His journey took an unexpected turn when he encountered his digital twin, an artificial intelligence (AI) version of himself that could intelligently discuss his three published books. “It was even leading the conversation,” he recalls in the GG2 Power List 2025. Instead of unsettling him, the experience ignited his curiosity. Determined to explore the potential of AI further, he immersed himself in the lectures of Geoffrey Hinton, the British Canadian cognitive psychologist and computer scientist known as the ‘godfather of AI’.

“AI is the new way of breathing,” Dr Pankaj declares with characteristic directness. It is a bold statement from someone who has spent over two decades shaping human minds, but he sees no contradiction. Alongside his wife Tharshiny Pankaj, he has transformed their millennium-born venture, Regent Global, into an educational powerhouse spanning four continents, including Regent College London, Regent Institute in the Middle East, and Gulf Indian High School Dubai.

AI Regent (AIR): Educating Machines and Humans

His latest venture, AI Regent (AIR), reveals his most ambitious vision yet.

“For the last 25 years, we have been fortunate enough to educate humans at very different levels, from schools and nurseries to higher education,” he explains. “The next 25 years, we are going to educate the machines alongside humans. Since digital intelligence is going to surpass biological human intelligence, we need to learn how to co-exist and grow.”

AIR embodies this vision—it is a call to action, designed to upskill individuals and businesses in the responsible and effective use of AI. He stresses that AI is not here to replace humans but to enhance human capabilities. “AI is not going to take your job; the people who can use AI better are going to take your job,” he warns.

His influence extends beyond the classroom. At Dubai’s World Government Summit, where global leaders gather to shape humanity’s future, he observed the UAE’s rapid adoption of AI. They responded swiftly to Elon Musk’s suggestion by appointing chief AI officers in every government department—not just rebranded IT professionals but true AI specialists. “They are embracing it in a big way,” he notes with admiration.

His urgency is unmistakable when he states, “There are only two types of companies we will see in the near future: those that adopted and worked well with AI, and those that closed down and vanished.”

This is not just theory—Regent Global, with its diverse portfolio spanning education, real estate, investments, and tourism, is now fully AI-driven. “Everything we do is now driven by AI,” he explains. “Bit by bit, we will train the people in our sectors to harness this incredible technology. At Regent Global, with over 1,000 employees across four continents, AI Regent (AIR) will serve as a client for the rest of our businesses, ensuring seamless AI adoption.” 

The Global Unity Dinner: Bringing Communities Together

Despite his focus on AI and technological transformation, Dr Pankaj remains deeply committed to human connection. One of his most cherished initiatives is the Global Unity Dinner (GUD), an annual gathering of industry leaders that fosters dialogue, collaboration, and diversity.

What began as a Sri Lankan community gathering has evolved into a celebration of unity across all languages, religions, and cultures. “When David Cameron was Prime Minister, we had the privilege of working with him on his ‘Big Society’ vision of bringing communities together,” he reflects. “Over time, this has evolved into something much bigger—an event that brings together global leaders across industries to engage in meaningful conversations about the future.”

Unlike many high-profile gatherings, GUD does not charge attendance fees or serve as a fundraising platform. Instead, it is about doing simple things that matter. “My wife, Tharshiny, takes the lead and engages attendees in meaningful yet simple actions—like taking a pledge to change just one thing,” he explains.

This year, Global Unity Dinner 2025 is set to take place on Friday, 13th June—a date often associated with superstition. “Maybe this time, we will talk about superstition and fear,” he chuckles, embracing the symbolism of the date.

A Vision Rooted in Progress and Adaptation

Dr Pankaj’s pragmatism extends to politics. A longtime Conservative supporter, he views their electoral defeat last year with characteristic perspective. “That’s democracy,” he observes. “You can’t always win. Sometimes, you lose and come back stronger. The UK and its institutions are far greater than any political party—that’s the beauty of the UK.”

Despite maintaining residency in the US and Dubai, his commitment to Britain remains unwavering. “The UK will always be my home,” he affirms, overseeing Regent Global’s operations across what he calls ‘the four pillars’: the US, the UK, the UAE, and India.

Perhaps his most pressing concern is the education system’s resistance to change. “Universities and schools are still asking the wrong questions,” he laments. “They are trying to fight ChatGPT instead of embracing it. Our assessment systems are absolutely redundant.”

His frustration is clear. “Educators must adapt—urgently. But sadly, they are not doing it fast enough.”

Dr Pankaj’s vision for the future is both exhilarating and sobering. “The Industrial Revolution took away our manual labour,” he reflects. “This next revolution will take away mental labour. It is more important than ever for us to redefine our purpose and prepare for what is ahead.”

In a world where AI and human intelligence must co-exist, Dr Selva and Tharshiny Pankaj are leading the way—bridging the gap between technology and humanity, innovation and tradition, and learning and leadership. Through AI Regent, Regent Global, and the Global Unity Dinner, they are proving that the future of education is not just about adapting to change—it is about shaping it.