Mahendran Balakrishnan

Mahendran Balakrishnan is a purpose-driven innovator shaping sustainable and inclusive solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges. A Chevening scholar with a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Aberdeen, Mahendran was among core founding members of SEEd.Lab, Malaysia’s first-of-its-kind social innovation hub powered by PETRONAS and TCS.

Through SEEd.Lab, he has championed a new model of social entrepreneurship that transforms national challenges into opportunities for impact. The initiative has so far nurtured over 136 changemakers and launched 14 social enterprises, collectively improving the lives of more than 33,000 Malaysians across various domains such as youth employment, food security, education, health, and climate resilience.

Beyond his corporate leadership, Mahendran was a co-founder of YellowHouse KL, a grassroots NGO dedicated to uplifting marginalised and vulnerable communities. His work uniquely bridges the worlds of corporate innovation, public policy, and grassroots action—advancing a more equitable and sustainable future for Southeast Asia.

Recognised internationally for his contribution to social innovation, Mahendran was a finalist in the Study UK Alumni Awards 2021 (Social Impact category). He also serves on the Industrial Advisory Panel of the APU School of Business, mentoring the next generation of changemakers driving purpose-led transformation.

Impact is about empowerment — when people find the courage, tools, and purpose to solve their own challenges. That’s where meaningful and lasting change truly begins.