By: Women’s Fitness Asia
On November 5, 2024, Forbes Asia unveiled its annual Power Businesswomen List, spotlighting 20 exceptional female leaders who are driving innovation, overcoming industry challenges, and shaping the future of business in Asia. This year’s list celebrates women who have achieved historic milestones, such as becoming the first female CEOs of their companies, leading large-scale transformations, and breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Rana Wehbe Watson, the editor of the list, emphasized the resilience and boldness of this year’s honorees:
“From leading property developers and financial institutions to innovating in EVs and manufacturing, they are instilling bold strategies and a renewed sense of optimism in industries across the region.”
Celebrating Game-Changing Leadership
These women represent a new wave of leadership, setting precedents across industries. Some highlights from the 2024 list include:
Shina Chung – CEO, Kakao (South Korea)
In March 2024, Shina Chung became Kakao’s first female CEO. Steering one of South Korea’s largest tech giants, she is streamlining operations by selling noncore assets while spearheading an ambitious AI initiative to boost profitability.
Miwako Date – President & CEO, Mori Trust Holdings (Japan)
Leading one of Japan’s top property developers since 2016, Miwako Date is reshaping Tokyo’s real estate landscape. Her vision includes expanding luxury hotels and high-end condominiums, ensuring the company’s future amid changing market demands.
Tan Su Shan – Deputy CEO & Incoming CEO, DBS Group (Singapore)
A veteran banker, Tan Su Shan is set to become the first woman to lead Southeast Asia’s largest lender by assets in March 2025. With over a decade of expertise at DBS, she has redefined consumer banking and wealth management while championing institutional growth.
Stella Li – VP, BYD (China)
Stella Li is leading BYD’s ambitious global expansion, overseeing operations in the Americas and Europe. Her efforts include establishing manufacturing hubs in Hungary and Mexico, advancing the EV giant’s goal of making international sales account for 50% of its revenue.
Bonnie Chan – CEO, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX)
As the first female CEO of HKEX, Bonnie Chan has revitalized Hong Kong’s IPO market. In Q2 2024, IPO activity surged under her leadership, highlighted by the $4 billion listing of Chinese appliance maker Midea.
Legacy Builders and Innovators
Other honorees include leaders whose contributions span decades:
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Nyrika Holkar (India), a key figure in the 127-year-old Godrej Enterprises Group, is modernizing the conglomerate while navigating complex family business dynamics.
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Mitsuko Tottori (Japan), the first female CEO of Japan Airlines, has redefined leadership in the aviation sector, proving that progress can take flight from the ground up.
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Feny Djoko Susanto (Indonesia), who transformed her family’s retail empire, now oversees 22,000 stores and international expansions.
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Maggi Chen (Taiwan), cofounder of Chenbro Micom, pivoted her company toward server chassis production, aligning with the booming AI and cloud computing markets.
Leading Through Innovation
These leaders exemplify how women are driving transformation across diverse sectors, from Vicki Brady‘s tech-forward strategy at Telstra in Australia to Miwako Date’s expansion into luxury real estate in Japan. Collectively, they embody resilience, vision, and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities.
