‘Big Bold Brave 2025’ Harvard APAC Regional Conference returns to Sri Lanka

The Harvard Club of Sri Lanka has announced the return of ‘Big Bold Brave 2025 (BBB 2025),’ a premier thought leadership conference to be held from 12 to 14 November at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Colombo. 

Bringing together over 15 Harvard Clubs across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, the event will unite official alumni organisations of Harvard University in a powerful collaboration to shape the future of ideas and leadership in the region.

Under the theme “Big Opportunities | Bold Moves | Brave People,” the 2025 conference will explore the defining forces shaping the APAC’s journey towards 2050. Focus areas include the Future of Work and Human Capital Development, Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, Modernising Agriculture and Food Security, Sustainable Energy and Infrastructure, and Environmental Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation.

Recognising the region’s growing global influence, the Harvard Clubs are committed to creating a transformative platform that addresses pressing challenges and identifies new opportunities for innovation and growth. 

Over three days, the conference will bring together visionary leaders, distinguished Harvard alumni, and global experts for high-impact discussions, case studies, and workshops designed to inspire collaboration and actionable solutions.

BBB 2025, powered by Mastercard, will feature an outstanding line-up of international speakers and thought leaders, including nature scientist and TIME100 Climate Leader Dr. M Sanjayan; author, commentator and public intellectual Gurcharan Das; Synergies Worldwide Executive Chair and World Health Organisation (WHO) Technical Advisory Group Chair Munir Merali; Chief Presidential Adviser on Digital Economy and former Axiata Group Executive Director Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya; Singapore Sri Lanka Business Association President Lakshanthi Fernando; and Singapore Professional Centre Chairman Leong Sze Hian.

With over 40 speakers and over 150 delegates expected to attend, the summit aims to spark meaningful discussions, strengthen cross-border partnerships, and drive innovation across sectors vital to Asia’s future.

Harvard Club of Sri Lanka President and Co-Chair of the conference Kandeban Balendran said: “Building on the resounding success of 2024, we are thrilled to host the APAC region once again. BBB 2025 is strategically positioned to serve as a catalyst for Big opportunities, Bold ideas, and Brave people coming together to engineer a prosperous, sustainable future for Asia and beyond. Our vision is to create an essential platform for leaders to connect, learn, and turn dialogue into tangible change.”

Keynote speaker for the conference Dr. M. Sanjayan said: “The BBB conference leverages the power of Asia’s human capital, its abundant natural capital, and newfound creativity to redefine and reimagine sustainable growth, prosperity, and happiness for an entire generation. I am delighted to participate in the conversation to ensure Sri Lanka and the region grows while protecting nature and adapting to climate change.”

BBB Co-Chair Asanka de Mel said: “Half the world lives in the APAC. We’re richer, bigger, older – and facing massive change. That’s why we created BBB: to face it head-on. These are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Don’t watch from the sidelines. Join the conversation. And thanks to Mastercard Sri Lanka, Cinnamon Life, and our partners for backing a dialogue that actually matters.”

Championing this initiative, the Harvard Club of Sri Lanka, established in 2021, continues its mission to empower members, serve the nation, and strengthen the global Harvard network. The 2025 conference stands as a testament to that vision, promoting connection, collaboration, and shared progress.

For program details and speaker bios visit www.bigboldbrave.lk. Reach out to [email protected] to find out how you can purchase your tickets.