In a landmark moment for humanitarian leadership and mental health advocacy, Dr. Fakhrul Islam Babu (孫逸仙) has been awarded the Icons of Change International Award 2025 for his outstanding contribution to youth mental health and inclusive governance. This global recognition comes particularly in honor of his role as Adviser and Chief Patron of Talk Hope, a pioneering suicide prevention and mental health awareness platform based in Bangladesh.
The Icons of Change Awards, which annually honor changemakers aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), selected Dr. Fakhrul for his work promoting SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. His deep involvement in fostering mental wellness, social harmony, and cross-cultural understanding has made a lasting impact across South and East Asia.
A native of Chandpur, Bangladesh, and now a proud naturalized citizen of China, residing in Hong Kong SAR, Dr. Fakhrul embodies the spirit of global citizenship. As a visionary leader, he has guided Talk Hope with compassion and strategic insight, helping the platform expand its reach among vulnerable youth, provide critical psychological support, and build a culture of empathy across communities.
“Mental health is not a privilege—it is a fundamental human right. I am proud to support Talk Hope and the young changemakers behind it who are saving lives every day with courage and compassion,” said Dr. Fakhrul upon receiving the award.
The Founder of Talk Hope, Md Saddam Hossain Roni, also shared heartfelt words following the announcement:
“We feel immensely proud to see our Honourable Adviser, Dr. Fakhrul Islam Babu, receiving the Icons of Change International Award 2025. This recognition is not only a testament to his extraordinary vision and lifelong dedication to humanity, but also a source of inspiration for all of us at Talk Hope. His unwavering support has given strength to our mission, and his achievement reaffirms our belief that compassionate leadership can truly change lives.”
Apart from his advocacy in mental health, Dr. Fakhrul is the Founder of the China-Bangladesh Friendship Center and Group Chairman of MEXIMCO, a multinational enterprise that exemplifies ethical business practices and South-South economic cooperation. Through job creation and inclusive trade across Bangladesh, China, India, and Hong Kong, he has demonstrated how business can be a powerful tool for social good.
As President of Asian Club Limited and a key figure in the Hong Kong Association of Naturalized Chinese, he has long championed social integration, civic representation, and cultural diplomacy. His civic engagement includes serving as a District National Security Law Tutor, Area Committee Member, and Care Team volunteer in Hong Kong—evidence of his belief that civic responsibility is integral to social progress.
A lifelong humanitarian, Dr. Fakhrul’s association with Rotary International—where he has served in various leadership roles and earned distinctions such as Paul Harris Fellow, Major Donor, and Global Goodwill Ambassador—underscores his philosophy of “Service Above Self.” He is also a life member of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, supporting communities during crises and calamities.
Dr. Fakhrul’s holistic approach to leadership—integrating faith, identity, commerce, and compassion—was especially praised by the award committee. His adoption of the Chinese name 孫逸仙 (Sun Yat-sen) serves as a personal homage to the values of reform, unity, and humanity.
> “Dr. Fakhrul Islam Babu is not only a patron of change—he is its architect. His support of Talk Hope is a testament to his belief that every life matters, and every youth deserves a future filled with dignity, hope, and purpose,” the official award citation read.
In a time when mental health challenges continue to affect millions of young people, especially in developing nations, this international recognition highlights the urgent importance of compassionate leadership and cross-border solidarity.