Asif Ayoob
Asif Ayoob (born 27 June 1995) is an Indian civil engineer, entrepreneur, and international diplomat. He currently serves as the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the Autonomous Intergovernmental Institution for the Use of Micro-Algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), a treaty-based intergovernmental organization with observer status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). He is also the founding CEO of Bhailog Inc. and Bhailog Connect India Pvt. Ltd., US–India-based startups working to improve the lives of internal migrant workers.
Early Life and Education
Asif was born in Kollam, Kerala, into an academically prominent family. His father, Dr. S. Ayoob, is the Executive Director of TKM College Trust and former Pro Vice-Chancellor of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University. His mother, Libina A, is a high school teacher.
He completed schooling in Kerala and West Bengal. He holds a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from TKM College of Engineering, a MBA in Global Management from the University of Wisconsin–Parkside, Chicago, and has completed an Entrepreneurship certification Program at Harvard University.
Career
IIMSAM – Special Envoy of the Secretary-General
Asif Ayoob serves as Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of IIMSAM. The organization is recognized by ECOSOC Decision E/2003/212 and is committed to eradicating global malnutrition through the promotion of Spirulina. In this role, Asif leads diplomatic engagements, coordinates international projects, and represents the organization at high-level forums related to the UNSDGs.
Delegate to the United Nations (2018)
In 2018, he represented the Government of Kerala at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, contributing to policy discussions on eco-friendly, affordable housing solutions for the homeless in India.
Entrepreneurship – Bhailog
Asif is the Founder and CEO of Bhailog Inc., a US-India based social startup launched to support internal migrant workers. Its flagship mobile platform, the Bhailog App, launched in 2024 by Shri Pinarayi Vijayan - Chief Minister of Kerala, provides access to fair pay, housing, legal aid, and integration services.
Public Advocacy and SDGs
Asif actively promotes the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He has spoken at over 100 institutions in India and the US on themes such as youth leadership, sustainability, and inclusive development.
Awards and Recognition
- State Award for Social Work – Government of Kerala (2019)
- Global Youth Award – Global Youth Parliament, Bangkok (2022)
- Contributor – UN Chronicle
- Delegate – United Nations Headquarters, New York (2018)
Personal Life
Asif is the son of Dr. S. Ayoob and Libina A. His sister, Dr. Asitha A, is an MBBS medical practitioner. He currently resides in Kollam, Kerala, and continues to work in international diplomacy and social innovation.