Horace Luke, co-founder and CEO, Gogoro (Taiwan)
Cover Horace Luke, co-founder and CEO, Gogoro

They lead the charge toward clean, green and sustainable energy in the region

The innovative CEOs of Asia’s Most Influential are leading the charge toward sustainable energy in the region. Through their energy and tech companies, they pioneer the development of environmentally friendly systems that can help mitigate the adverse impacts of fossil fuel consumption, such as the rise of greenhouse gas emissions and the depletion of finite resources.

In Malaysia, Davis Chong champions the adoption of solar power across households and businesses. In Thailand, Somphote Ahunai spearheads the development of solar and wind farms, alongside initiatives to enhance sustainable transportation systems. And in Taiwan and beyond, Horace Luke is transforming energy distribution and consumption with his innovative battery-swapping platform for two-wheel electric vehicles. Despite their diverse focuses, these leaders share a common objective: accelerating Asia’s transition to sustainable energy.

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Somphote Ahunai, founder, chairman and CEO, Energy Absolute (Thailand)

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Somphote Ahunai, founder, chairman and CEO, Energy Absolute
Above Somphote Ahunai, founder, chairman and CEO, Energy Absolute

At Energy Absolute (EA), one of the largest renewable energy companies in Thailand, Somphote Ahunai leads various businesses that champion sustainable energy sources. The company is involved in energy production with four solar and eight wind power projects and operates the largest lithium-ion battery factory in Asean. EA has also expanded into sustainable transport, e-mobility and EV charging infrastructure, building more than 2,000 charging stations for electric cars. 

In December 2023, EA and the Asian Development Bank signed a THB3.9-billion loan (about US$110 million) for the purchase of up to 1,200 electric buses. The e-buses, which are manufactured in Thailand and consist of at least 40 per cent locally sourced materials, including their EV batteries, will displace internal combustion engine buses in Bangkok, diversifying the country’s transportation mix in favour of green transportation. The project is an example of international and domestic private sectors working together to support Asia’s climate ambitions. 

Read Somphote Ahunai’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Davis Chong, executive director and group CEO, Solarvest Holdings (Malaysia)

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Davis Chong, executive director and group CEO, Solarvest Holdings (Malaysia)
Above Davis Chong, executive director and group CEO, Solarvest Holdings

Solarvest Holdings, the Malaysian company that specialises in clean energy solutions, mainly solar systems for residential, commercial and government organisations across Asia-Pacific, achieved significant growth in the past year. In his 2024 message to stakeholders, group CEO Davis Chong highlighted its key milestones, which include three large-scale solar plants, a green energy lab in Sarawak and solar-powered electric bus charging facilities. “While we celebrate these accomplishments, we remain committed as the key decarbonisation partner in Southeast Asia, contributing our expertise in the region’s energy transition journey,” he said.

Solarvest’s commitment to sustainable energy continues. In March 2024, the company announced that it would install solar power systems at over 300 Petronas stations in Malaysia. Expected to go online in 2027, the project will generate more than 5.4 MWp of solar capacity and offset around 5,035 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. In a statement, Chong noted that oil and gas operations account for 5.1 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. “This project shows us the potential of solar energy to decarbonise retail fuel business,” he added. 

Read Davis Chong’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Horace Luke, co-founder and CEO, Gogoro (Taiwan)

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Horace Luke, co-founder and CEO, Gogoro (Taiwan)
Above Horace Luke, co-founder and CEO, Gogoro

Tech entrepreneur Horace Luke co-founded Gogoro, the transportation company that helps the world move in more sustainable ways through its innovative battery-swapping technology for two-wheel electric vehicles. In 2023, Gogoro released its first impact report, which highlights the sustainability milestones it had achieved in the last ten years, including growing its users to more than 1.3 million, offsetting 287 million litres of gasoline and avoiding 603 million kilograms of CO2 emissions.

Gogoro also leads advancements in EV battery production. In 2022, it manufactured its one-millionth battery, as well as unveiled the world’s first solid-state lithium ceramic battery prototype for two-wheel battery swapping. Of the technology, the CEO said, “[I]t’s imperative we take advantage of the latest battery innovations to introduce a new era of electric transportation growth and adoption in our cities.” Gogoro’s smart energy infrastructure is available in Taiwan, Singapore, China, South Korea, India, the Philippines and more locations. 

Read Horace Luke’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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