Professor Selva Pankaj is the Group Chairman of Regent Global, a global education, investment and innovation group operating across the UK, UAE, USA, Europe and Asia. Arriving in the UK from Sri Lanka as a refugee at the age of 19 with just £100, Selva built a career in global finance before founding Regent Global, which today includes higher education institutions, innovation hubs and AI-focused ventures. A passionate advocate for combining artificial intelligence with human potential, he is the author of several books on mindset, character and leadership. Selva is also deeply committed to philanthropy and youth empowerment, including through The Pankaj Award to End Conflict launched in partnership with One Young World in 2026. He has received multiple international awards for his contribution to education, entrepreneurship and social impact.
