Lhavanya is from Malaysia and turned to social sciences after her A levels, maintaining an interest in the environment through volunteering, internships and hiking. She completed a BA in International Relations at the University of Nottingham (Malaysia) and graduated with a First Class. Lhavanya worked in a data company and an NGO, BERSIH, which gave her an appreciation for data-backed policies and an understanding of the reality of policy-making as a political process.

After the MPP Lhavanya aims to work on climate adaptation and sustainable development policy-making. All stages of the policy cycle interest her and she hopes to have the opportunity to be involved in high level policy negotiations to empower local communities to address climate vulnerabilities. The principle of justice is important to Lhavanya, and drives her involvement in policy solutions.

Lhavanya is a Yayasan Hazanah Scholar.