
– Douce de Boisgelin, Founder, Girls in Motion

Renowned for pioneering the Tonkin 10/10 Bill, which introduces the world’s first community inclusion metrics, Anne challenges traditional systems and drives measurable change. Her scalable metrics are designed for global adoption, enabling organisations to better support inclusion and equity. Through her leadership, innovation, and lived experience, she has influenced policy, and amplified the voices of people with disabilities. At TAFE SE, Anne advocated for the rights of carers, recognising the unseen pressures faced by staff balancing work and caregiving.
“Anne’s 10/10 framework is a powerful reflection of her kindness in action. Built on the principle that everyone deserves genuine access to their community, it introduces the world’s first community inclusion metrics – designed to measure what truly matters: belonging, participation, and dignity. What sets Anne apart is that this work is driven voluntarily, fuelled not by obligation but by purpose. She challenges organisations globally to move beyond compliance and towards meaningful inclusion.”
– Jocelyn Awwad, Lecturer, TAFE SE

Ananya is a young legal changemaker from New Delhi and the founder of Lex Lumina, a youth-led legal awareness initiative affiliated with State of Youth under KidsRights. Passionate about law and justice, she works to make legal knowledge accessible to young people and underserved communities. Through campaigns and outreach programmes, she promotes awareness of constitutional rights and gender equality. Her work has been recognised by the Office of the President of France and shortlisted for the International Children’s Peace Prize 2026.
“Ananya believes knowledge should be shared to empower others. She encourages young people to speak up, understand their rights, and engage in discussions on law and equality. Her collaborative leadership style creates a supportive environment where volunteers feel valued and motivated to contribute. By fostering trust, teamwork, and initiative, she has strengthened the organisation’s outreach and inspired more youth to become advocates for legal awareness and social change.”
– Malti Singh Gupta, Teacher, Dronacharya Group of Institutions

Amna is a passionate advocate for literacy, creativity, and inclusive education in Pakistan. Over the past 12 years, she has led transformative initiatives bringing books, creative learning, and teacher training to underserved communities, reaching thousands of children and training 10,000+ educators nationwide. She champions kindness-driven leadership through storytelling, learning, and opportunity. Her work reflects a deep commitment to empowering young minds and nurturing compassionate, creative communities.
“Amna leads with compassion, empathy, and a belief that leadership should open doors for others. Her kindness is reflected in the way she nurtures people, creates opportunities, and builds confidence within her team and communities. One powerful example is the Projects on the Go (POG) Women’s Initiative, where Amna created a supportive space for women, many from challenging socio-economic backgrounds, to learn creative skills and earn income with dignity.”
– Ayesha Rahman, Projects Coordinator, Alif Laila Book Bus Society

At Dwight School Seoul, Allan leads a student-centred admissions process focused on personalised learning and global community. He is also Vice Chairman of the South African Chamber of Commerce in South Korea, supporting companies expanding into Korea through strategic advice and networking initiatives. In addition, Allan serves as a board member of TEDxSeoul, where he helps build partnerships to support sustainable growth. His work reflects a strong commitment to education, international collaboration, and community engagement.
“Allan leads with kindness, placing children at the centre of every decision. He ensures families feel supported, champions diversity, and advocates for students with special educational needs and those requiring financial aid. His empathetic approach has strengthened trust in the school, contributing to increased demand, growing waiting lists, and approval from the Korean government to expand capacity. Beyond admissions, he supports the parents’ association, knows every child by name, and encourages them daily.”
– Lucinda Walker, CEO, British Chamber of Commerce in Korea

Aditi is a human-centred leader with 25+ years of experience driving organisational growth, inclusive development, and social impact programmes for children and communities across the APAC region. She has led large-scale, multi-sector programmes, influenced policy, and built strategic partnerships with governments and global institutions. A champion of disability inclusion, she integrates equity into systems, programmes, and leadership practices. Her values-driven leadership fosters trust, resilience, and accountability.
“Aditi’s commitment to inclusive leadership ensures dignity and equity are embedded across systems, with a strong focus on persons with disabilities and marginalised groups. As a result, organisations benefit from stronger engagement and retention, while programmes become more accessible, equitable, and impactful. Her leadership is grounded in integrity and fairness, with consistent, transparent decision-making that strengthens governance, safeguarding, and risk management, while building stakeholder confidence.”
– Lalit Johri, Former Senior Fellow and Director, Oxford Advanced Management and Leadership Programme, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

Abdullah graduated from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology with a degree in mechanical engineering in 2009, later earned an MBA in finance in 2014, and holds diplomas in supply chain and human resource management. He has over ten years of experience working at Essential Drugs Company Ltd, a state-owned pharmaceutical company. He is a Life Fellow of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), and a Past Elected Honorary Member of the Mechanical Engineering Division of IEB. He has also been a journalist for over 15 years, with a focus on editorial and poetry.
“Mr Newaz has made significant contributions through his leadership. He has been welcomed as a member of the Committee on Young Engineers/Future Leaders and the Committee on Engineering Capacity Building of UNESCO’s World Federation of Engineering Organizations. He has been nominated for several awards, including the 2025 Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize, Global Youth Leadership Award 2024, and the Diplomat Award 2023 … Despite the challenges of introducing cutting-edge technology and economic instability, he continues to work for the welfare of the country and the nation.”
– Prof Dr Mohammad Mashud, Vice-Chancellor, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology

Abaida is an English teacher, trainer, and education leader who took over her father’s charity, Qurban & Surraya Educational Trust, in 2002. She spent a decade in Lahore strengthening teacher training and expanding the trust, which has four schools and a girls’ degree college serving 6,000+ students. Currently in London, she continues to oversee the trust and leads development programmes. She has delivered 500+ national and international presentations on female leadership.
“Abaida nurtures underprivileged women through empathy, respect, and an unwavering belief in their potential. Her supportive style creates a culture of trust where women feel valued, confident, and motivated to grow. By investing in their skills and well‑being, she has transformed hesitant workers into capable contributors and emerging leaders. This kindness-driven environment strengthens teamwork, reduces turnover, and enhances organisational stability.”
– Naheed Naeem, Principal, Qurban Degree College