How Asia’s retail titans are fulfilling the evolving wants and wishes of shoppers

Since becoming CEO in 2009, Chadatip Chutrakul has transformed Siam Piwat, which was originally founded by her father in 1959 as the Bangkok InterContinental Hotel Company Limited, into a retail powerhouse with over 20 subsidiaries. Under her leadership, the company has established some of the most recognisable shopping destinations in Thailand like Siam Paragon, Iconsiam and Siam Center. In November 2024, Siam Piwat introduced OneSiam Global, its global visitor programme that offers exclusive privileges, including airport transfers, tourist SIM cards and discounts to popular attractions and, of course, retail stores.

Inducted into the World Retail Hall of Fame, Chadatip also serves on Thailand’s National Strategic Committee, driving initiatives to elevate the country as a cultural and economic hub.

Read Chadatip Chutrakul’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

A former flight attendant for Vietnamese Airlines, Pham Thi Mai Son’s exposure to different cultures made her realise the lack of international fashion brands in Vietnam, inspiring her to establish Maison Retail Management International in 2022. Through the fashion distribution company, the CEO has brought renowned brands such as Coach, DSquared2, Weekend Max Mara, Charles & Keith, New Balance and more to the country. Mai Son’s latest addition to its portfolio is retail chain Flying Tiger Copenhagen, which opened at Parc Mall and Lotte West Lake in November 2024, enhancing Vietnam’s access to lifestyle goods even more.

Eyeing substantial expansion in the coming years, the CEO continues to drive the company’s growth, which now has over 120 stores and also includes the e-commerce platform Maison Online.

Read Pham Thi Mai Son’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

The Valiram brothers—Ashvin, Mukes and Sharan—have grown the Valiram Group into one of the leading retail companies in Southeast Asia, boasting more than 400 stores in nine territories. What started as a textile trading company in 1935 now carries a diverse portfolio of over 200 brands that include fashion (Salvatore Ferragamo, Coach, Tory Burch), watches (Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin, Chopard), beauty and more. Led by the three brothers, who are executive directors in the company, the Valiram Group continues to expand their retail empire, opening new boutiques of Swiss watchmaker Rolex, French luxury house Chloe and fragrance company Molton Brown in 2024.

Read the full profiles of Ashvin Valiram, Mukesh Valiram and Sharan Valiram on Asia’s Most Influential

Charles & Keith’s Charles Wong was named Businessman of the Year at the Singapore Business Awards 2024. The CEO, who co-founded the company with his brother Keith in 1996, has grown the Singaporean brand’s presence around the world, opening 740 stores in 35 retail markets.

In 2024, Charles & Keith opened several locations, including its flagship store in Chengdu, China (a 564-square-meter affair whose exterior is reminiscent of a zen garden) as well as its flagship store in Singapore at Jewel at Changi Airport (whose concept is a tribute to the courtyards of old shophouses).

“Jewel has become an iconic shopping destination for both locals and tourists alike. Charles & Keith was thrilled when we were offered the opportunity to nearly double our space in the mall, allowing us to develop a bigger, more exciting retail concept experience,” said Wong of the new store in a statement.

Read Charles Wong’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Anita Liang leads Bellavita, Taipei’s premier luxury shopping hotspot located in the Xinyi District. The European-inspired retail hub, with six floors and two basement levels, covers a variety of premium experiences: fashion from Hermès, jewellery from Graff, furniture by Jiang Qionger’s Shang Xia, luxury beddings from Frette and more. And when shopping is done, it also offers L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon where guests can indulge in creations such as Kagoshima wagyu beef or duck breast with whisky sauce. Known for her innovative approach, Liang has also redefined the mall’s appeal, particularly for Gen Zers, by transforming its first level into a visually stunning, Instagram-friendly space.

Read Anita Liang’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Co-founded by serial entrepreneur Kevin Poon, Juice offers the choicest streetwear drops in locations in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and the US. Apart from carrying brands such as Wacko Maria, Undercover, FOG Essentials and more, it also features Clot, the fashion label (also co-founded by Poon) known for bridging East and West through collaborations with giants like Nike, Visvim and Sacai.

Outside of retail, the lifestyle entrepreneur is involved in, among others, the gallery WoAW, PR firm Social Capital and restaurants including Elephant Grounds and WagyuMafia. What guides him? “I always try to bring positive energy to everything and anything that I do. Whether it’s bringing awareness to certain things that I believe in, like vegan food or dog-friendly cafes, or creating awareness about my cultural heritage,” he said to Tatler.

Read Kevin Poon’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Tatler Asia's Most Influential is the definitive list of people shaping our world today. Asia's Most Influential brings together the region's most innovative changemakers, industry titans and thought leaders who are driving positive impact in Asia and beyond. View the full list here.

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