Singapore — Forbes Asia’s annual Power Businesswomen list for 2025 has spotlighted 20 female leaders across 12 countries, underscoring the shifting dynamics of corporate governance in Asia. Among the most notable are Kuok Hui Kwong, chairman and CEO of Shangri‑La Asia, and Png Chin Yee, CFO and incoming president of Temasek Singapore. Their inclusion reflects both legacy and innovation in reshaping the region’s business landscape.
Kuok Hui Kwong, inheriting the mantle from her father Robert Kuok, has steered Shangri‑La through a slowdown in mainland China, its largest market. Her leadership demonstrates resilience in navigating cyclical downturns while expanding managed properties globally. Investigators note that her strategy blends traditional family‑owned governance with modern corporate practices, a hybrid model increasingly common in Asia’s luxury sector.
Png Chin Yee’s trajectory at Temasek highlights the power of professional managers in state‑linked enterprises. As CFO, she oversaw record portfolio growth to S$434 billion, and from April 2026 she will lead Temasek’s Singapore‑based portfolio worth S$200 billion. Analysts point out that her rise signals a shift toward meritocratic leadership in institutions traditionally dominated by political or familial ties.
The list also includes leaders from banking, consumer goods, transportation, and technology. More than half are professional managers, while three are first‑generation entrepreneurs. This diversity illustrates the evolving pathways for women in Asia’s corporate hierarchy, challenging stereotypes and redefining governance models.
Forbes Asia’s recognition is not merely celebratory. It raises questions about structural barriers, succession planning, and the sustainability of women’s leadership in male‑dominated industries. By spotlighting these figures, the list functions as both a mirror of progress and a probe into the challenges that remain.
