ST. PETERSBURG – Standing before an audience of diplomats, policymakers, business leaders and international delegates at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2026, Nehsan Selvaraj delivered a message that extended beyond the launch of a new organisation.
For the 27-year-old Malaysian, the unveiling of The Diplomatic Council (TDC) represented a broader vision of how diplomacy can serve as a bridge between nations at a time when geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties and humanitarian crises continue to reshape the global landscape.
As President of TDC, Nehsan officially launched the international platform dedicated to advancing diplomacy, ethical leadership, international cooperation and humanitarian engagement.
In his address, he said the establishment of TDC was not merely about creating another international institution, but about fostering meaningful dialogue and rebuilding trust among nations and communities.
“The launch of The Diplomatic Council reflects a collective commitment to building bridges between nations, fostering understanding among diverse communities and advancing a future grounded in trust, cooperation and responsible leadership.
“At a time when the world faces complex geopolitical, economic and humanitarian challenges, diplomacy remains one of humanity’s most powerful instruments for achieving lasting peace and progress,” he said.
He emphasised that diplomacy should no longer be viewed solely as an exercise reserved for governments and diplomats, but as a collective responsibility involving the private sector, educational institutions, humanitarian organisations and emerging leaders.
According to him, TDC aims to become a global platform that encourages cross border collaboration through diplomatic forums, leadership and mentorship programmes, cultural diplomacy initiatives, international fellowships and policy research projects.
He said empowering young leaders would also become one of the organisation’s key priorities, particularly in ensuring the next generation actively participates in shaping future global policies and international cooperation.
Speaking to MalayaDailyToday after his address, Nehsan said many talented young Malaysians possess the ability to contribute at an international level but often lack access to global platforms.
“Malaysia has no shortage of talented individuals. What we need are more opportunities, stronger networks and platforms that can connect young leaders to the international community.
“I believe Malaysians can play a much bigger role in diplomacy, innovation and international development if we continue to invest in leadership and global engagement,” he said.
For many Malaysians, Nehsan’s appearance on the international stage represents a remarkable journey that began far away from diplomatic forums and economic summits.
His career started in public service in 2016 as a volunteer with a Malaysian government organisation before progressing into advisory roles for former ministers and Members of Parliament, where he was exposed to policymaking, governance and international affairs.
His growing involvement in international initiatives eventually led him to represent Malaysia in Russia and several other countries, further strengthening his understanding of diplomacy and cross border engagement.
In 2018, he was appointed as an International Expert Election Observer, participating in election observation missions in Russia, Congo, Zimbabwe, Madagascar and South Africa.
The same year, he achieved another milestone by becoming the world’s youngest news presenter at the age of 19 after joining Bernama TV, Malaysia’s national news agency, where he was entrusted with anchoring prime time broadcasts.
His international contributions were subsequently recognised in 2019 when he received the International Digital Leader Award of Honour from the Government of India and the BRICS International Forum for his efforts in strengthening international cooperation.
He was also presented with Astro Malaysia’s Lifetime Achiever Award in recognition of his accomplishments across multiple sectors.
Beyond diplomacy and broadcasting, Nehsan has established himself in the entertainment industry as a singer, songwriter and composer since 2015. He gained national recognition after participating in a major singing competition organised by Astro Malaysia in 2018 before performing alongside acclaimed Indian composer and actor G. V. Prakash Kumar.
His artistic journey expanded further in 2020 when Universal Music Malaysia became the official digital distributor for his debut music video, “Damailah Engkau”, marking a significant chapter in his musical career.
He later organised his first concert, “Classical Connection”, in 2023 and gained further recognition through his participation in BigStage Tamil Season 2 in 2024.
Outside the entertainment industry, Nehsan also heads Nehsan Group as its Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer, overseeing operations across the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Sri Lanka and India.
His achievements in business leadership earned him the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2022 under the Worldwide Group Company and Investment Management category.
Today, his portfolio spans diplomacy, broadcasting, music, entrepreneurship and international advocacy, making him one of the few young Malaysians to have built a presence across multiple sectors on a global scale.
As global challenges continue to evolve, Nehsan believes diplomacy must remain a human centred endeavour rooted in trust, dialogue and shared responsibility.
From a television newsroom in Kuala Lumpur to an international podium in St. Petersburg, his journey reflects an emerging generation of Malaysians determined to shape conversations beyond national borders and contribute to a more connected and cooperative world. -MalayaDailyToday
