Shivanee Selvaratnam
CSR Professional | Mediator | Social Entrepreneur
Shivanee Selvaratnam
CSR Professional | Mediator | Social Entrepreneur
About
I am a dedicated Social Entrepreneur, Mediator and CSR Professional with a career that spans over two decades, specializing in family mediation and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). My career is built upon a strong legal foundation, having obtained an LL.B (Hons) from the University of London, and further enhanced by an MBA from Charles Sturt University, Australia. These qualifications have enabled me to approach my work with a strategic mindset, combining legal expertise with business acumen.

Over the years, I have successfully bridged the gap between corporate operations and social good, leading numerous high-impact CSR initiatives. I have always believed that true success lies not just in personal achievements, but in the ability to give back to society and empower others to do the same, creating a ripple effect.This belief drives my work, whether in mediation or through my leadership of CSR projects, where I have raised substantial funds for philanthropic causes and mentored emerging leaders to make a difference in the world.
Experience

For more than 15 years, I have been a trusted mediator, focusing on conflict resolution, particularly within Commercial and Family disputes. Through mediation practice I have helped corporations and couples navigate through difficult disputes and reach amicable solutions. I also apply these mediation soft skills to foster cooperation and collaboration in CSR projects. Mediation requires patience, empathy, and a deep understanding of human behaviour—skills that have proven invaluable in both my professional and philanthropic pursuits.

      Areas of Expertise:

  • Family Mediation: Helping families resolve conflicts in a constructive and compassionate manner.
  • Conflict Resolution: Facilitating dialogue and mutual understanding in disputes.
  • Corporate Mediation: Bringing my conflict resolution expertise to corporate settings, particularly in CSR-related partnerships.

In 2013, I established Asia Weaves, an online saree store with a unique tagline: “Shopping for a Cause.” Asia Weaves blends my entrepreneurial ambitions with my passion for philanthropy. Each sale contributes to various charitable causes, including raising over RM61,500 for a value-based education school that supports underprivileged children from the Pure Life Shelter.

      Key Achievements:

  • Raised funds through Asia Weaves to support education for children in need.
  • Successfully promoted the concept of socially conscious shopping, where customers contribute to charitable causes through their purchases.
Experience

For more than 15 years, I have been a trusted mediator, focusing on conflict resolution, particularly within Commercial and Family disputes. Through mediation practice I have helped corporation and couples navigate through difficult disputes and reach amicable solutions. I also apply these mediation soft skills to foster cooperation and collaboration in CSR projects. Mediation requires patience, empathy, and a deep understanding of human behaviour—skills that have proven invaluable in both my professional and philanthropic pursuits.

      Areas of Expertise:

  • Family Mediation: Helping families resolve conflicts in a constructive and compassionate manner.
  • Conflict Resolution: Facilitating dialogue and mutual understanding in disputes.
  • Corporates Mediation: Bringing my conflict resolution expertise to corporate settings, particularly in CSR-related partnerships.

In 2013, I established Asia Weaves, an online saree store with a unique tagline: “Shopping for a Cause.” Asia Weaves blends my entrepreneurial ambitions with my passion for philanthropy. Each sale contributes to various charitable causes, including raising over RM61,500 for a value-based education school that supports underprivileged children from the Pure Life Shelter.

      Key Achievements:

  • Raised funds through Asia Weaves to support education for children in need.
  • Successfully promoted the concept of socially conscious shopping, where customers contribute to charitable causes through their purchases.
CSR PROJECTS & FUNDRAISING INITIATIVES
Throughout my career, I have led a range of high-profile fundraising initiatives, particularly within the education and healthcare sectors. These efforts have significantly improved the lives of underserved communities, including children from disadvantaged backgrounds and patients requiring palliative care.

