Asia's Most Influential 2022: Tech leaders
Cover Tech leaders on Asia's Most Influential 2022: (from left) Taiwan's Ethan Tu, the Philippines' Martha Sazon, Hong Kong's Alan Lau, Malaysia's Nicole Yap and Singapore's Sim Wong Hoo,.

These tech CEOs and leaders are fast-forwarding progress with AI, Web3, hardware and more

The dreamers on Asia’s Most Influential 2022 are leveraging technology to move the world closer to tomorrow. They advance artificial intelligence, tap into Web3, evolve hardware and design software. And they do this to make financial systems democratic, embed Asian culture in the metaverse, or simply provide enjoyable everyday experiences. And importantly, these CEOs and leaders are nurturing Asia’s tech talents by creating spaces where the next breakthrough solutions will be found. 

Also read: Earth Guardians of Future Generations on Asia’s Most Influential 2022

 

Martha Sazon, Philippines

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Martha Sazon
Above Martha Sazon

Mynt CEO Martha Sazon is bringing financial services to millions of Filipinos, especially the unbanked who don’t have access to traditional financial accounts. The fintech company, which reached a total valuation of over US$2 billion in 2021, is behind the mobile wallet Gcash, which allows people to send money, purchase goods, borrow, invest and more—all things that provided relief in the pandemic. Sazon continues to champion inclusivity in digital financial services, with Gcash holding tech conferences across the Philippines to highlight innovations.

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

Ethan Tu, Taiwan

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Ethan Tu
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Leaving behind an established career in Microsoft, Ethan Tu founded Taiwan AI Labs with the goal of developing AI-powered solutions for the world, while nurturing the software engineers of Taiwan. The firm has led the Taiwan Social Distancing App, which helps reduce the spread of Covid-19 by using Bluetooth to estimate physical interactions. Further expanding his influence, Tu’s AI Labs has partnered with Columbia University to streamline the Covid testing process in public spaces, study data governance and blockchain, and combat online misinformation.

Read Ethan Tu’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Now read: Influential Leaders Driving Change in the Region

Alan Lau, Hong Kong

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Alan Lau
Above Alan Lau

This year, Alan Lau joined Animoca, the Hong Kong-based firm at the forefront of digital property rights, as its chief business officer, bringing with him his fintech expertise as co-founder of insurance platform Tencent WeSure, as well as an impressive art background as a collector and a chairperson of M+, Tate and Guggenheim. For the gamification and blockchain company, Lau leads innovation, overseeing its portfolio of more than 380 Web3 investments. In November 2022, Animoca and educational platform TinyTap sold six TinyTap Publisher NFTs for approximately US$228,000—50 per cent of its net proceeds goes to the six teachers who developed the content. 

Read Alan Lau’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

 

Nicole Yap, Malaysia

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Nicole Yap
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“The importance of embracing our own cultural identity and heritage is worth celebrating in #Web3,” says 8sian co-founder Nicole Yap. Her metaverse brand creates signature NFT collections that highlight Asian women and Asia’s history and culture—its The Goddesses NFTs, for instance, depict mythical figures from folklore across the region. In collaboration with Royal Selangor, the 8sian Jade Lady NFT has also been transformed into 100 limited-edition pewter-and-jade sculptures. In November 2022, Yap partnered with blockchain company Marvion to showcase the sculpture at the Web 5.0 Conference, which saw more than 400 participants.

Read Nicole Yap’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

 

Sim Wong Hoo, Singapore

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Sim Wong Hoo
Above Sim Wong Hoo

Sim Wong Hoo’s Creative Technology is the originator of the Sound Blaster sound cards, the massively popular device that has defined the standard for PC audio since its introduction in 1989. Today, the digital entertainment firm provides an array of sound solutions, including a portfolio of headphones and speakers for gaming, physical activity or casual listening. Its recent releases include a slimmer gaming soundbar, the Katana V2X, and a pair of wireless earbuds that allow you to hear more of your environment, the Creative Sensemore Air. In its annual report for 2022, Sim announced Creative’s intent to expand into the Internet-of-Things and eldercare markets.

Read Sim Wong Hoo’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

In case you missed it: Everything You Need to Know about Asia’s Most Influential 2022

 

 


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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