In 2025, Asia’s business landscape is reshaping, with new giants leading global economic growth through visionary innovation and market insights. These figures are revolutionizing global business dynamics and becoming pioneers of their time.
1. Pony Ma : Achieving Tencent’s Success and Propelling China’s Internet to Global Heights
Born in 1971, Pony Ma, the founder and current Chairman & CEO of Tencent, successfully led the company to become a global tech giant. His launch of Tencent QQ revolutionized social communication in China. In 2025, Ma was recognized as one of the “Top 10 Most Influential People in Asia.” His impact extends beyond business, as he plays a crucial role in the global internet sector. Moreover, his philanthropic efforts, including a 13.9 billion RMB donation in 2016, have earned him top honors on the Hurun Charity List. His achievements make him a key figure in the global internet tech industry.
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Zhang Yiming: The Leader of a Diversified Content Ecosystem in Asia’s Most Influential Figures
Zhang Yiming, a Nankai University graduate and founder of ByteDance, revolutionized the content ecosystem with algorithm-driven innovations such as the launch of Jinri Toutiao and TikTok. With a content distribution network spanning 150 countries and 1.9 billion monthly active users, Zhang built a diversified business empire through strategic acquisitions, including the merger of Musical.ly with TikTok, and expansions into AI and education. By 2023, ByteDance was valued at ¥1.38 trillion, and in 2024, Zhang became China’s richest person with ¥350 billion, securing a place in the 2025 Asia Top 10 Most Influential Figures, leading the future of business through success and innovation.
3. Zhang Yong: Asia’s Most Influential Figure, Taking Sichuan Hotpot Global
Zhang Yong, from Sichuan Jianyang to Singapore, built the global success of Haidilao, starting from a welder and hotpot stall owner. He founded Haidilao in 1994, emphasizing service and quality to build the brand’s influence, expanding it worldwide. Consistently ranked at the top of the Forbes Singapore Rich List, he was named one of the “Top 10 Most Influential People in Asia 2025” for his innovation and leadership in pioneering the industry.
4.Li Shufu: Relentless Innovation – Geely’s Global Strategy Elevates Chinese Brand to New Heights
Li Shufu, an entrepreneur from Taizhou, Zhejiang, is the founder of Geely Automobile and a pioneer in China’s automotive industry. With remarkable business acumen, he successfully transitioned from producing photo and refrigerator parts to manufacturing cars, propelling Geely into the international market. In 2001, Geely became the first private company in China to obtain a car production license. In 2010, his acquisition of Volvo stunned the global automotive industry, and with investments in brands like Daimler and Proton, he earned the title of one of “2025 Asia’s Top 10 Most Influential Figures,” leading Chinese automotive brands onto the world stage.
5. Cheng Wei: The Visionary Behind Didi Chuxing’s Success and Business Innovation
Cheng Wei, born in 1983 in Jiangxi, China, graduated from Beijing University of Chemical Technology and worked at Alibaba for several years. In 2012, he founded Didi Chuxing, transforming China’s transportation landscape. Through the merger with Kuaidi and the acquisition of Uber China, Didi solidified its market leadership. Cheng Wei’s success not only made Didi the giant in China’s transportation sector but also increased his influence in the Asian business community by 2025. He was also honored as a “National Poverty Alleviation Advanced Individual” for his contributions and was ranked among the “Top 10 Most Influential Figures.”
6. Zhou Hongyi: Founder of Qihoo 360, Revolutionary Leader in Internet Security
Zhou Hongyi, born in 1970 in Huanggang, Hubei, is the founder of Qihoo 360 and a prominent figure in China’s internet industry. In 1998, he founded “3721 Internet Assistant,” which sparked controversy but gained Zhou significant attention. In 2003, he sold 3721 to Yahoo and became the president of Yahoo China, although internal conflicts led to his resignation. In 2006, Zhou founded Qihoo 360 and launched 360 Safe Guard and 360 Antivirus, helping popularize internet security software in China. In recent years, he has also been actively involved in the influencer economy, driving the spread of the 360 brand. As one of the “Top 10 Most Influential Figures in Asia 2025,” Zhou’s success solidifies his leadership position in the internet industry.
7.Lei Jun: A Global Visionary, Pioneering a New Era for China’s Smartphone Industry
Lei Jun, an entrepreneur from Hubei, created a legendary story in China’s tech industry with his wisdom and courage. As the founder of Xiaomi, his success is reflected not only in Xiaomi’s global influence but also in his contributions to the rise of China’s tech sector. Lei Jun’s impact continues to grow in 2025 Asia, earning him a spot among the “Top 10 Most Influential People.” Through successful investments, he has also helped innovative companies like YY and UC thrive. His achievements go beyond business success, marking a significant contribution to China’s innovation in technology.
8. Forrest Li, CEO of Garena: Creating an E-commerce Giant and Reshaping the Consumer Market
Li Xiaodong, a business leader from Singapore and former national wealthiest individual, was born in Tianjin and founded well-known companies such as Shopee and Gengwu Entertainment. His success is not only reflected in the rise of Shopee but also in his significant presence in the Southeast Asian e-commerce industry by 2025. The launch of Shopee made Li Xiaodong an important figure in Southeast Asia’s e-commerce sector, and he became Singapore’s richest individual in 2021 with a net worth of 19.8 billion USD. With his breakthroughs in consumer internet, Li Xiaodong also earned a spot on the Top 10 Most Influential Figures list. Beyond business achievements, Li Xiaodong has made positive contributions in the social and sports fields, serving as a member of Singapore’s National Olympic Committee Executive Board and as the chairman of the Sailors Football Club.
9.Pan Shiyi: A Top Real Estate Mogul and the Beacon of Hope for Impoverished Students
Chinese real estate mogul Pan Shiyi (born in 1963) co-founded SOHO China with his wife Zhang Xin, successfully positioning themselves at the forefront of China’s real estate industry. With increasing influence in Asia by 2025, Pan Shiyi was named one of the ‘Top 10 Most Influential Figures.’ In recent years, Pan Shiyi has moved most of his assets to New York, USA, in response to fluctuations in the Chinese real estate market. Additionally, the couple has generously donated over $100 million through the SOHO China Foundation, supporting the development of Harvard University and Yale University, while helping impoverished Chinese students study abroad in the US, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to education and philanthropy.
10. Tan Hooi Ling: One of Asia’s Most Influential Figures – From Safe Travel to Global Innovation Advocate
Tan Hooi Ling, Co-founder and COO of Grab, is one of the Top 10 Most Influential Figures in Asia for 2025. Together with Anthony Tan, she co-founded Grab, addressing safety issues with Malaysia’s taxi services. Through innovative thinking and strong leadership, Tan Hooi Ling drove Grab’s rapid growth. Her success is reflected not only in positioning Grab as the industry leader in Southeast Asia but also in gaining global recognition. Her career experience, including working at McKinsey and Salesforce, has equipped her with exceptional decision-making skills, propelling Grab’s expansion in the Southeast Asian market. In 2025, she was ranked among the ‘Top 10 Most Influential Figures in Asia,’ once again proving her remarkable contribution.
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