Introducing Fortune’s first Asia’s Most Influential Women

Here’s who reached out luckThe first-ever ‘Women of Influence’: twelve women from pop culture, policy-making, and professional sports, who together demonstrate the diverse ways in which power is expressed across the Asia-Pacific region.

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Blackpink

Hallyu, the Korean wave, is taking over the world — and girl group Blackpink has been on top. Lisa, Jennie, Rosé and Jisoo have broken several records since their debut in 2016: first a million, then two million copies sold album in South Korea; The first Korean group to top the Billboard 200 album chart; Concert tour top artist. Blackpink, K-Pop, and K-Cin-Culture more broadly, are a source of “soft power” in South Korea, expanding the country’s cultural influence across Asia and beyond.

Blackpink’s solo artists have launched their own agencies and are trying to become stars in their own right: Lisa’s Lloud, Jennie’s Odd Atelier, and Jisoo’s Blissoo. It’s a new project for K-Pop, which is usually dominated by big agencies like YG Entertainment (which owns Blackpink), Hybe, and SM Entertainment. Now, Lisa, Jenny and others are branching out into new media like television and fashion.Nicholas Gordon, Fortune Asia editor

Josephine Teo

Appointed as Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information in 2024, Josephine Teo is the driving force behind Smart Nation 2.0, which commits 1 billion Singapore dollars ($780 million) towards artificial intelligence for the public good. The TEO oversaw updates to the country’s leading AI governance framework – one of the world’s first national AI strategies – the introduction of new AI guidelines and the announcement of global safety initiatives at the AI ​​Action 2025 summit in France. It has prioritized building the AI ​​workforce, with strong training partnerships that place more than 2,600 professionals in AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity roles. Teo spent time at Singapore’s Economic Development Board and its Science, Technology and Research Agency before her political debut in 2006. In a previous role as Manpower Minister, she implemented a 10-year roadmap to raise superannuation and the most vulnerable citizens by 30%.Ayesha Khanna, CEO of Addo AI

Yuriko Quick

When Yuriko Koike became Tokyo’s governor in 2016, she wasted no time pushing for efficiency. One of her first reforms was to eliminate the use of “cuts,” or seals, on official documents, an ancient practice that no one had been able to change. The people who work at Kwik call it a breath of fresh air. I have known Kwik for over 20 years. She distinguished herself with stints as Minister of Environment and Defense of Japan. One initiative was its “Cool Biz” campaign, which encourages men to ditch the neck rows and desks for energy-conserving thermostats. As Tokyo governor, Koike managed the Covid pandemic and the 2020 Olympics: she was on TV every night, explaining what the government was doing. A lot of things have changed in Japan for the better when it comes to gender diversity. But what has not changed enough is the need for more women in decision-making positions. While 70% of Japanese women work outside the home, half of these work part-time. This has helped lead to a lack of women in leadership roles in politics and business. Koike’s career is a powerful counterexample. Her record as a reformer, communicator and crisis manager helps expand what is possible for women and enhances Tokyo’s ability to lead on the global stage.Cathy Matsui, General Partner, MPOWER Partners

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Michelle Yeoh

Since winning the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2023 for her leading role in Everything Everywhere at Once, Michelle Yeoh has become a strong advocate for representation in the film industry. With a career spanning over four decades, Yeoh has helped pave the way for Asian actors on the global stage. She began her journey in cinema in Hong Kong, where she won fame for her roles in action films such as “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”. She has since moved to Hollywood, where she has received acclaim for her versatility and depth in diverse roles. behind Acting, she has been advocating for causes such as gender equality and environmental sustainability, leveraging her social media presence and speaking engagements to push for change.

Shane Zli

Following her breakout role in Wong Kar-Wai’s “Blossoms Shanghai,” Chen Zili cemented her international rise last month when she won the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival for “The Sun Rises on Els.” She is only the third Chinese actor to claim this honor. On Weibo – CHINA’s leading microblogging platform – and InstagramIts recommendations promote books, films, and emerging creators. Brand partnerships and red carpet presence are shaping style conversations across Asia, while behind the scenes, she’s championing sharper scripts and casting females forward.

Alexandra “Alex” Ella

Alexandra Ayala is a Filipino tennis coach. She reached her first WTA June Tour final in just 20 years. She then added the WTA 125 title, and now owns the Grand Slam singles crown. Training in both Manila and Rafa Nadal’s academy in Mallorca, Spain, she is now a regular feature in the main Grand Slam draws, rising to No. 54 in the world rankings. Its success raised the profile of tennis throughout Southeast Asia, especially in the Philippines. Federations and schools are now expanding tennis courts, training programs and girls – proof that one athlete is all it takes to boost an athlete’s profile.

Elaine Feng Guo

Elaine Gu took the world by storm when she made history in 2022, winning three Olympic medals in freestyle skiing at the age of 18. Born in San Francisco to a Chinese mother, Guo’s decision to compete for the Chinese team, meanwhile, sparked discussions about identity and nationalism. Trying to navigate this cultural divide may have been made more difficult by geopolitical tensions, yet GU has remained focused on sports and advocacy, raising awareness of mental health and environmental sustainability. GU is also a sought-after model and brand ambassador, working with both local and international brands such as Luckin Coffee jd.comand Estee Lauderand Tiffany & What.

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka shows that national identity can be a fluid thing, especially in the world of elite professional sports. Osaka, born in Japan in 1997, has spent most of her life in the United States, training to become an elite tennis player. She has embraced her Japanese heritage, representing the Asian nation in international sporting competitions and lighting the Olympic torch at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Osaka has used her platform to champion social causes and the importance of mental health. She has now returned to the field after a short break following the birth of her child.

She’s also embracing her role as a cultural flair: She’s launched her own talent agency and is investing in endeavors to boost the field of women’s sports. And Osaka continues to lead the global cultural conversation: Custom Labubu dolls — like “Andre Swagassi” — contribute to the global hype over the buzzy Pop Mart toys.

Cheng Chenwen

Zheng Qinwen defines Chinese women’s tennis. In 2024, she won Olympic gold in singles tennis in Paris and reached the final of the Australian Open. By June this year, she had risen to fourth place in the world rankings – only the second Chinese woman after Li Na to enter the top five. Its influence is seen in pop culture as much as in professional sports: it inspired watch parties and encouraged more Chinese tennis players. She has proven to be a marketable athlete as well, as a global ambassador for Dior and a partner of Rolex and Audi.

Additional dives written by Nicholas Gordon, Charmaine Ng And Ashley.