An associate professor with the Department of Marine Science at Chulalongkorn University, Dr Chavanich focuses her study on nearshore species, marine biodiversity and marine ecosystems. In 2024, she co-authored research on the propagation of coral reefs as a technique to enhance their genetic diversity. The award-winning marine biologist, who is part of the International Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, also contributes to the conservation of coral reefs by engaging with local communities in Thailand, advocating for the protection of coral reef health, while emphasising eco-friendly and sustainable solutions that contribute to the economy. 

Read Dr Suchana Apple Chanavich’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

For her groundbreaking work in the treatment of cervical cancer, Dr Woo Yin Ling received the Impact Award at Malaysia’s Tatler Ball in 2023. Of the honour, she said, “I hope that with this, we can do better work in the region and also have an impact globally.” Through the Rose Foundation, the gynaecological oncologist introduced Programme Rose, a cervical screening programme that uses a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling method instead of the pap smear. Because of the new test, more than 20,000 women in Malaysia have been screened for cervical cancer. She is also a Front & Female Awards Malaysia 2023 winner. 

Read Dr Woo Yin Ling’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Directing global research for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), molecular neuroscientist Nancy Ip has been instrumental in the fight against the neurodegenerative condition. In 2023, Ip and her team reached a breakthrough, identifying a cell surface protein found in immune cells of the brain as a therapeutic target for AD. Outside of her work in AD, Ip also became the first female president of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) in 2022. She is also the Morningside Professor of Life Science, the director of the Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the director of the State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience at HKUST.

Read Nancy Ip’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Dr Aivee Aguilar-Teo leads Aivee Group, one of the leading dermatology and cosmetic surgery centres in the Philippines. In its six locations, the dermatologist puts technology at the forefront, introducing innovations like the lifting treatment Sofwave and the Picasso Laser, the skin-rejuvenating laser, which was developed by Aguilar-Teo and her husband Dr Z Teo to treat scars, sun spots and stretch marks. “We always have to make room for learning and discovering new treatments to provide patients with the results that they want. It is important to continuously educate myself and do extensive research in this ever-evolving field,” she said to Tatler. 

Read Aivee Aguilar-Teo’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

As chairman of Formosa Biomedical Technology Corp and Formosa Smart Energy Technology Corporation (FSET), Sandy Wang shepherds the science and technology interests of Formosa Plastics Group, including the conglomerate’s foray into green energy. Committed to the global effort to reduce carbon emissions, Formosa invested NT$16 billion for the construction of FSET’s lithium iron phosphate battery cell plant, the largest in Taiwan. According to Wang, FSET was established to help Taiwan develop renewable energy and transition to carbon neutrality.

Read Sandy Wang’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Tatler Asia’s Most Influential is the definitive list of people shaping our world today. Asia’s Most Influential brings together the region's most innovative changemakers, industry titans and thought leaders who are driving positive impact in Asia and beyond. View the full list here.

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