About Kumaran Nadesan-Civic Engagement and Global Diplomacy
Kumaran Nadesan is a respected civic leader with a growing voice as a foreign policy observer and advisor whose work bridges public service, economic inclusion, and global collaboration. He is the Co-Founder and Deputy Chairman of 369 Global, a Canadian group of companies with interests in workforce development, media, and international market facilitation. The group includes Computek College, a long-standing career institution, and 3 Magazine, an international smart luxury media platform where he also serves as Deputy Publisher.
Nadesan spent 15 years working for the Government of Ontario. His time in government spanned several ministries in various roles, including intergovernmental affairs, business development, stakeholder management, communications, policy and program advisory. His leadership earned him several honours, including awards from the Governments of Canada and Ontario, and most recently, the “Inspirational Leader of the Year” recognition at the 2024 National Business Awards by Canadian SME Magazine.
He is a Director of the Canada-India Business Council and previously served as a young advisor to the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, which calls itself Canada’s largest national welcome network.
Kumaran Nadesan’s civic leadership is one of inclusiveness and future-readiness. Given his public service experience, he is regarded as a trusted voice in advancing public policy on issues including labour mobility, skills training and housing access for new Canadians. Given his involvement with civic organizations and connections to municipalities and national stakeholders, he provides solutions and approaches that reflect pressing community needs. His advocacy for change to improve systems is a benefit to many across the country.
Kumaran is a “third culture kid” a first-generation Canadian of Tamil heritage who moved around at an early age before settling in Canada. This unique global perspective provides Kumaran with an advantage as a foreign policy observer who brings clarity and strategic insight to Canada’s role on the world stage. He is committed to leveraging diversity and skills development in Canada and abroad, while collaborating with like-minded leaders and businesses.
Through his biweekly “Insights” blog—also published as a monthly newsletter—Nadesan offers accessible, thought-provoking commentary on international trade, business, and diplomacy with a focus on what Canada can do to leverage its place on the world stage. Several of his pieces have been featured as op-eds in digital and print media outlets.
In addition, Kumaran is currently working on a book that challenges Canadians to abandon their global reputation of “politeness” to better compete in a changing world order.
Nadesan has helped shape and promote civic engagement and innovation. His public policy work beyond his work as a public servant includes ideas to improve skills training, newcomer integration strategies and assistance, as well as community-based engagement. He has appeared before legislative committees at Queen’s Park in Ontario, providing testimony and solutions to improve upskilling and skills development. His approach and leadership style prioritize people, learning and a better way forward.
I believe it’s time to challenge conventional notions on policies including education, development, immigration and expansion and to advocate a new approach for Canada on the world stage.
The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
And miles to go before I sleep.
– Robert Frost