South Asia is no longer a silent player in the innovation game — it’s rewriting the rules. Across Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives, a new generation of leaders is merging purpose with progress.
Whether it’s AI reshaping enterprise tech, fintech platforms enabling digital inclusion, or mental health pioneers creating scalable wellbeing ecosystems, the region is bursting with momentum.
So, what’s fueling this transformation? It’s the bold thinkers and doers — the Voices You Should Follow in South Asia. They’re not chasing clout. Instead, they’re building movements, mentoring future leaders, and influencing how industries evolve.
From startup founders to sustainability champions, these 10 trailblazers aren’t just part of the future — they’re creating it. Keep reading to meet the innovators making waves in business, technology, and beyond.
Highlights
Otara Gunewardene
A pioneering entrepreneur from Sri Lanka, Otara transformed the retail landscape by founding Odel, the country’s first department store brand. But she didn’t stop there — through Embark and the Otara Foundation, she extended her mission into animal welfare and social impact.
Moreover, her work merges sustainability with style, demonstrating how business success can fuel positive change at scale.
Dhanika Perera
A serial tech entrepreneur, Dhanika revolutionized digital services in Sri Lanka by launching Helakuru — the first Sinhala mobile keyboard — now empowering over 10 million users.
Additionally, as the founder of PayHere, he broke barriers in online payments, enabling 3,500+ local businesses to thrive. His journey from coding student to digital ecosystem builder is a masterclass in innovation with impact.
Elias Pertoft
As General Manager of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru in the Maldives, Elias brings over two decades of luxury resort leadership across tropical destinations.
Notably, he’s redefined guest experience through sustainable tourism and culturally rich hospitality. His people-first approach and operational excellence continue to set the gold standard for the region’s high-end travel sector.
Runa Khan
Founder of Friendship Bangladesh, Runa scaled her vision from a single hospital ship to a multi-sector social enterprise serving 7.5 million people. Her work spans health, climate action, and inclusive education, all rooted in empathy and justice.
As a Schwab Foundation awardee and Club of Rome member, Runa’s voice carries weight across both grassroots and global arenas.
Anupama Sangraula
A Chartered Accountant from Nepal, Anupama has built a community of over 325,000 followers across social media by demystifying complex tax and legal topics with clarity and impact.
As the co-founder of Bright Academy, she’s also pioneering more accessible pathways to business education. Her storytelling proves that simplicity isn’t just engaging—it’s a powerful tool for economic empowerment.
Sajani Lokuge
As the AI Content Manager at IFS, Sajani Lokuge is shaping how enterprises adopt Agentic AI and Industrial AI globally.
Previously a UX design lead, she now moderates IFS’s global AI Town Hall and brings together R&D, product, sales, and go-to-market teams around a shared vision for AI-driven growth. Her rare ability to bridge technical depth with strategic messaging makes her a standout voice in enterprise AI transformation.
Beyond IFS, Sajani contributes to the broader tech community as a guest lecturer across state and private universities in Sri Lanka. She has taught thousands of undergraduates in software engineering, computer science, and AI, helping build the next generation of engineers and product leaders.
Md. Mubir Mahmud Chowdhury
Co-founder & Managing Director of Sokrio Technologies, Md. Mubir Mahmud Chowdhury is pioneering the digitization of last-mile retail across emerging markets.
A winner at Shark Tank Bangladesh 2024, he has led Sokrio to transform field sales performance for 50 client organizations, powering over 50 million retail store visits and generating 29 million invoices worth nearly USD 1 billion to date — driving measurable gains in sales efficiency, accountability, and market expansion.
Beyond technology, Mubir teaches B2B Marketing at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka — Bangladesh’s premier business school — and is also the author of two self-development books. He advocates for Shariah-aligned retailer financing as a pathway toward inclusive and values-driven economic growth.
Shreeya Giri
Shreeya Giri, Founder of Happy Minds, is at the forefront of Nepal’s mental health revolution, building bridges of care that now reach individuals across 29 countries.
A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, she champions workplace wellness through Nepal’s first Employee Assistance Program (EAP) platform. Her bold, heart-led campaigns, such as the grassroots initiative “Chiya Guff,” are transforming how communities discuss mental health, blending compassion with deep cultural resonance.
Pulani Ranasinghe
As CEO of Loons Lab, Pulani is behind some of Sri Lanka’s most impactful digital public infrastructure — from national hospital systems to disaster management dashboards. She also leads Boardio Sri Lanka, connecting startups with global advisors. Her hybrid role as innovator and ecosystem enabler marks her as a cornerstone of South Asia’s govtech future.
Mahmudul Hasan Manik
CEO of Slashit App and Panze UX Design Studio. Mahmudul is simplifying SaaS interfaces for global startups. With a background in UX and Product Strategy, he helps founders deliver intuitive, high-impact SaaS Design. His mission? Make great design affordable, accessible, and beautifully efficient.
Final Thoughts: The Next Chapter of Influence in South Asia
These Voices You Should Follow in South Asia represent more than individual success — they are proof that influence, when driven by vision and values, can reshape systems. In an era where climate risk, digital acceleration, and inclusive growth sit at the center of every conversation, these leaders are answering the call with action.
Expect them to launch bold ventures, shape public policy, and elevate entire communities in the years ahead. Whether you’re a founder, policymaker, investor, or lifelong learner — following these voices is following the future.
Highlights
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