Before turning into an entrepreneur, Ninian was a doctor trained in London. He currently is a major shareholder of MBf Holdings, which has an interest in printing, manufacturing, retail, car distribution, and plantations in Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji.

Over the past 10 years, he has donated over $15 million to causes such as education and children’s healthcare in Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji.

The Queen’s Birthday Honors mentioned him in 2013 for his philanthropy.