Cover Worakamol (Jeff) Satur, singer-songwriter and actor
Worakamol (Jeff) Satur, singer-songwriter and actor
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Their accomplishments reflect not only personal triumphs but also profound contributions to entertainment, sports, the arts and more
As trailblazers in entertainment, sports and the arts, the honourees of Asia’s Most Influential are setting the bar very high in their respective fields.
Take, for instance, world-class gymnast Carlos Yulo, who made history as the first Filipino to win multiple Olympic gold medals, securing victories in both the floor exercise and vault events at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Similarly, celebrated Singaporean singer-songwriter JJ Lin, with over two decades of chart-topping hits, has transcended borders, creating music that resonates with global audiences. Meanwhile, legendary choreographer Ramli Ibrahim bridges tradition and modernity, elevating Indian classical dance forms like Odissi to international prominence.
Their influence extends far beyond their respective disciplines. By sharing their talents on a global stage, these cultural leaders show that excellence is not just about success but also about the power to inspire others to dream big.
Also read: How leading advocates from all over Asia are championing children’s rights
Hsiao Ya-Chuan, director, JIMU Film Production (Taiwan)
Above Hsiao Ya-Chuan, director, JIMU Film Production
Hsiao Ya-Chuan, director, JIMU Film Production
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An ageing con artist grappling with the changing times mentors a young apprentice in a world of deception—filmmaker and screenwriter Hsiao Ya-Chuan’s drama, Old Fox, swept the 2023 Golden Horse Awards with four wins, including Best Director for Hsiao, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Film Score and Best Makeup and Costume Design.
Hsiao, who has been active in the independent film scene since the 2000s, is celebrated for his delicate storytelling and literary narratives, gaining acclaim for experimental works that reflect social awareness. Apart from Fox, his films Mirror Image and Taipei Exchanges, have earned international recognition, with Mirror Image, Hsia’s first feature-length film, winning the Best New Director Award at the Taipei Film Festival and being selected for the Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival.
Read Hsiao Ya-Chuan’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential
Jeff Satur, singer-songwriter and actor (Thailand)
Above Jeff Satur, singer-songwriter and actor
Jeff Satur, singer-songwriter and actor
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Worakamol Satur is one of Thailand’s most popular entertainers. Known as Jeff, the singer-songwriter released his first full-length album Space Shuttle No. 8 in 2024, complementing the 18-track set with an Asia tour that included Taipei, Hong Kong, Manila, Singapore, Bangkok and Jakarta.
As an actor, he is known for playing Kim in the BL hit KinnPorsche The Series and later made his film debut with a lead role in The Paradise of Thorns. He will be seen next in Vamp the Series, Wuju Bakery and Happy Ending, the last of which Jeff is producing himself. Beloved by brands, Jeff is Cartier’s ambassador for Thailand, as well as a friend of Valentino. He has also used his influence to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Read Worakamol (Jeff) Satur’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential
Carlos Yulo, gymnast, two-time Olympic gold medallist (Philippines)
Above Carlos Yulo, gymnast, two-time Olympic gold medallist (Photo: Mark Nicdao)
Carlos Yulo, gymnast, two-time Olympic gold medallist (Photo: Mark Nicdao)
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“While you’re in sports, many unexpected things can happen, no matter how good you are... we can’t really be sure if we will win. For me, before and when my career ends, I want to have no regrets,” said Carlos Yulo to Tatler of his historic achievement this year.
Winning the men’s floor exercise and vault events at the Paris 2024 Games, Yulo became the first two-time Olympic gold medalist for the Philippines. He began training in gymnastics while in elementary school, then honed his skills under coach Munehiro Kugimiya in Japan, ultimately reaching the pinnacle of the sport and becoming an inspiration to millions of Filipinos.
Beyond the Olympics, the exceptional athlete has earned multiple medals at the World and Asian Championships and the Southeast Asian Games. In November 2024, Yulo was honoured with the Impact Award for Culture at the Philippines’ Tatler Ball.
Read Carlo Yulo’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential
Ramli Ibrahim, modern and Indian classical dancer, artistic director, Sutra Dance Theatre (Malaysia)
Above Ramli Ibrahim, modern and Indian classical dancer, artistic director, Sutra Dance Theatre (Photo: Fady Younis)
Ramli Ibrahim, modern and Indian classical dancer, artistic director, Sutra Dance Theatre (Photo: Fady Younis)
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Legendary dancer and choreographer Ramli Ibrahim is celebrated for elevating Indian classical and contemporary dance to the global stage. A pioneer of cultural diversity, he founded the Sutra Dance Theatre and Sutra Foundation in 1983 to nurture Malaysia’s performing arts scene and bring recognition to the Indian art form. For four decades, Ramli has led the foundation in performances around the world, including its production of Jaya Ram and its latest presentation, Invitation to Odissi, which was held at the International Festival of Indian Dance in New Delhi in October 2024.
Ramli is also known for his educational initiatives, such as the Sutra Dance Outreach Program, which supports underprivileged young dancers with training and mentorship in various dance forms, helping them develop their skills and passion for the arts.
Read Ramli Ibrahim’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential
JJ Lin, singer-songwriter and founder of JFJ Productions (Singapore)
Above JJ Lin, singer-songwriter and founder of JFJ Productions
JJ Lin, singer-songwriter and founder of JFJ Productions
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With a career spanning over two decades, JJ Lin is regarded as one of Asia’s foremost singer-songwriters. Known as “The Walking CD” for his exceptional vocal ability, he has captivated audiences worldwide with chart-topping songs, earning over 400 awards and racking up over 120 billion streams across major music platforms.
The hitmaker has also solidified his global presence with four successful world tours, gracing over 130 shows and, in the process, becoming the first Mandopop artist to sell out New York’s Barclays Center. “The world is paying more attention to Asian culture. It’s time to no longer be humble about being Asian. It’s time to shine, to represent; to be loud and proud about it,” he said Tatler. In 2023, he released his 15th set, Happily, Painfully After, to celebrate his 20th anniversary.
Read JJ Lin’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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