Sunny Varkey, founder and CEO of GEMS Education Group, is a pioneering entrepreneur in the field of education, driven by a mission to make quality education accessible to all. His journey began in Dubai, where his parents, both teachers, moved in 1959 seeking better opportunities. Building on his family’s legacy in education, Sunny opened his first school in Dubai over two decades later, laying the foundation for what would become one of the most successful private education groups in the region.

Sunny believes that education is the key to addressing global challenges such as poverty, racism, and conflict. To further this vision, he has forged partnerships with organizations like the World Economic Forum, Microsoft, UNESCO, and the Clinton Global Initiative. GEMS Education offers a range of curricula, including American, British, Indian, and the International Baccalaureate, reflecting Sunny’s belief in the importance of diverse educational pathways.

GEMS Education is actively expanding in India and Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on providing affordable education through its Dream India model. The group is currently building its first school in Kerala, the GEMS Modern Academy, located in the smart city of Kochi.

Beyond his work in education, Sunny devotes much of his time to the Varkey Foundation, a philanthropic organization that promotes educational initiatives globally. The foundation is best known for awarding the prestigious Global Teacher Prize, which offers a $1 million award annually, and for organizing the Global Education and Skills Forum in Dubai.

Sunny Varkey’s vision and dedication have made a significant impact on education, both regionally and globally, as he continues to advocate for the transformative power of learning.