Chavalit Frederick Tsao
Cover Asia’s Most Influential 2023 honouree Chavalit Frederick Tsao, chairman of IMC Pan Asia Alliance Group

The business leaders of Asia are shaping key industries such as shipping, property, retail and electronics

The business leaders and industry captains on Asia’s Most Influential 2023 list helm the region’s largest companies and most established family corporations. From property to shipping, retail to electronics, these visionary magnates are preserving their legacies while meeting the challenges of changing times. As they lead their companies to greater heights, they drive unprecedented growth in the industries they are involved in, often introducing solutions and innovations to move everyone forward. Beyond business, these leaders are also interested in creating a better future as they invest in education, the youth, women empowerment and responsible leadership.

Also read: What it means to be Asia’s Most Influential

Supaluck Umpujh, chairwoman, Mall Group (Thailand)

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Supaluck Umpujh
Above Supaluck Umpujh, chairwoman, Mall Group

Supaluck Umpujh manages the Mall Group, one of Thailand’s largest mall operators, which has several retail centres under its belt, including Paragon, EmQuartier, Emporium, Bluport and the new Emsphere, which houses over 40 fashion brands, as well as the Tesla Thailand Showroom, Ikea City Store and Apple Store, among others. For decades, the retail magnate has not only steered the Mall Group, which was founded by her father Supachai Umpujh, to unprecedented success, but also helped shape the retail scene in Thailand. The chairwoman has received many awards for her work, including the National Order of the Legion of Honour at the rank of Knight by decree of the President of the French Republic.

Read Supaluck Umpujh’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai, president, Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (Malaysia)

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Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai
Above Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai, president, Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association

Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai champions the growth of the electrical and electronics sector in Malaysia. The president of the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) sees the country as a competitive centre for global semiconductor operations, with its years of experience and expertise in the field. In his speech during MSIA’s 50th anniversary in May 2023, the veteran highlighted Malaysians’ perseverance and can-do spirit, “...which have been instrumental in making Malaysia a global player in the industry”. He added: “My wish is for all stakeholders to continue to innovate, for the industry to achieve new heights. The industry must steer a course towards a future where sustainable growth can be achieved through resilience and investment in the Malaysian talent.”

Read Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Chavalit Frederick Tsao, chairman, IMC Pan Asia Alliance Group (Singapore)

Tatler Asia
Chavalit Frederick Tsao
Above Chavalit Frederick Tsao, chairman, IMC Pan Asia Alliance Group

Chavalit Frederick Tsao, chairman of the IMC Pan Asia Alliance Group, transformed his family business—whose roots can be traced to the Qing Dynasty—into a modern multi-national conglomerate now involved in shipping and logistics (IMC Industrial), venture capital and investment (IMC Ventures and Heritas Capital) and holistic learning (Octave Institute). Tsao, who emphasises well-being and happiness in leadership, recently collaborated with Halogen Foundation Singapore to create more educational opportunities. “Youths when awakened to their life purpose and placed on the path to find their calling are empowered to flourish in life,” he said in a statement. “Together, we co-create a cross generation education system beyond schooling for a shared future and destiny for humanity.”

Read Chavalit Frederick Tsao’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

 

Yong Tian Shao, chairman, Yuimom Group (Taiwan)

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Yong Tian Shao
Above Yong Tian Shao, chairman, Yuimom Group

Yong Tian Shao built Yuimom Group from the ground up, transforming a small company of just three people into a multi-faceted operation that involves hotels, restaurants, construction and art. His Yuimom Construction and Huang Pin Engineering have shaped the architectural landscape of Kaohsiung. Notable brands also include the serviced apartment Yuimom Residence, the award-winning hotel Silks Club, the contemporary art museum Alien Art Centre and numerous restaurants and bars. In 2023, the chairman grew his portfolio with the opening of SSAW at Yuimom Residence. The multi-concept dining destination, which includes a café, pâtisserie, bistro and bar, prides itself on farm-to-table dining—dishes are made with local produce and freshly harvested ingredients.

Read Yong Tian Shao’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Enrique ‘Ricky’ Razon, Jr, chairman, International Container Terminal Services, Inc (Philippines)

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Enrique ‘Ricky’ Razon, Jr, chairman, International Container Terminal Services, Inc
Above Enrique ‘Ricky’ Razon, Jr, chairman, International Container Terminal Services, Inc

Ports king Enrique ‘Ricky’ Razon, Jr heads the International Container Terminal Services, Inc, the world’s largest, independent terminal operator, with operations in 19 countries and six continents. In 2023, he expanded his ports empire, securing a 25-year joint venture with Transnet Port Terminals to operate and develop the Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 in South Africa. Razon is also involved in hospitality with Solaire Resort, the integrated hotel and casino that celebrated its 10th anniversary in March 2023. The business titan is gearing up for the opening of Solaire Resort North in 2024.

Read Enrique ‘Ricky’ Razon’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Winnie Chiu, president and executive director, Dorsett Hospitality International (Hong Kong)

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Winnie Chiu, president and executive director, Dorsett Hospitality International
Above Winnie Chiu, president and executive director, Dorsett Hospitality International

As president of Dorsett Hospitality International (DHI), Winnie Chiu oversees the company’s portfolio of hotels under the brands, Dorsett Hotels, Dao by Dorsett, d.Collectiion and Silka, in locations across China, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Australia, the UK and Europe. Outside of hospitality, the leader is also engaged in philanthropy. In November 2023, DHI opened the Chinese Medicine and Culture Research Centre and D20Roots research farmland to support the community through education and the environment. Also important to the Chiu is empowering women leaders. In June 2023, DHI sponsored the National Women’s Enterprise Week, the UK-wide celebration of female-led businesses. “As a young woman leading a company, I faced many challenges, so it’s a genuine passion of mine to facilitate these talented entrepreneurs,” she said in a statement.

Read Winnie Chiu’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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