Harvard Asia Pacific Regional Conference in Sri Lanka from 3 to 5 April

The Harvard Club of Sri Lanka proudly announces, ‘Big Bold Brave 2024,’ a ground-breaking thought leadership conference set to take place from 3 to 5 April, at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka. 

The conclave is a collaboration of 15+ Harvard Clubs in the Asia Pacific region, the official Alumni Organisations of the prestigious Harvard University. 

 “Sri Lanka is a 5-hour flight from 4.5 billion people in the APAC region - who are getting richer and living longer. It is an opportunity for the nation to lead in addressing pressing needs of the neighbourhood,” said Conference Co-chair Asanka de Mel. 

Under the far-reaching theme of ‘Big Opportunities, Bold Moves, Brave People,’ the conference will explore critical areas that shape the region’s future, with topics areas including education, human capital development and jobs of the future, technology, digital economy and entrepreneurship, modernising agriculture and food security, energy infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability and climate change adaptation.Recognising the immense potential of the Asia-Pacific region and its role in shaping the global landscape, the Harvard Clubs of the Asia-Pacific region have come together to facilitate this transformative conference. 

The conference will explore the region’s most pressing challenges and opportunities leading up to 2050. 

The highly anticipated conference will convene visionary leaders, influential thinkers, and distinguished Harvard alumni from across the Asia-Pacific region. A distinguished line-up of speakers will engage attendees through panel discussions, case studies, and interactive workshops, facilitating the exchange of valuable insights, invaluable networking opportunities and the exploration of innovative solutions.

Among the notable speakers confirmed for the event are: Invest India Former Managing Director and CEO Deepak Bagla, Harvard Club of Singapore Vice President and NUS Singapore Senior Faculty Titus Yong, Green Climate Fund in South Korea Head of Project Finance – Private Sector Facility Rajeev Mahajan, MAS Holdings Co-Founder and Chairman Mahesh Amalean, ProLung, Inc., USA MD and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Rex Yung, KREA University Governing Council Member and Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR), India President Kapil Vishvanathan, HBS Research Centre India Executive Director Anjali Raina, Oxford and Harvard University, Sri Lanka Economist with extensive academic experience Dr. Nishan De Mel, Streeton Partners, Venture Partner/SparksLabs, Hongkong/Pakistan Founder and Chairman Sameer Christy, Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement President Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, GPS Renewables CEO and Co-Founder Mainak Chakraborty, First-Gen Serial Entrepreneur, Investor, Assiduus Global Inc, Dubai Founder and CEO Dr. Somdutta Singh, AKDN Resident Diplomatic Representative to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Munir M. Merali and Dialog Axiata Group Chief Executive Officer Supun Weerasinghe.

The diverse lineup comprises over 30 panelists and speakers, reflecting a breadth of expertise and experience across various industries. With a global audience of over 150 registrations, the conference aims to facilitate meaningful discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities.

Reflecting the ethos of the conference, highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing global issues, Harvard Club of Sri Lanka President and Co-Chair of Big Bold Brave Conference Kandeban Balendran said: ‘‘We are excited to see this conference serve as a catalyst for big opportunities, bold ideas, and brave people coming together to tackle global challenges. We look forward to witnessing the transformative impact that emerges when passionate people work together towards common goals. The conference exemplifies our shared vision of creating a platform for leaders to connect, learn, and make a difference in the world. By bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences, we can drive meaningful change and foster a brighter future for generations to come.”

By engaging in meaningful connections and collaborations among Harvard alumni and distinguished guests, the conference aims to pave the way for a better tomorrow, driven by knowledge, fellowship, and a shared vision for a prosperous and sustainable future.

The summit is pioneered in Sri Lanka through the Harvard Club of Sri Lanka. Established in 2021, the Club is focused on making a difference as a Harvard community for members, for the nation, and for Harvard. It aims to promote the interests of Harvard University alumni in Sri Lanka and develop rewarding relationships within the alumni community in Sri Lanka and beyond. 

Registration for ‘Big Bold Brave 2024’ summit is open. For more information visit www.bigboldbrave.lk