Mr. Sebastien Pillay was born on 26 January 1978. A dedicated educator, public servant and parliamentarian, his career has been marked by his deep commitment to national development, education, and good governance.
Early Life, Education and Career
He began his professional journey within the Ministry of Education, serving as a Mathematics Teacher before advancing to the roles of Head of Department, Deputy Head Teacher, and later Senior Education Officer. His passion for learning and leadership led him to pursue further studies abroad. Hon. Pillay holds a Bachelor of Education from Edith Cowan University, Australia (2004), and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Innovation from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom (2008).
Following his years in education, he joined the University of Seychelles as a Lecturer, where he contributed to the academic and personal development of young Seychellois scholars. He later assumed the position of Director General for Cabinet and Presidential Affairs, a role that provided him with in-depth experience in policy formulation, administrative management, and the coordination of national governance priorities.
Political Career and Public Service
Hon. Sebastien Pillay’s political career began with his nomination to the National Assembly of Seychelles in 2011 as a proportionately elected Member representing the United Seychelles Party. Demonstrating integrity, diligence, and leadership, he was subsequently re-nominated in 2016 and again in 2020.
Throughout his tenure, Hon. Pillay served on numerous parliamentary committees and contributed significantly to national debates on governance, economic development, and legal reform. He chaired the Finance and Public Accounts Committee, where he championed greater transparency, fiscal responsibility, and institutional accountability.
In 2020, he was appointed Leader of the Opposition in the 7th National Assembly — a role through which he provided critical oversight of government policies, offered constructive alternatives, and represented the aspirations of thousands of Seychellois citizens.
International Engagements
Hon. Pillay has represented Seychelles on the international stage in multiple forums focusing on democracy, governance, and parliamentary diplomacy. His leadership has been recognised in events such as the Finance and Public Accounts Workshop in Westminster, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Forum, and the CPA UK General Elections Observer Mission.
In 2023, he headed the Seychelles delegation to the Seminar for Parliamentarians from English-Speaking African Countries in Beijing, and in 2024, he led a delegation to the SADCOPAC Governing Council Meeting in Zanzibar. His international engagements reflect his dedication to strengthening Seychelles’ democratic institutions and promoting good governance within the region.
In 2025, Hon. Sebastien Pillay was selected as the Running Mate of Dr. Patrick Herminie, representing the United Seychelles Party in the Presidential Election. After two rounds of voting, the party emerged victorious. Following this historic win, Hon. Sebastien Pillay was officially sworn in as the Vice-President of the Republic of Seychelles on 28th October 2025 at State House, marking a new chapter of service and leadership dedicated to advancing the nation’s unity, progress, and prosperity.