Tatler Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow honours over 200 individuals each year for their contributions and positive impact on their industry, community or society (photo: Raphael Quaison)
Cover Tatler Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow honours hundreds of individuals each year for their contributions and positive impact on their industry, community or society (photo: Raphael Quaison)
Tatler Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow honours over 200 individuals each year for their contributions and positive impact on their industry, community or society (photo: Raphael Quaison)

Each year, the Tatler Gen.T team is met with a familiar question: how does one enter the Tatler Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow list? If you’ve ever wondered about the criteria for joining this influential community of Asia’s rising stars, this guide is for you.

For those curious about what it takes to be named among the Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow, here’s everything you need to know, along with this year’s updates.

Since 2016, Gen.T has spotlighted individuals shaping the future of Asia. From entrepreneurs and pioneers to artists and athletes, we seek out those who are sparking change and pushing boundaries in their fields.

The Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow list is put together through a rigorous selection process, which examine each candidate’s innovation, professional effectiveness, impact and breadth, depth and sustainability of their contributions.

The list features leaders from ten markets: Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Mainland China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Kazakhstan

Read more: They spotted this year’s Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow. Here’s what they see

What kind of individuals does Gen.T look for?

Success, in today’s world, is a fluid concept. At Gen.T, being a Leader of Tomorrow goes far beyond accolades or influence.

Instead, we consider questions such as:

  • Have they contributed to a more innovative, inclusive or sustainable world?
  • Are they pushing their industry forward or helping others rise with them?
  • Do their efforts offer tangible solutions to real challenges?
  • Are they motivating others to take action or adopt new ways of thinking?
  • Do they show consistent drive and a clear vision for the future?

When the answer is yes, these are the individuals we celebrate at Gen.T.

Tatler Asia
Olympic swimmer-turned-innovator Yvette Kong is bridging art, mental health and social impact (Photo: Zed Leets)
Above Olympic swimmer-turned-innovator Yvette Kong is bridging art, mental health and social impact (Photo: Zed Leets)
Tatler Asia
Chong Ing Kai co-founded Stick ’Em with Huh Dam Adam, Tew Jing An and Chong Kai Jie in 2020 to break barriers in STEAM education (Photo: Darren Gabriel Leow)
Above Chong Ing Kai co-founded Stick ’Em with Huh Dam Adam, Tew Jing An and Chong Kai Jie in 2020 to break barriers in STEAM education (Photo: Darren Gabriel Leow)
Olympic swimmer-turned-innovator Yvette Kong is bridging art, mental health and social impact (Photo: Zed Leets)
Chong Ing Kai co-founded Stick ’Em with Huh Dam Adam, Tew Jing An and Chong Kai Jie in 2020 to break barriers in STEAM education (Photo: Darren Gabriel Leow)

Who can be nominated?

Nominees should meet the following criteria:

  • Be a founder or co-founder of a business or organisation.
  • Hold a C-suite position with a transformative role in shaping the company’s direction.
  • Possess a strong personal brand, such as an athlete, performer, or creative figure.
  • Be based in, or actively contributing to, one of Gen.T’s ten regions.

Read more: From mountains to millions: Komsan Lee of Flash Express didn’t build Thailand’s first unicorn in a flash

Most importantly, candidates must have achieved a meaningful milestone within the past 18 months, an accomplishment that can be measured by one or more of the following:

  • Launching groundbreaking products
  • Expanding into new markets
  • Mobilising significant investment capital
  • Making a major acquisition
  • Receiving prestigious industry awards
  • Taking part in socially or culturally significant campaigns or initiatives


The Gen.T list spans 20 diverse industry categories, from the arts and entertainment to technology and medicine. We welcome those who have taken less conventional paths, recognising individuals who have demonstrated genuine impact, earned credibility, and show a future-focused mindset.

Tatler Asia
Cuong Dam, Co-founder of C.Dam and Founder of Chats by C.Dam, known for his influence in championing existential fashionism on a global scale
Above Cuong Dam, Co-founder of C.Dam and Founder of Chats by C.Dam, known for his influence in championing existential fashionism on a global scale
Tatler Asia
Dancer and content creator Niana Guerrero blends street rhythm with high-fashion gloss (Photo: Wesley Villarica)
Above Dancer and content creator Niana Guerrero blends street rhythm with high-fashion gloss (Photo: Wesley Villarica)
Cuong Dam, Co-founder of C.Dam and Founder of Chats by C.Dam, known for his influence in championing existential fashionism on a global scale
Dancer and content creator Niana Guerrero blends street rhythm with high-fashion gloss (Photo: Wesley Villarica)

Selection process

Candidates are sourced through multiple channels, including public nominations and internal curation, supported by our network of Tribe expert advisors.

