Dr. Malini Saba
Founder & Chairwoman
Sydney, New South Wales
About Dr. Malini Saba
Dr. Malini Saba is an entrepreneur, psychologist, and philanthropist with over 35 years of experience in global business. She is the Chairwoman and CEO of Saba Inc., a privately held company focused on commodity trade, real estate, healthcare, shipping, and technology. Dr. Saba built the company independently, without outside investment, and operates it across international markets including the U.S., India, Dubai, and Australia.
She is also the founder and CEO of the Saba Family Foundation, launched in 2002. The foundation directs 50% of Saba Inc.’s profits into long-term social programs focused on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment for women and children. It has partnered with major organizations such as Stanford University Medical Center, Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA), and the Women Refugee Commission.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Saba was known for her pioneering work in industrial commodities, especially in rice, oil, and gas. Her leadership style combines business strategy with a deep focus on mental health and systemic change.
In 2024, she also launched Elara, a brand focused on affordable, biodegradable sanitary pads, designed to improve school attendance and menstrual health access for girls in underserved communities.
Dr. Saba holds a postgraduate degree in psychology. She is a published author and frequent keynote speaker on leadership, wellness, and gender equity. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Times of India, HuffPost, and Entrepreneur India.
Areas of Focus
Career Background
Education
Media
Press
A Life of Purpose: A Conversation with a Woman Philanthropist Dr. Malini Saba - New York Weekly
Read the full article ›Dr. Malini Saba Shares Her Insights on Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy in Revealing New Interview
Read the full article ›Daily Penny Alerts - Dr. Malini Saba Calls for a Shift from Performative Charity to Transformational Systems Change
Read the full article ›Dr. Malini Saba Featured in In-Depth Spotlight Article Highlighting Her Journey from Entrepreneur to Global Changemaker
Read the full article ›Interview with Dr. Malini Saba: Pioneering Change in Business and Philanthropy - CEOWORLD magazine
Read the full article ›Awards & Recognition
- Ambassador of Peace — Universal Peace Federation
- Kalpana Chawla Award for Outstanding Woman of the Year — 2005
- Mother Teresa Award — 2004
- Entrepreneur of the Year — Business Women’s Network, Washington D.C.
- Genty Hall of Fame Inductee — Genty Hall of Fame
Charities & Volunteering
- Saba Family Foundation (Founder & CEO): Focused on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment for women and children.
- $1 million donation to establish the world’s first Heart Research Center for South Asians at El Camino Hospital.
- $10 million pledge for tsunami relief efforts in India and Sri Lanka.
- Stanford University Medical Center
- Women Refugee Commission
- Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA)
- Concern Worldwide
- LAC + USC Medical Center
- Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC)
Boards & Memberships
- Mother Teresa Foundation — Advisory Board Member
- Comfycare12 — Board of Directors
- Woman’s Company — Board of Directors
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Dr. Malini Saba do?
Dr. Malini Saba is the Founder and Chairwoman of Saba Inc., a privately held company spanning commodity trade, real estate, healthcare, shipping, and technology. She is also an entrepreneur, psychologist, and philanthropist with over 35 years of experience in global business.
What is Dr. Malini Saba known for?
She is known for building Saba Inc. independently without outside investment, her early pioneering work in industrial commodities such as rice, oil, and gas, and for founding the Saba Family Foundation and the Elara sanitary pad brand. Her work on leadership, wellness, and gender equity has been featured in Forbes, Times of India, HuffPost, and Entrepreneur India.
Where is Dr. Malini Saba based?
Dr. Malini Saba is based in Sydney, New South Wales.
Where did Dr. Malini Saba study?
She completed postgraduate education in psychology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Who does Dr. Malini Saba work for?
Dr. Malini Saba is the Chairwoman and CEO of Saba Inc., which she also founded.
Last updated February 20, 2026