Cover Asia’s Most Influential 2024 celebrates the power of transformative leadership. From left: The Philippines’ Martha Sazon, Vietnam’s Huynh Tran Thanh, Taiwan’s Hsiao Ya-Chuan, Malaysia’s Brahmal Vasudevan, Hong Kong’s Dennis Lo, Thailand’s Worakamol (Jeff) Satur and Singapore’s JJ Lin. (Illustration: Raphael Quiason)
Asia’s Most Influential 2024 celebrates the power of transformative leadership. From left: The Philippines’ Martha Sazon, Vietnam’s Huynh Tran Thanh, Taiwan’s Hsiao Ya-Chuan, Malaysia’s Brahmal Vasudevan, Hong Kong’s Dennis Lo, Thailand’s Worakamol (Jeff) Satur and Singapore’s JJ Lin. (Illustration: Raphael Quiason)
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Now in its fourth year, Asia’s Most Influential highlights the titans, changemakers and dreamers paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive world
Asia’s Most Influential 2024 is a powerful reminder that, in the face of the challenges and uncertainties of the world, there are leaders working to create a better future. Tatler’s exclusive list, which underlines positive and lasting impact, names 700 visionaries, changemakers, dreamers and titans from Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and, for the first time, Vietnam.
This year’s edition highlights leaders who are transforming the fields of business, culture, social impact and STEM, pushing humanity toward its full potential. From scientific breakthroughs and sustainable business models to cultural preservation and community upliftment, these honourees embody the spirit of progress.
Celebrating the spirit of progress
Above Dennis Lo, molecular biologist, Insighta
Above Erika Fille Legara, managing director, Center for AI Research
Dennis Lo, molecular biologist, Insighta
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Perhaps more than ever before, the world needs to focus on cutting-edge innovation and sustainable development to address the world’s most pressing challenges, from improving healthcare outcomes to building more resilient communities.
This year’s list includes Asia’s visionary leaders who are driving transformative change that uplifts lives and enhances societies not just in the region, but throughout the globe. Our honourees in STEM include molecular biologist Dennis Lo, who was named the next vice-chancellor and president of The Chinese University of Hong Kong and has been responsible for breakthroughs in testing for a range of common diseases.
Just as notably, Dr Teo Soo-Hwang of Malaysia has pioneered advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment for Asian populations, while Erika Fille Legara of the Philippines directs the country’s artificial intelligence strategy to enhance its technological capabilities.
Above Serena Wu, founder, Taiwan Foundation for Rare Disorders
Serena Wu, founder, Taiwan Foundation for Rare Disorders
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Working for social good, Shalini Mahtani has devoted her life to supporting Hong Kong’s ethnic minorities, focusing on those of South and Southeast Asian descent through The Zubin Foundation.
Simlarly, Serena Wu has brought important support and resources to disadvantaged patients through the Taiwan Foundation for Rare Disorders, while Khemupsorn Sirisukha uplifts struggling agricultural communities in Thailand by promoting sustainable farming practices.
Fuelling the region’s rise to prominence
Above Christina Gaw, managing principal, head of Capital Markets and co-chair, Gaw Capital Partners
Above Rachel Lim, co-founder of Love, Bonito and founder of RachReflects
Christina Gaw, managing principal, head of Capital Markets and co-chair, Gaw Capital Partners
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Asian entrepreneurship has been a driving force behind the region’s rise to prominence, with dynamic business leaders who are creating solutions that transform industries and boost economic growth. From technology start-ups to large conglomerates, these entrepreneurs are not only generating jobs but also setting global trends in finance, retail, real estate and e-commerce.
Business leaders such as Le Hong Thuy Tien, the CEO of Vietnamese conglomerate IPPG, are catalysts of economic growth in the region, positioning Asia as a hub of power and influence on the world stage.
As managing principal, head of capital markets and co-chair of alternative investments of Gaw Capital Partners, Christina Gaw manages tens of billions in property investments at the Hong Kong private equity fund management firm.
Meanwhile, trailblazing entrepreneurs such as Rachel Lim, the Singaporean e-commerce pioneer who co-founded Love, Bonito, has evolved her homegrown brand into a multi-million-dollar clothing empire that spans Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, US and beyond.
From Asia to the world
Above Jeff Satur, singer and actor
Jeff Satur, singer and actor
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Asian cultural exports have also become a significant source of soft power, influencing global trends and reshaping perceptions through film, music, fashion, art and sports. From the rise of K-pop and anime to the popularity of Asian cinema and traditional dance, these cultural exports captivate audiences worldwide, showcasing the region’s creativity and diversity.
Among those who shape the zeitgeist are Malaysia’s Ramli Ibrahim, who has brought international recognition to Indian classical dance through Sutra Dance Theatre, Thai superstar Worakamol (Jeff) Satur, who exemplifies the influence of T-Wave artists on the global stage, and Hong Kong fencer Edgar Cheung Ka-long, whose victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics led to the city’s fourth gold medal.
Asia’s Most Influential 2024 celebrates the power of transformative leadership, underscoring the belief that positive change is not only possible but within reach. The list is now available on TatlerAsia.com and will be released in the print edition of Tatler Hong Kong in December 2024.
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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