We also monitor a wide range of sources—from social media and venture capital developments to award announcements and innovation rankings. That said, there are still ways to actively get on Gen.T’s radar:

  • Self-nominate or submit through the public nomination form
  • Reach out to a Tribe member if you're connected to the network
  • Seek endorsements from respected industry figures
  • Email editor@tatlerasia.com with your résumé and latest accomplishments
  • Share personal milestones via your social platforms

Read more: What racing driver Bianca Bustamante knows about pressure and consistency

The Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow list is announced annually in July. Here’s how the process unfolds:

  • January to April: Gen.T and Tribe teams begin evaluating all submitted nominations
  • February: Public nominations close at month-end
  • July: The official list is revealed on TatlerAsia.com and in the July issue of Tatler. Celebratory events take place in each participating region

If you miss the current cycle, you are welcome to apply or nominate again for future editions of Gen.T.

Appraisal process

To maintain the quality and credibility of the list, we’ve established Tribe—a growing network of exceptional leaders across sectors. Tribe members nominate promising individuals and provide critical insights during the review phase, ensuring diversity of background, geography, and impact.

However, the final decision rests solely with the Gen.T editorial team.

January to April marks the peak evaluation period, during which we assess more than 1,000 initial candidates from various sources, including Tribe recommendations, internal research, past Gen.T honourees, and public submissions.

Our editorial team follows a thorough judging process, dedicating over 250 hours to research, fact-checking, and collaboration with regional teams. Final selections are determined through a proprietary scoring system that ensures fairness across industries and geographies.

Read more: When Filipino skin tones were ignored, this beauty brand made every shade the standard

Tatler Asia
Yoshua Tanu, co-founder and CEO of Jago Coffee, is making cafe-quality coffee accessible (Photo: Glenn Prasetya)
Above Yoshua Tanu, co-founder and CEO of Jago Coffee, is making cafe-quality coffee accessible (Photo: Glenn Prasetya)
Tatler Asia
Singer-songwriter Regina Song dominated streaming charts in 2024, becoming Spotify’s most-streamed Singaporean artist, with her breakout single, ‘The Cutest Pair’ (Photo: Darren Gabriel Leow)
Above Singer-songwriter Regina Song dominated streaming charts in 2024, becoming Spotify’s most-streamed Singaporean artist, with her breakout single, ‘The Cutest Pair’ (Photo: Darren Gabriel Leow)
Yoshua Tanu, co-founder and CEO of Jago Coffee, is making cafe-quality coffee accessible (Photo: Glenn Prasetya)
Singer-songwriter Regina Song dominated streaming charts in 2024, becoming Spotify’s most-streamed Singaporean artist, with her breakout single, ‘The Cutest Pair’ (Photo: Darren Gabriel Leow)

The Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow list features 20 categories, defined either by industry (e.g. Media & Marketing, Retail & E-commerce, Technology) or by overarching themes and values (e.g. Sustainability, Public Service & Law). While some individuals may fit into multiple categories, each honouree is assigned to one—the category that best represents their most distinctive or recent achievement.

Once the list is finalised, honourees will be contacted for photography and filmed content.

In July 2026, the Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow list will be officially unveiled on TatlerAsia.com and celebrated at events across the region.

What do you receive as a Gen.T Leader of Tomorrow?

You’ll be welcomed into the Gen.T community and join a network of emerging leaders who are helping to shape the future of Asia.

This recognition offers a range of privileges, including:

  • A distinguished personal profile featured across Tatler’s print and digital platforms
  • Invitations to exclusive events and networking opportunities
  • Prominent coverage on Tatler Asia channels
  • Connections across the broader Gen.T and Tatler networks throughout Asia

 

But most importantly, you’ll become part of a purpose-driven community that values progress, bold ideas, and a commitment to making meaningful change.

Tatler Asia
The Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow 2025 was officially introduced on July 4, and among them are 25 honourees from the Philippines who made the final cut for making a difference
Above The Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow is released annually in July and marked by events held across the region
The Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow 2025 was officially introduced on July 4, and among them are 25 honourees from the Philippines who made the final cut for making a difference

FAQs

Can I be honoured more than once?

Yes. If you’ve made notable progress since your previous recognition, you may still be eligible for re-selection for up to two consecutive years.

We are always seeking sustained impact and continued momentum.

Are co-founders honoured?

Yes—provided each co-founder can demonstrate their individual role and contribution to the business’s success. Every candidate is assessed on their own merit and influence.

Where is Gen.T present?

We recognise Leaders of Tomorrow from Hong Kong, Singapore, Mainland China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and Kazakhstan.

Where can I nominate someone for the list? 

You can submit a nomination here

Topics

Syrah Vivien Inocencio
Power & Purpose Editor, Tatler Philippines
Tatler Asia

Syrah is Tatler Philippines’ Power & Purpose editor, where she spotlights extraordinary journeys shaping the Philippines and Asia. She covers business, innovation, impact, and culture—chasing the people, ideas and forces shaping how we live and think today.