An associate professor of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM), Dr Ho Weang Kee taps into the power of numbers to revolutionise breast cancer risk assessment for Asian women. She employs advanced statistical methods to analyse genetic data, identifying subtle variations that, when combined, affect breast cancer risk.

The statistician’s work has been recognised around the world, having received the Wellcome Trust Career Development Award, which comes with £1.92 million in funds to further important research. Co-hosted by UNM and Cancer Research Malaysia, the eight-year research programme will develop novel breast cancer risk stratification and communication methods tailored for diverse Asian populations.

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Dr Ho Thi Thanh Van is a trailblazing scientist whose research in clean energy is shaping the future of sustainable power. Her work on hydrogen fuel cells stands at the intersection of innovation and necessity, offering a viable alternative to dwindling fossil fuels. After earning her PhD from the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (and developing US and Taiwanese patents in groundbreaking energy technologies), Dr Van returned to Vietnam, determined to drive progress in renewable energy research. She has participated in numerous science and technology projects worldwide, and her prolific publication record reflects her influence on the global scientific community.

Her achievements have not gone unnoticed: in 2020, she was named to The Asian Scientist 100 list, and in 2022, she received the prestigious L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Rising Talent Award.  

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Nanotechnologist Jackie Ying is recognised globally for her scientific work. She received the King Faisal Prize for Science laureate in 2023 for her work on the synthesis of various advanced nanomaterials and systems, and was elected Fellow of the US National Academy of Inventors, the highest professional accolade bestowed to academic inventors, in 2017.

Ying contributes to the scientific community further as a founder and leader, establishing the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology in 2003, and serving as an advisor of the Biomedical Research Council of A*STAR, the “convenor of significant research initiatives among the research community in Singapore”.

In 2024, Ying received the Tatler Impact Award for Innovation. Of her work, she said to Tatler: “Over the years, we’ve had more than 2,000 students doing research with [IBN] through our youth research programme—and a lot of them young women and minorities. Some of them came back as staff, or as PhD students. We’re glad that there’s a lasting legacy when it comes to contributing to research in Singapore and also in talent development.”

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An associate professor with the Department of Marine Science at Chulalongkorn University, Dr Suchana Chavanich focuses her study on nearshore species, marine biodiversity and marine ecosystems, including 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. She engages 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. 

In recognition of her role in fostering research collaboration between Thailand and France, she was awarded the Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques (Knight of the Order of Academic Palms) by the French government in 2024.

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Gynaecological oncologist Dr Woo Yin Ling introduced Programme Rose, a groundbreaking cervical screening programme that replaces traditional Pap smears with a more accessible HPV self-sampling method. The innovative approach has empowered over 20,000 women in Malaysia to undergo screening, increasing early detection and improving health outcomes in the fight against cervical cancer.

“Having seen the devastating impact of a cancer diagnosis on individuals and families, seizing the opportunity to make a difference is crucial. Unlike many other cancers, this is one cancer where we have [to act] now,” said Woo, who is the founding trustee and advisor at Rose Foundation, to Tatler.

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.”

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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.

Adding to her achievements, 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.

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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. 

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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.

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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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