Key Contributions:

Through Asia Weaves, I spearheaded campaigns raising funds for the Sathya Sai Primary School, a value-based educational institution supporting children from backgrounds like the Pure Life Shelter. The funds were raised via high-profile events featuring talents such as comedian Alexander Babu and performers from India's Super Singer Show, merging entertainment with philanthropy to boost awareness and contributions.

Notable CSR Projects:

  • 2017-2019: Raised approximately RM500,000 for the Sathya Sai Primary School, a free value based educational school catering primarily to the needy students.

    

As founder of Asia Weaves, an online saree store with a charitable mission, I have directed proceeds towards educational causes, raising over RM61,500 for underprivileged children. This "Shopping for a Cause" platform reflects my commitment to social entrepreneurship, blending business and purpose.

Including musical and comedy performances, attracting international talents such as stand-up comedian Alexander Babu and participants My work with Hospis Malaysia is a testament to my dedication to healthcare philanthropy. Over the years, I have mentored and guided young adults in creating impactful fundraising projects for Hospis Malaysia, a non-profit organization that provides free palliative care services to patients with life-limiting illnesses. These initiatives include creative, large-scale events designed to raise awareness in public while raising funds for a benevolent and noble cause.

• 2020: Mentored a teen adult to realize his passion to spearhead Star Wars Charity Movie Screening, raising RM27,500 for Hospis Malaysia.

• 2021-2023: Mentored teens to spearhead Annual Charity Christmas Bazaar and collaborate with an octogenarian in this venture, raising a cumulative RM70,265 further expanding the reach of CSR in the community.

• 2023: Mentored yet another teen to raise RM13,100 through a charity movie screening.

MENTORSHIP & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my volunteer work is the opportunity to mentor young adults, guiding them to discover their calling in social service. Through mentorship by example, I have empowered the next generation of social entrepreneurs to take ownership of their projects and create meaningful contributions to society. Many of these young individuals have gone on to lead their own fundraising initiatives, particularly for Hospis Malaysia, under my guidance. This approach ensures that the spirit of philanthropy is sustained and continues to grow, well beyond my own efforts.

I believe in passing on the torch to younger generations, helping them understand that service to society is not just a responsibility but also a profound opportunity to bring about lasting change. Through hands-on guidance, I have helped young leaders develop essential skills in event planning, stakeholder engagement, and fundraising—all while fostering a deep sense of social responsibility.

Many of the young people I’ve mentored have gone on to lead successful fundraising projects for causes close to their hearts. For example, in 2021, a group of my mentees organized a charity Christmas bazaar that raised nearly RM30,000 for Hospis Malaysia, demonstrating the incredible potential of youth-led initiatives when guided with the right mentorship.

MENTORSHIP & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my volunteer work is the opportunity to mentor young adults, guiding them to discover their calling in social service. Through mentorship by example, I have empowered the next generation of social entrepreneurs to take ownership of their projects and create meaningful contributions to society. Many of these young individuals have gone on to lead their own fundraising initiatives, particularly for Hospis Malaysia, under my guidance. This approach ensures that the spirit of philanthropy is sustained and continues to grow, well beyond my own efforts.

I believe in passing on the torch to younger generations, helping them understand that service to society is not just a responsibility but also a profound opportunity to bring about lasting change. Through hands-on guidance, I have helped young leaders develop essential skills in event planning, stakeholder engagement, and fundraising—all while fostering a deep sense of social responsibility.

Many of the young people I’ve mentored have gone on to lead successful fundraising projects for causes close to their hearts. For example, in 2021, a group of my mentees organized a charity Christmas bazaar that raised nearly RM30,000 for Hospis Malaysia, demonstrating the incredible potential of youth-led initiatives when guided with the right mentorship.

COLLABORATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my volunteer work is the opportunity to mentor young adults, guiding them to discover their calling in social service. Through my mentorship, I have empowered the next generation of social leaders to take ownership of their projects and create meaningful contributions to society. Many of these young individuals have gone on to lead their own fundraising initiatives, particularly for Hospis Malaysia, under my guidance. This approach ensures that the spirit of philanthropy is sustained and continues to grow, well beyond my own efforts.

