UK–India Education Partnership 2025
How AI and Natural Intelligence Are Shaping the Future
London, UK
As I reflect on my participation at the India Global Forum (IGF) London 2025, I am filled with optimism for the future of UK–India collaboration, particularly in education, technology, and innovation. During the session Reimagining Intelligence – AI, Transformation and Trust, I had the privilege to share my thoughts on how education must evolve in an AI-powered world while placing human character and Natural Intelligence at its core.
The Power of UK–India Collaboration in Education
The recently concluded UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has unlocked vast opportunities across sectors. As UK Minister Patrick Vallance emphasised at IGF’s Future Frontiers Forum, science, technology, and education are at the forefront of this evolving partnership. The UK–India education corridor not only drives economic growth but also fosters cultural understanding and societal advancement.
Leading Regent Group alongside my wife and business partner, Tharshiny, we have witnessed first-hand the global appetite for education that merges technological innovation with character development. Our expansion through Regent College London, Regent European University (REU) in San Marino, and our vision for a new British university focused on Natural Intelligence, exemplifies our commitment to transforming education on a global scale.
Reimagining Intelligence: AI Meets Natural Intelligence™ and Intelligent Augmentation
In my address at IGF London 2025, I challenged conventional notions of intelligence. While Artificial Intelligence continues to evolve rapidly, I firmly believe we must also nurture our innate human potential — what I define as Natural Intelligence™. This philosophy is the cornerstone of our educational approach at Regent Group, blending technological advancement with personal growth.
Artificial Intelligence can process vast amounts of data, but it cannot replicate human empathy, creativity, ethical judgment, and character. Our goal is to develop educational ecosystems where AI enhances learning experiences while personal transformation remains central.
As I shared during the forum: “Education so far has been very much an outside-in approach. But now, we must embrace Inside-Out Education. The will, imagination, intuition, and ethical decision-making — these uniquely human abilities — must be cultivated alongside AI. That is where Intelligent Augmentation comes in: the merger of AI and NI.”
Through AI Regent plc (AIR), we are pioneering teacherless classrooms — autonomous learning environments that democratise education by removing traditional barriers. Yet, even in these innovative spaces, character formation remains paramount.
My Personal Journey: From Refugee to Global Educator
My own journey is a testament to the transformative power of education. Arriving in the UK from Sri Lanka as a refugee with just £100, I began by tutoring students for £20 an hour. This humble start eventually led to the formation of Regent Group, driven by the belief that “The End Result of Education is Character.”
The insights gained through my studies at London Business School, Harvard Business School, Oxford Saïd Business School, and Stanford University have shaped our programmes: Thinking into Character, The Power of Learning from DAD, and The Mindset. These are practical frameworks that empower individuals to unlock their full potential.
As I often say, quoting one of my mentors from Stanford: “If you really want to figure out how life works, study the natural laws. Because ignorance comes from ignoring facts. AI is not something to fear. Like any powerful tool, it requires responsible application, but it holds immense promise.”
A Shared Responsibility for Global Development
The UK–India partnership represents more than trade; it reflects a joint responsibility to drive global progress. Regent Group’s participation in the World Economic Forum, leadership of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Sustainability 70 Steering Group, and our Public Learn platform offering free education to Sri Lanka, all embody our mission to create lasting societal impact.
As Minister Piyush Goyal aptly stated at IGF London 2025, “This partnership is a good marriage.” It is a partnership grounded in mutual respect, shared vision, and collective responsibility.
Future Opportunities in UK–India Education Collaboration
Looking ahead, I see immense potential in the following areas:
- AI-powered adaptive learning platforms
- Autonomous, teacherless classrooms
- Cross-border research collaborations
- Integrating character and leadership development within academic curricula
- Establishing robust ethical AI governance frameworks
These collaborative ventures will not only redefine education but will also cultivate ethical, globally minded leaders equipped to navigate our complex world.
The Imperative of Ethical AI Governance
Throughout IGF London 2025, the need for ethical AI governance was a consistent theme. I strongly believe that sustainable AI integration must prioritise:
- Human agency
- Equity and inclusion
- Transparency and accountability
- Cultural sensitivity
- Lifelong learning principles
“We must embrace this technology and navigate slowly. Humans are programmed culturally, linguistically, and emotionally — reprogramming will take time. AI isn’t just about language models; it will evolve into large world models that learn visually and contextually. This requires a fundamental rethink of education,” I shared at the forum.
By upholding these values, UK–India cooperation can become a global beacon for responsible AI innovation.
Conclusion: Shaping a New Global Educational Order
The conversations and commitments made at IGF London 2025 signal a transformative chapter in UK–India relations. At the heart of this partnership lies education — a catalyst for economic, cultural, and societal evolution. As I continue this journey, my commitment remains steadfast: to advance a global education model where Artificial Intelligence serves Natural Intelligence™, and where the ultimate measure of success remains character.
FAQs
1. What is Natural Intelligence? Natural Intelligence represents our innate human capacity for ethical decision-making, empathy, creativity, and personal growth, complementing advancements in Artificial Intelligence.
2. What is Intelligent Augmentation? Intelligent Augmentation refers to the synergistic blending of Artificial Intelligence and Natural Intelligence, enhancing human capabilities rather than replacing them.
3. How is Regent Group innovating in AI education? Through AI Regent plc (AIR), we are developing autonomous learning platforms that democratise education while retaining a strong emphasis on character development.
4. What role does Regent Group play in UK–India educational relations? We actively foster cross-border collaborations, research partnerships, and policy dialogues that strengthen educational ties between the UK and India.
5. Why is ethical AI governance essential in education? Ethical governance ensures AI enhances education without compromising equity, transparency, or human agency, thus building trustworthy, inclusive learning systems.
6. How is Regent Group involved with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award? We lead the Sustainability 70 Steering Group, ensuring our transformational programmes reach young people globally through the Award’s non-formal education framework.
7. What are the long-term benefits of UK–India education collaboration? It fosters innovation, cultural exchange, leadership development, and prepares future generations to collaboratively address complex global challenges.
