Today, Forbes unveiled the ninth edition of its “30 Under 30 Asia” list, showcasing 300 young entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators from the Asia-Pacific region who are under 30 and reshaping industries through innovative approaches to business in the region. This year’s list highlights individuals from 10 diverse categories including The Arts, Entertainment & Sports, Finance & Venture Capital, Media, Marketing & Advertising, Retail & Ecommerce, Enterprise Technology, Industry, Manufacturing & Energy, Healthcare & Science, Social Impact, and Consumer Technology.
Featured among the luminaries is Dinara Punchihewa from Sri Lanka, a talented actress and filmmaker who made her mark in Bollywood in 2018 by writing, directing, and acting in her short film ‘Maala,’ which gained international festival acclaim. This led to her role in Prasanna Vithanage’s ‘Gaadi – Children of the Sun’ (2019) and subsequent films. A Queen Mary University of London alumna, Punchihewa also founded Punchi Actors, a nonprofit that exposes children from low-income backgrounds to theater and acting.
The list also celebrates the all-female, hijab-wearing Indonesian metal band Voice of Baceprot. Known for their bold defiance of stereotypes in their Muslim-majority country, the band went independent last year after releasing their debut album ‘Retas.’ They have been praised for their lyrical focus on issues like gender inequality and climate change, and they are set to be the first Indonesian musicians to perform at the UK’s Glastonbury festival.
Another group challenging norms is Japan’s Atarashii Gakko!, a four-member band known for their unique performances and philosophy of challenging the norms set for Japanese youth, promoting individuality and freedom. Since their formation, they have gained international attention, appearing at major festivals like Coachella and on U.S. television shows.
Highlighting female athletes, the list includes Park Hye-jeong from South Korea, who has recently been raising her country’s profile in women’s weightlifting, and Yin Ruoning, currently the No. 1 player in women’s golf globally. Additionally, Malaysian squash player Sivasangari Subramaniam, despite a severe accident, has made a remarkable comeback, winning multiple gold medals and setting her sights on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
This year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list not only reflects the achievements of these young trailblazers but also the profound impact they are making across various industries and communities.
