Asia’s Most Influential innovators exemplify how STEM-driven advancements set new standards for progress

Tech CEO Chih Han Yu has steered Appier, Taiwan’s first digital unicorn, from a start-up to a global artificial intelligence SaaS leader. With co-founder Winnie Lee, he launched Appier in 2012 to make AI accessible through ROI-driven solutions. Under his leadership, the company went public on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2021, and now has grown to 700 employees. Its AI solutions are trusted by over 1,700 global clients, with platforms like advertising, data and personalisation clouds addressing diverse needs. Recently, Appier has integrated generative AI across its products, with its AIXPERT solution, for instance, leveraging generative AI to improve a company’s marketing strategy by automatically generating high-potential keywords and optimising ROI.

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As managing director and chief AI and data officer of the Center for AI Research (CAIR) in the Philippines, Erika Fille Legara helps shape the country’s AI strategy. Part of the National AI Roadmap 2.0, CAIR supports the development of AI technologies to drive economic growth and strengthen the country’s technological competitiveness. Her work at CAIR will provide AI solutions for sustainable agriculture, urban planning, disaster resilience and more. Beyond the AI hub, Legara has been instrumental in advancing technology, notably through establishing the Master of Science in Data Science programme at the Asian Institute of Management, where she also holds the Aboitiz Chair in Data Science. Recognised globally, she is an Eisenhower Fellow nominee and an Asian Scientist 100 honouree, and has worked at Singapore’s A*STAR, making her a thought leader in STEM.

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Dr Teo Soo-Hwang is the former chief scientific officer of Cancer Research Malaysia (CRM), the non-profit organisation that ensures advances in cancer research are inclusive of Asian populations. Focusing on breast cancer, Dr Teo has made significant contributions to the understanding of the disease, including the completion of the largest genomic map of breast cancer in Asians, the identification of genetic markers associated with increased risk, and the development of the first Asian Genetic Risk Calculator, which helps patients determine their risk of being a breast cancer gene carrier. In 2018, Dr Teo was awarded an Honorary Officer of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to medical research, becoming the first Malaysian to receive the honour. Of the achievement, she said to Tatler, “It was a recognition of all the effort that the whole team had put into cancer research in Asians.”

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Chew Shou Zi’s leadership has seen TikTok grow into one of the world’s most influential social media platforms with over a billion users. The Singaporean CEO, who joined the company in 2021, has focused on expanding the short-form video platform’s global footprint while maintaining user safety and content integrity. In 2024, at the US Senate hearing to address safety concerns, Chew reinforced TikTok’s age and content policies, saying, “TikTok is vigilant about enforcing its 13 and up age policy and offers and experience for teens that is much more restrictive than you and I would have as adults.” This year, the social media company has launched safety and support initiatives, partnering with the Headspace app to provide creators with everyday mental health resources, as well as becoming a member of The Mental Health Coalition’s Thrive programme.

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