Dr. Malini Saba | Official BIO
To know Dr Malini Saba is to understand her multifaceted identity. Professionally, she is a distinguished self-made businesswoman with over three decades of experience and celebrated achievements in the corporate world. She is also a brilliant researcher, published author, and compassionate psychologist. Personally, she is a devoted mother, fitness enthusiast, and creative cook with a deep love for food.
What sets Dr Saba apart is her unwavering passion and commitment to making the world a better place, deeply embedded in both her career and personal life. She is a fierce human and social rights activist, philanthropist, and a global advocate for the physical, social, and economic advancement of women and girls across the world. Every initiative she has built serves as a catalyst for uplifting humanity.
Dr Saba has an extensive background in international, multicultural environments and highly engineered systems. Over the years, she has worked across multiple industries, including agriculture and trade, pharmaceuticals, fintech, real estate, hospitality, entertainment, and gold mining. She is the founder and Chairman of Saba Group, a privately held company focused on investing in emerging opportunities and sustainable industries.
She is widely recognised for her pioneering work in industrial commodities, particularly in rice, oil, and gas. Her business acumen has allowed her to channel significant resources into social impact initiatives, reinforcing her commitment to philanthropy.
Dr. Malini Saba | AWARDS + ACCOLADES
(Dr.) Malini Saba is a staunch believer that leadership is not defined by titles, photos, or selfies, but rather by being authentic and sticking up for one's convictions, especially in the face of hardship. People who know her well agree that she is methodical and is committed to serving others.
Over the past three decades, Dr. Saba has received the honour of:
- Being the recipient of the "Kalpana Chawla Award" for "Outstanding Woman of the Year."
- Being featured on the cover of "India Today's" magazine's yearly issue highlighting the "high and mighty."
- Receiving "The Ambassador of Peace" award from the "Federation of Peace", London.
- Being rated #1 of 10 candidates likely to succeed in "San Francisco" Magazine, chosen as one of ten women who will undoubtedly succeed and are worth watching over the next decade.
- Receiving the "Mother Teresa Award."
- Being honoured as the "Philanthropist of the Year award" by "Pratham."
- Gracing the cover of the ‘45th Anniversary issue’ of ‘India Today Hindi' Magazine.
- Being an influential keynote speaker at the "London Speaker Bureau."
- Being recognised by "YourStory" as "one of five Indian women who made a difference during the pandemic."
- Being featured on the cover of "Forbes 400," where she discussed what it means to be a self-made businesswoman in industries dominated by men.
- Receiving the "Entrepreneur of the Year" award by "Business Women's Network Washington, D.C."
- Serving as the Spokesperson and Panellist for the "Business World" – (WESA) Change-preneurs Track, honouring extraordinary women entrepreneurs whose ideas have changed India's corporate and social landscape.
- Being recognised by Femina magazine as one of the "Fabulous 50" women who have excelled in their field through sheer grit and determination.
- Being named by"CSR Journal" Magazine as one of "25 Indian leaders" to watch in the philanthropic and social impact arena.
- Being featured on the cover of the magazine "Glittering India."
- Gracing the cover of "Business Today's" "The BT 500 List" which ranks India's most valuable enterprises.
- Being recognized by "YourStory" as the founder of "one of the five NGOs" striving to improve the lives of rural women throughout India.
- Receiving the "Genty Hall of Fame-Philanthropist Of The Year award."
- Being chosen by the "Femina" magazine for a cover.
- Recognised by the publication 'CSR Journal' as one of the top 5 women philanthropists driving social change in India.
Dr. Malini Saba | PHILANTHROPY & HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY
After transitioning from corporate leadership, Dr Saba turned her full attention to philanthropy. She continues to lead the Saba Family Foundation, which she established in 2002 in honour of her father. The foundation is dedicated to creating a more equitable world for women and children by addressing the root causes of socio-economic challenges, particularly in education, healthcare, and livelihood generation.
The Saba Family Foundation has forged partnerships with global organisations and renowned individuals, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Stanford University Medical Centre, Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA) in Mumbai, the Women Refugee Commission, Concern Worldwide, LAC + USC Medical Centre, and the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC).
Dr Saba also holds advisory and leadership positions, including serving on the Advisory Board of the Mother Teresa Foundation and the Board of Directors for Comfycare12 and Woman’s Company.
Recognition & Influence
Dr Saba’s dedication has earned her prestigious honours, including being recognised as an Ambassador of Peace by the Universal Peace Federation. She has also been the recipient of the Kalpana Chawla Award for Outstanding Woman of the Year (2005), the Mother Teresa Award (2004), and the Entrepreneur of the Year award by the Business Women’s Network in Washington, D.C. Her contributions to philanthropy have also been acknowledged by Pratham and the Genty Hall of Fame.
As a keynote speaker at global conferences, she has worked to reshape government policies and empower business leaders. She actively mentor’s female entrepreneurs, helping them scale their businesses, develop profitable programmes, and gain media visibility.
Her thought leadership and insights on women’s empowerment and business have been featured in several leading publications, including Entrepreneur India, Times of India, Huffington Post, India Today, Femina, Forbes 400 etc.
Champion for Women & Business
As a self-made executive, Dr Saba is committed to igniting a spirit of independence among women. She has worked extensively to support women-led businesses, helping them develop sustainable revenue models, expand their networks, and secure international visibility.
The Journey of an Accidental Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurship was not originally on Dr Saba’s radar. She once aspired to become a doctor, but fate led her to carve her own path as a business leader. Her entrepreneurial journey has not only driven economic growth but also empowered communities worldwide. Born into a middle-class immigrant family, Malini was raised by hard-working parents who instilled in her resilience, discipline, and empathy. From a young age, she aspired to earn enough to give back to society. Beyond her foundation’s work, she has made direct contributions to transformative causes, including a $1 million donation to establish the world’s first Heart Research Centre for South Asians at El Camino Hospital and a $10 million pledge for the rehabilitation of tsunami victims in India and Sri Lanka.
Beyond Business: A passion for Cooking & Family
In her free time, Dr Saba indulges in writing and the culinary arts. She is the author of The Abbreviated Cook, a cookbook featuring recipes from her decade-long global travels. Above all, she cherishes her role as a mother while also caring for five dogs and four cats, creating a warm and nurturing home.