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In recent years, many women have played a crucial role in driving this growth by establishing and leading successful businesses across different industries. These women have shattered the glass ceiling and paved the way for other aspiring female entrepreneurs to follow in their footsteps. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most powerful businesswomen in Southeast Asia, their achievements, and their impact on their respective industries.
Most powerful women in Southeast Asia Here are some of the most powerful businesswomen in Southeast Asia, based on their influence and impact in their respective industries.
1. Ho Ching (Singapore) – CEO of Temasek Holdings, one of the largest investment companies in Asia Ho Ching is a prominent businesswoman from Singapore who served as the CEO of Temasek, a Singaporean sovereign wealth fund, from 2004 to 2021. Under her leadership, the portfolio of Temasek grew to more than $313 billion. She joined Temasek as a Director in 2002 and became its Executive Director in 2004. After stepping down as CEO, she continued to serve as the Director of Temasek Trust since 2021. Ho Ching is considered one of Asia’s most powerful women in business and is known for her leadership and strategic vision.
2. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao (Vietnam) – founder and CEO of VietJet Air, Vietnam’s largest private airline Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao is a successful businesswoman from Vietnam and the President and CEO of VietJet Air, a budget airline she launched in 2011. She is also the President of Sovico Group and Vice Chairperson of HDBank. Thao is the first self-made woman billionaire in Vietnam, and she took VietJet Air public in February 2017. She was born in Hanoi and reportedly made her riches while studying in Russia. She became a millionaire by distributing goods to her fellow Vietnamese students. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao is known for her innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, which has helped her to succeed in the competitive aviation industry.
3. Alice Eduardo (Philippines) – founder and CEO of Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corp., one of the largest construction companies in the Philippines Alice Eduardo is a successful businesswoman from the Philippines who has been recognized for her achievements in entrepreneurship. She was named one of Go Negosyo’s 50 Inspiring Women of Passion. Her family has a background in businesses such as rice milling and trading and garment exports in Nueva Ecija. Alice Eduardo is also known for her leadership skills and generosity, which she believes are critical to building a better future.
4. Noni Purnomo (Indonesia) – CEO of Blue Bird Group, Indonesia’s largest taxi operator
Noni Purnomo is a prominent businesswoman from Indonesia and the President and Director of Blue Bird Group Holding. She is also the Commissioner of PT Blue Bird and CEO of several group subsidiaries. As the President and Director of Blue Bird Holding Group, which is the largest taxi service in Indonesia, Noni oversees its passenger land transportation, logistics, and other related services. She holds a Bachelor’s degree and has been increasingly involved in the Blue Bird Group professionally after returning to Indonesia. Noni Purnomo is known for her leadership and contribution to developing the transportation industry in Indonesia.
5. Arundhati Bhattacharya (India) – former chairperson of State Bank of India, the largest bank in India by assets Arundhati Bhattacharya is a prominent Indian banker who served as the first woman chairperson of the State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest bank. She has been recognized for her contributions to the banking industry and was ranked by Forbes as the 25th most powerful woman in the world in 2016. Bhattacharya has also been awarded numerous accolades throughout her career, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan award in 2019 for her services in the field of trade and industry. In addition to her role at SBI, Bhattacharya has also served on various advisory boards and councils, such as the India-Japan Business Leaders Forum. She is considered a trailblazer for women in the Indian banking sector. She continues to inspire future generations of female leaders.
6. Vivy Yusof (Malaysia) – co-founder of FashionVale, one of the most successful e-commerce retail companies in Malaysia Vivy Yusof is a Malaysian entrepreneur, fashion icon, model, and blogger. She co-founded FashionValet and The dUCk Group, a popular e-commerce retail company and fashion label, respectively. Yusof held a law degree and was previously a corporate lawyer before starting her own business. She won numerous awards for her entrepreneurship and contributions to the fashion industry, including Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia in 2016 and Her World’s Young Woman Achiever Award in 2015. Yusof is also known for her fashion-forward style and has collaborated with various fashion brands for special collections.
7. Preeyanart Soontornwata (Thailand) – CEO of B.Grimm Power, a leading energy company in Thailand Preeyanart Soontornwata is a prominent businesswoman from Thailand who has held various high-level positions in the country’s business landscape. She is currently the CEO of B.Grimm Power. This renewable energy company operates in Thailand and other countries in the region. Soontornwata has been with B.Grimm Power for over 20 years, starting as the company’s President and CEO in her thirties. She has been credited with keeping the company afloat during challenging times, having assumed the position of President and CFO. Soontornwata is also the former Vice Chairman and Executive Director of B Grimm PCL.
8. Win Win Tint (Myanmar) – CEO of City Holdings, the largest retail outlet in Myanmar Win Win Tint is a successful Burmese businesswoman and entrepreneur who is the CEO of City Holdings. She took over the management of City Mart Holding Company at the age of 21. She expanded the company to become the leading modern retail company in Myanmar, with over 200 outlets and 8,500 employees. Under her leadership, the company launched other retail and food and beverage brands. Win Win is also the founder of the Pahtama Group, one of Myanmar’s fastest-growing distributors of consumer products. She currently serves as the president of the Myanmar Retailers Association. Win Win’s achievements have earned her several international honors and awards, including being appointed a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Forbes Magazine ranks her as one of the 50 most powerful businesswomen in Asia-Pacific. In addition, she is known for her passion for developing the younger generation of Myanmar for the future of retail business.
9. Teresita Sy-Coson (Philippines) – Chairperson of SM Investments, one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines Teresita Sy-Coson is a prominent Filipino businesswoman who is the current Chairperson of SM Investments Corporation, the largest retailer in the Philippines. She is also the daughter of the founder of the company, Henry Sy Sr. Teresita played a key role in the company’s success, starting from a small shoe store to a diversified conglomerate that includes SM malls, banking, and property development. She has been named one of Forbes’ most powerful women in Asia and one of the 100 most powerful women in the world by Forbes Magazine. Besides her business career, Teresita is also known for her philanthropic work. She founded the SM Foundation, which focuses on education and healthcare initiatives in the Philippines. The foundation has provided scholarships to thousands of students and has built numerous schools and medical facilities in the country. Her dedication to business and philanthropy has earned her numerous accolades, including the Philippine Legion of Honor and the Management Man of the Year Award.
10. Suphajee Suthumpun (Thailand) – CEO of Dusit International, a hospitality company with properties in Thailand and other countries Suphajee Suthumpun is a leading Thai businesswoman who is the CEO of Dusit Thani Public Company Limited. This hospitality company owns and operates hotels and resorts around the world. She has been instrumental in the company’s growth and expansion, leading it to become a global brand with over 300 properties in more than 18 countries. Suphajee is known for her strategic vision and ability to adapt to changing business environments. She has been recognized for her leadership and business acumen by various organizations, including being named one of Forbes Asia’s Power Businesswomen. In addition to her role at Dusit Thani, Suphajee is committed to promoting sustainable tourism and has been involved in various initiatives to reduce the hospitality industry’s environmental footprint. She is also passionate about supporting women in business and has spoken at various conferences and events. Suphajee’s achievements have earned her numerous awards and accolades, including the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability Awards and the Thailand Best CEO Award.
In conclusion, the most powerful businesswomen in Southeast Asia are truly inspiring figures who have made significant contributions to their industries and the region’s economic growth. Their hard work, determination, and innovative spirit have broken barriers and shattered stereotypes, proving that women can excel in any field they choose. As we continue to celebrate and support these women, we can look forward to a future where gender equality is the norm and more women can achieve their dreams and positively impact society.
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