The Tatler Impact Awards: celebrating the visionaries and changemakers turning influence into impact in Asia and beyond

The Innovation Award recognises individuals responsible for pioneering breakthroughs in science, technology and healthcare. More than entrepreneurs or business leaders, these honourees are visionaries whose research and discoveries push the boundaries of possibility, offering solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.

Past recipients embody the spirit of innovation at its highest level. Professor Jackie Ying, a nanotechnology scientist, was celebrated in Singapore in 2024 for her groundbreaking work in biomedical engineering and nanomaterials, advancing research with profound implications for healthcare. Dr Erika Fille Legara, recognised in the Philippines in 2024, is a data science and AI trailblazer whose work is shaping the future of technology in her country. Professor Datin Paduka Dr Teo Soo-Hwang, honoured in Malaysia in 2024, has pioneered predictive and early detection methods for cancer, transforming the landscape of cancer research and treatment across the region.

See also: Professor Dr Teo Soo-Hwang on her illustrious career in cancer research

The Business Award celebrates leaders whose vision, strategy,and resilience have redefined industries and propelled companies to remarkable success. Honourees in this category span diverse sectors—from finance and venture capital to real estate, retail, manufacturing, and beyond—but all share a common trait: an ability to create transformative growth and lasting impact through enterprise.

Recent recipients include Martha Sazon, honoured in the Philippines in 2024 for her role as CEO of GCash. Under her leadership, the e-wallet has become an indispensable financial tool, empowering millions of Filipinos with greater access to digital payments and financial inclusion. In Malaysia, Brahmal Vasudevan received the 2024 Business Award for his pioneering contributions in private equity and his influential role in driving growth across industries. Meanwhile in Singapore, Ian Ang and Alaric Choo, co-founders of Secretlab, were recognised in 2024 for transforming the humble gaming chair into a global brand now trusted by more than three million users worldwide.

See also: GCash CEO Martha Sazon on democratising financial services and aiming for a cashless Philippines

The Culture Award honours individuals whose work in the arts, entertainment, design, fashion, food, media and sports shapes the way we see, experience and connect with the world. These honourees are cultural torchbearers—figures who preserve heritage, break new creative ground and spark pride and inspiration across communities.

In 2024, the award was presented to a diverse group of visionaries whose contributions reflect the rich breadth of cultural influence. Carlos Yulo, the celebrated Filipino gymnast, made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics, bringing immense national pride through his groundbreaking performances on the global stage. In Hong Kong, Henry Steiner, hailed as the “father of Hong Kong design,” was recognised for shaping the city’s visual identity for over half a century, blending Eastern and Western aesthetics and creating corporate identities for institutions such as HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank and The Hong Kong Jockey Club. Malaysia’s Joe Sidek, the creative force behind the George Town Festival, has transformed Penang into a vibrant cultural hub, championing the arts and fostering dialogue through one of Asia’s most dynamic festivals. Meanwhile, in Singapore, Amanda Chong—lawyer, poet, and playwright—was celebrated for her powerful contributions to literature and the arts, using storytelling as a platform for reflection and social change.

See also: Father of Hong Kong design Henry Steiner on how his legacy and that of the city are inextricably linked

The Humanity Award recognises individuals whose work in education, philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, public service or sustainability is dedicated to building a better future for all. These honourees put compassion and community at the heart of their mission, addressing urgent challenges and creating impact that extends far beyond themselves.

In 2024, Dr Jane Goodall was honoured in Hong Kong for her lifelong dedication to animal welfare, conservation and climate advocacy. Renowned worldwide for her groundbreaking research on wild chimpanzees in Tanzania, Goodall has become a tireless global voice for environmental protection, sustainability and the urgent need to protect our shared planet. In the Philippines, Cherrie Atilano, a social entrepreneur with a passion for sustainable agriculture, was recognised for transforming rural communities and empowering farmers through innovative, inclusive practices. Malaysia’s Siew Yong Gnanalingam, philanthropist and the first Asian president of Soroptimist International, was celebrated for her tireless advocacy on behalf of women and girls, amplifying voices and driving equality on the global stage. Meanwhile in Singapore, Koh Seng Choon, founder and executive director of Project Dignity, was honoured for his pioneering work in social enterprise, creating employment and opportunities for people with disabilities and other marginalised communities.

