This year, the Asia team at Fortuneis spotlighting a number of influential women leaders making a significant impact beyond traditional corporate settings.
The inaugural "Most Influential Women" list by Fortunefeatures twelve prominent figures from the realms of pop culture, policy, and professional athletics. These examples highlight the varied manifestations of power throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Blackpink
The global surge of Korean culture, known as Hallyu, is undeniable, with the girl group Blackpink riding its very top. Since their 2016 debut, Lisa, Jennie, Rosé, and Jisoo have achieved a multitude of record-breaking feats, notably being the first to reach one and then two million album sales. South Korea; the first Korean group to reach number one on the Billboard 200 album chart; the highest-grossing concert tour by a female artist. Blackpink, along with K-pop and K-culture in general, now serve as a vehicle for South Korea's "soft power," extending the nation's cultural reach throughout Asia. And further.
The individual members of Blackpink have established their own agencies in pursuit of independent stardom: Lisa's LLOUD, Jennie's Odd Atelier, and Jisoo's Blissoo. This represents a novel undertaking within the K-Pop landscape, typically characterized by the dominance of major entertainment corporations such as YG Entertainment (the parent company of Blackpink), Hybe, and SM Entertainment. Lisa, Jennie, and their peers are expanding their ventures into new avenues such as television and the fashion industry.—Nicholas Gordon, Fortune Asia editor
Josephine Teo
Josephine Teo, who took on the role of Singapore’s minister for digital development and information in 2024, is spearheading the Smart Nation 2.0 initiative, which aims to The government is allocating 1 billion Singapore dollars ($780 million) to advance AI for the benefit of society. Teo has managed the evolution of the nation's groundbreaking AI governance framework, a global leader in national AI strategies, incorporating fresh standard Focusing on generative AI and unveiling worldwide safety efforts at the 2025 AI Action Summit in France. She's focused on developing a workforce proficient in AI, establishing strong training collaborations that have positioned over 2,600 individuals in AI, data analytics, and related fields. Cybersecurity positions Before entering politics in 200, Teo worked with Singapore’s Economic Development Board and its Agency for Science, Technology, and Research. 6. During her prior tenure as minister for manpower, she initiated a decade-long plan to elevate retirement and reemployment ages, and actively promoted a 30% cumulative More pay for vital staff and enhanced wage aid for Singapore's citizens most in need.—Ayesha Khanna, CEO of Addo AI
Yuriko Koike
Upon assuming the governorship of Tokyo in 2016, Yuriko Koike promptly initiated efforts to enhance efficiency. A key reform she introduced was discontinuing the use of seals, or "chops," on official papers, a dated tradition that had previously resisted alteration. Colleagues describe Koike as a refreshing change. I have been acquainted with Koike for more than two decades. She made a name for herself while serving as Japan's environment and defense minister. Among her initiatives was the “Cool Biz” campaign, which prompted men to forgo neckties and offices to raise their thermostats as a means of saving energy. During her tenure as Tokyo's governor, Koike oversaw the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 Olympics, making nightly appearances on television to update the public on government actions. Significant progress has been made in Japan concerning gender diversity. However, the demand for greater female representation in leadership roles remains largely unmet. Though 70% of Japanese women are employed, a significant portion, 50% of that group, work in part-time roles. This has contributed to a shortage of women in positions of power, both in politics and commerce. Koike's professional path offers a strong contrasting example. Her history of reform, effective communication, and adept crisis management expands opportunities for women and enhances Tokyo's global leadership capabilities. D stage.—Kathy Matsui, General Partner, MPower Partners
Michelle Yeoh
Following her 2023 Academy Award win for Best Actress for her transformative performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once”, Michelle Yeoh has emerged A strong proponent of inclusion in movies. Having worked for more than forty years, Yeoh has been instrumental in opening doors for Asian actors worldwide. She first gained renown in Hong Kong's film industry, particularly for her performances in action movies such as “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”. She has since moved to Hollywood, receiving praise for her adaptability and skill across a range of characters. Beyond advocacy, she has championed causes such as gender equality and environmental sustainability, utilizing her social media presence and public platform Disrupting commitments to advocate for transformation.
Xin Zhilei
Following her memorable performance in Wong Kar-wai’s “Blossoms Shanghai,” Xin Zhilei further solidified her global acclaim last month by securing the Best Actress award. The Venice Film Festival recognized her with an award for "The Sun Rises on Us All." This achievement makes her the third Chinese actor to receive such an honor. On Weibo, China's premier microblogging service, and Instagram, her suggestions significantly elevate books, movies, and new talent. Her brand collaborations and red-carpet appearances steer fashion discussions throughout Asia, and away from the spotlight, she's advocating for more compelling screenplays and Featuring leading roles for women.
Alexandra “Alex” Eala
Alexandra Eala paves the way for tennis in the Philippines. At only 20 years old, she made her debut in a WTA Tour final in June. She then secured a WTA 125 title, and now possesses a junior Grand Slam singles championship. Having trained in both Manila and at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, she now consistently competes in the main draws of Grand Slam tournaments, reaching a peak ranking of Item Number Fifty-fourth in worldwide rankings. Her achievements have boosted tennis's visibility throughout Southeast Asia, with a notable impact in the Philippines. The expansion of tennis courts, coaching, and girls' programs by federations and schools demonstrates how a single athlete can significantly elevate a sport's professional standing. Document
Eileen Feng Gu
Eileen Gu captivated the global stage in 2022, achieving a historic feat by securing three Olympic medals in freestyle skiing at just eighteen years old. Gu, born in San Francisco to a Chinese mother, chose to represent China, a decision that served to connect cultures while simultaneously igniting debate. Questions surrounding who belongs and what it means to be part of a nation. While global political strains might complicate her effort to bridge that cultural gap, Gu has kept her attention fixed on athletics and her advocacy work, Advocating for increased recognition of psychological well-being and ecological balance. Gu is also a highly sought-after model and brand ambassador, collaborating with both local and international companies such as Luckin Coffee, JD.com, Estee Lauder, and Tiffany and Associates
Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka exemplifies how national identity can be malleable, particularly within the sphere of top-tier professional athletics. Naomi Osaka, a 1997 Japanese-born athlete, dedicated the majority of her formative years in the United States to rigorous training as a professional tennis player. She has proudly acknowledged her Japanese heritage, competing for the Asian nation in global athletic events and igniting the Olympic flame during the 2020 The Tokyo Olympics. Osaka has leveraged her prominence to advocate for social issues and the significance of mental well-being. She has returned to the court after a short hiatus occasioned by the birth of her child.
She is also taking on the mantle of a cultural influencer. She has established her own talent agency and is dedicating resources to initiatives that will advance women's contributions in the field. Sports are essential. Osaka continues to lead discussions in global culture; her personalized Labubu dolls, such as "Andre Swagassi," are fueling the worldwide excitement surrounding Pop Mart's popular collectibles.
Zheng Qinwen
Zheng Qinwen stands as the defining figure of Chinese women's tennis. She achieved Olympic singles tennis gold in Paris and made it to the Australian Open final in 2024. By June this year, she had reached the number one spot. Ranked fourth globally, a distinction achieved by only one other Chinese woman before her, Li Na, in reaching the top five. Her impact is evident in popular culture and professional sports alike, having sparked watch parties and motivated a greater number of Chinese tennis players. She has also demonstrated her marketability as an athlete, holding ambassador roles with Dior and partnerships with Rolex and Audi.
Further notes from Nicholas Gordon, Charmaine Ng and Ashleigh Nghiem.