In September 2005, Forbes Asia launched with a bold mission: to chronicle the rise of the world’s most economically dynamic region. Twenty years later, the magazine’s retrospective reveals a sweeping narrative of transformation, resilience, and ambition across the Asia-Pacific.
From the early days of China’s prosperity boom to the digital revolutions in India and Southeast Asia, Forbes Asia has tracked the region’s ascent through the lens of its wealth creators. In 2006, just 115 Asians made the World’s Billionaires list. By 2025, that number had surged to 1,046, with a combined net worth of $4.2 trillion. China and India now trail only the U.S. in billionaire count, underscoring Asia’s central role in global capital flows.
Beyond the ultra-rich, Forbes Asia spotlighted emerging players through its “Best Under A Billion” list, showcasing small and midsized companies poised for breakout success. Alumni include Alibaba, Baidu, AirAsia, and Infosys—firms that have since become household names.
The magazine also expanded its editorial scope to reflect shifting cultural and generational dynamics. The “Asia’s Power Businesswomen” list, launched in 2012, celebrated female leadership across industries, while the “30 Under 30” roster, introduced in 2016, captured the energy of millennial and Gen Z innovators.
Profiles over the years have ranged from titans like Li Ka-shing and Masayoshi Son to disruptors like DJI’s Frank Wang and Xiaomi’s Lei Jun. The retrospective also revisits pivotal moments: Singapore Airlines’ rebound post-SARS, Adani’s rise and fall amid controversy, and the evolution of SoftBank’s Vision Fund from crisis to AI-fueled resurgence.
What emerges is a portrait of a region that has not only generated immense wealth but also redefined global business norms. From data centers to digital banking, luxury hospitality to sustainable infrastructure, Asia’s entrepreneurs continue to shape the future.
As Forbes Asia enters its third decade, its legacy is clear: a chronicle of ambition, adaptation, and enduring impact.