See also: These farmers grow your food, but can’t afford to eat—this social enterprise is changing that

Beyond the four core categories, the Tatler Impact Awards also recognise individuals whose influence and achievements shine in distinct ways that may not fall neatly into business, innovation, culture or humanity. These special honours celebrate excellence across sports, style and lifetime achievement.

The Sports Award honours athletes who have broken barriers and redefined excellence in their disciplines, while also using sport as a force for societal change. Past honourees include Hong Kong’s celebrated Paralympians in boccia—John Loung, Annie Cheung, Leung Yuk-wing, King Tse Tak-wah and Ho Yuen Kei—as well as swimmers Jasmine Ng Cheuk Yan and Chan Yui-lam, and badminton champion Daniel Chan Ho-yuen. These athletes, who embody resilience and dedication while demonstrating the power of sport to inspire communities, were recognised at the Tatler Ball Hong Kong in 2024. 

See also: Hong Kong’s winning Paralympians teach us the meaning of resilience, fortitude and perseverance

The Style Award celebrates icons whose elegance, vision and influence in fashion set trends while also creating cultural resonance. In 2023, the award was given to Japanese style icon Kōki, recognised for her ability to define trends with impact and authenticity. In 2024, Hong Kong designer Robert Wun was honoured for his bold, visionary designs that have made their mark on the global stage.

See also: Robert Wun on the inspiration behind his Haute Couture Week debut

The Diamond Award recognises extraordinary individuals whose have made outstanding, long-lasting achievements, contributions and impact in their field of expertise. In 2024, actor and producer Louis Koo was awarded this distinction. From television idol to acclaimed film star, Koo’s celebrated career includes the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor and most recently a star turn in Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, a film that not only revived the mystique of Kowloon Walled City but marked a resurgence in Hong Kong’s action film genre, earning a coveted spot at the Cannes Film Festival and becoming Hong Kong’s official entry to the 2025 Academy Awards.

See also: Bruce Lee and 12 more Hong Kong action stars who conquered the world

Beyond the established categories, two distinctive honours spotlighting exceptional artists are regularly presented at the Tatler Ball: the Chaplin Award and the Golden Cane Award, both of which were founded by Kiera Chaplin, granddaughter of cinema legend Charlie Chaplin.

The Chaplin Award honours lifetime achievements in film—recognising actors and directors whose visionary storytelling, technical innovation and enduring artistry have redefined cinematic standards. In Asia, past recipients of the Chaplin Award include Tony Leung, who was honoured at the inaugural Chaplin Award Asia in Shanghai in 2018, as well as Zhang Yimou (2019), Donnie Yen (2022), and most recently Brigitte Lin (2024).

The Golden Cane Award, which upholds the same ethos as the Chaplin Award yet seeks to spotlight a burgeoning talent in music, social media, cinema and content creation, was introduced at the Tatler Ball Asia in 2023. This award celebrates the 'entertainer of the moment' and in its inaugural year was presented to Thai multi-hyphenate star Bright Vachirawit Chivaaree, recognising his dynamic presence across acting, singing and entrepreneurship.

The awards are presented by Kiera Chaplin, linking the prestige of the Chaplin legacy with the celebration of both lifetime achievement and emergent cultural influence.

See also: Chinese cinema’s battle for global relevance amid TV’s decline

The Tatler Impact Awards serve as a beacon for what’s possible when influence meets intention, and when Asia’s most powerful voices choose to champion positive change. As we look ahead to the Tatler Ball Asia 2025, which takes place in Singapore on October 3, Tatler will once again bring together the region’s most visionary leaders and cultural icons to celebrate achievement and impact and unveil the next cohort of Tatler Impact Awards winners. 

The Tatler Ball Asia is proudly presented by Resorts World Sentosa, with Mercedes-Benz as the exclusive automotive partner and ION Orchard and Switzerland Tourism as the experience partners. Supporting partners include Bacha Coffee, Belvedere 10, Cloudy Bay New Zealand, The Conscious Festival, Eu Yan Sang, Evian, Hennessy, JetQuay, Lindt, Moët & Chandon, Pop Mart, Prada Beauty and Zacapa.

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