From SJI International to Forbes 30-Under-30 Asia List

16.08.23

In a world where conventional success often overshadows the power of compassion, SJI International alumnus Vinay Palathinkal (‘12) defies the norms, showcasing how extraordinary achievements can be intertwined with a profound dedication to service and unwavering values.

The 30-Under-30 list by Forbes is a prestigious accolade that honours young trailblazers across various industries. Vinay's recent inclusion in the Venture Capital and Finance category has only added to his remarkable journey. Currently serving as a Venture Partner at The Fintech Fund, a prominent U.S.-headquartered venture capital fund, and as Director for D&R (APAC) at MasterCard, Vinay has played a pivotal role in shaping the financial landscape across Southeast Asia.

Reflecting on his recent accolade, Vinay shares: "It's a big honour for me. Truth be told, I still don't understand why I was selected among so many people. I think I'm the only person from Singapore to be selected for the Venture Capital and Finance category. I think so many other folks could have been selected, but I'd like to take this moment to recognise that there's not a straightforward path to doing well. You can do well through other means as well."

When asked about his journey and the values that shaped his success, Vinay fondly reminisces about his time at SJI International, which has instilled in him the importance of service and the significance of the journey itself, not merely the end goal.

"For example, while we would be focused on academics, we would also be focused on Service, thinking about how we treat one another, not just in school but also outside of school. Along the way, I have started to focus more on how I can be of service to others, whether it is people I work with or even beyond. That's informed me in terms of how I make decisions and also what I prioritise," Vinay shared.

Vinay's success story sends an empowering message to current SJI International students and aspiring young professionals.

"I would like to highlight to SJI International students that it is not necessarily the grades that make you who you are, but the person you are on the other end. At the end of the day, the world is composed of people, and if you can treat people well, you will be valued.”

Vinay's awe-inspiring journey, from SJI International to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list is a powerful reminder of the significance of values, service, and compassion. As he continues to blaze new trails in his career, his story shines as a beacon of hope, proving that extraordinary success can be achieved hand in hand with humanity.