Meet Asia’s Most Influential magnates who are driving economic growth across the region

Vietnamese magnate Đinh Bá Thành is a pioneering figure in the country's media and entertainment industry. In 1994, Đinh Bá Thành founded DatVietVAC Group Holdings. Over the course of three decades, the company has evolved from a privately owned media entity into a leading media, entertainment, and technology ecosystem in Vietnam.

Under his leadership, DatVietVAC has consistently adapted and shifted toward a technology-driven enterprise, securing a competitive edge through strategic partnerships with top global and local corporations. A key milestone in this transformation is the company's investment in VieON, an entertainment super app now installed on 62 million devices. This move has positioned DatVietVAC to tap into the burgeoning OTT market, bridging the gap between Vietnamese people around the world and their cultural roots, while showcasing a positive image of Vietnam to a global audience.

In addition to his role at DatVietVAC, Đinh Bá Thành is an independent board member of UOB Singapore. His family also owns The Residences at Mandarin Oriental in Da Nang

Read Dinh Ba Thanh’s profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Martha Sazon is the president and CEO of Mynt, the company behind the Philippine mobile wallet GCash. Since assuming leadership in 2020, she has spearheaded significant innovation in both the company and digital finance, expanding GCash’s offerings to include mobile payments, remittances, savings, and investments. Under her leadership, GCash has become a leader in financial inclusion, serving over 94 million users and providing financial services to the unbanked.

In October 2024, Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation announced an investment of PHP 18.4 billion through the acquisition of shares in AC Ventures Holding Corp, which holds a 13 per cent stake in Mynt. Mynt is currently valued at US$5 billion, establishing it as the first and only unicorn in the Philippines at this valuation level.

Read Martha Sazon’s profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Brahmal Vasudevan is the CEO of Creador, the private equity firm that focuses on growth capital investments across South and Southeast Asia. Since its inception in 2011, Creador has launched six funds and invested in over 50 companies, helping promising entrepreneurs achieve operational improvements and strategic expansions. The firm has been instrumental in driving growth for numerous businesses, including the beverage giant TeaLive, the healthcare chain Big Pharmacy, the ride-sharing platform Angkas and the digital bank Uno.

Vasudevan is also recognised for his commitment to education, contributing to Princeton University’s Vidya Dehejia Professorship of South Asian Art, as well as establishing the Brahmal Vasudevan Institute for Sustainable Aviation of Imperial College London via a GBP25 million gift.

Read Brahmal Vasudevan’s profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Banking innovator Wee Ee Cheong serves as the deputy chairman and CEO of United Overseas Bank (UOB), the only Singaporean bank still run by a family. With over 40 years of experience, he joined UOB in 1979 and has held various leadership roles, including president from 2000 to 2007 before becoming CEO in 2007.

Under his leadership, UOB has expanded in Southeast Asia, particularly through strategic acquisitions. In 2022, the bank set to acquire Citigroup’s consumer banking operations in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, completing the transaction a year later. Today, UOB has a global network of around 500 offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America.

Beyond banking, Wee is dedicated to community service and the arts, as a member of The Institute of Banking and Finance and a patron of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. In 2013, he was awarded the Public Service Star for his contributions to financial industry.

Read Wee Ee Cheong’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

One of Thailand’s leading executives, with a background that includes leadership positions at IBM Thailand and Thaicom Public Company, Suphajee Suthumpun is widely respected by public and private sector organisations, both locally and internationally. Since becoming group CEO of Dusit International, Suphajee has drawn on her expertise in strategic planning, management, talent development and business innovation to drive the company’s international growth and achieve sustainable profitability.

In September 2024, the iconic Dusit Thani Bangkok, the flagship property of Dusit International, reopened after a five-year renovation. The hotel now features new suites and club rooms with uninterrupted views of Lumpini Park. Dusit Thani Bangkok serves as the centrepiece of Dusit Central Park, a THB46-billion mixed-use development that, upon its expected completion in 2025, will include ultra-luxury residences, a modern office tower, a retail centre and an expansive rooftop park.

Read Suphajee Suthumpun’s 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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