I led a charity screening of Star Wars which raised RM27,500 for Hospis Malaysia. This event was a novel way to engage with fans of the franchise while simultaneously contributing to a charitable cause. The screeningreceived widespread media attention, enhancing the visibility of Hospis Malaysia's work and garnering substantial community support.

I organized a Christmas Bazaar that successfully raised RM28,551. The event featured a range of vendors, and I collaborated with various local businesses to promote this festive fundraising initiative. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the event was a tremendous success and provided much-needed funds to support the palliative care services offered by Hospis Malaysia whilst supporting local businesses through the Covid-19 pandemic.

  

Building on the success of the previous year, the 2022 edition of the Christmas Bazaar raised RM41,714. A key highlight was my mentorship to steer the talent of a teenager to collaborate with an octogenarian entrepreneur who played a central role in attracting public interest and donations. The event was a shining example of how different generations can come together to contribute to a common cause, enriching the community spirit.

In 2023, I once again mentored a teenager who leveraged the popularity of cinematic events to raise RM13,100 for Hospis Malaysia. This movie screening further solidified my ability to nurture young talent who in turn were able to blend entertainment with philanthropy, offering attendees a meaningful way to support healthcare initiatives while enjoying a unique, immersive experience.

Education
• 1998: LL.B (Hons) – University of London
• 2001: MBA – Charles Sturt University, Australia
• 2007: Certificate of Mediation – The Accord Group, Australia
• 2011: Family Mediation Course – Malaysian Mediation Centre (Bar Council)
Skills & Strengths
• CSR Strategy and Implementation
• Mediation and Conflict Resolution
• Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Building
• Fundraising and Philanthropy
• Mentorship and Leadership Development
• Event Planning and Execution
Languages
• English
• Bahasa Malaysia
• Tamil
Education
• 1998: LL.B (Hons) – University of London
• 2001: MBA – Charles Sturt University, Australia
• 2007: Certificate of Mediation – The Accord Group, Australia
• 2011: Family Mediation Course – Malaysian Mediation Centre (Bar Council)
Skills & Strengths
• CSR Strategy and Implementation
• Mediation and Conflict Resolution
• Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Building
• Fundraising and Philanthropy
• Mentorship and Leadership Development
• Event Planning and Execution
Languages
• English
• Bahasa Malaysia
• Tamil
Media Highlights

Shivanee Selvaratnam, A Lawyer Turned Social Entrepreneur, Empowers Schools Through Entertainment

Shangkharee @ Varnam.my (2019, April 15)
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‘Thank you’ to those who watched ‘Barbie’ and supported Hospis Malaysia

Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle (2023, July 25)
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The Ripple Effect 4.0 : Charity Movie Screening for Hospice Malaysia

Sabita. @ varnam.my (2023, July 11)
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Teenager holds Hospis Malaysia fundraiser for third year running

Fmt. (2021, December 30)
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Teenager repeats success and raises RM28,551 for Hospis Malaysia

Reena Sekaran @ FMT Lifestyle. (2021, February 5)
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Force for good raises RM27,000 at the movies

Khoo, D. @ The Star (2019, December 30)
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‘Alex In Wonderland’ Raises Over RM217,000 For Education Through Laughter, Love & Music

Shangkharee@varnam.my. (2019, April 26)
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Super Singers belt it out in aid of school

Starmetro (2017, June 27)
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My superwoman BFF

Navel Gazer ALEXANDRA WONG The Star (2013, June 29)
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Gallery
videos
Csr Partners
The Wind Beneath The Sail & The Strength in Our Oars
MEDIA Partner
MEDIA Partner
Reflections & Reminiscence
Contact me
I welcome opportunities to collaborate on CSR projects, mediation cases, or mentoring initiatives. Feel free to connect with me via email or WhatsApp.
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