Forbes names nine Filipino listees in its ’30 Under 30’ for 2026

Forbes named nine Filipino entries in its “30 Under 30” Asia list this year, recognizing young entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators across the Asia-Pacific region.

“The 11th edition of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list spotlights a fresh wave of young minds from across Asia Pacific, who continue to innovate and disrupt their industries at a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping our daily live,” Forbes Asia Editorial Director and Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Editor Rana Wehbe Watson said in a statement.

“This year’s listees illustrate Gen-Z’s influence across business and culture in the region,” she added.

The annual list features 10 categories, including AI, consumer & enterprise technology, entertainment & sports, finance & venture capital, healthcare & science, industry, manufacturing & energy, retail & ecommerce, social impact, social media, marketing & advertising, and the arts (art & style, food & drink).

Tennis player Alexandra Eala and singer-songwriter Zack Tabudlo were listed under the entertainment & sports category.

Meanwhile, the retail & ecommerce section has logged Fan Connection SEA Cofounders Pauline Dizon and Adrian Jumangit, Amico Innovations Cofounder Kharl Christian Yeung, and GoRocky Cofounders Kiyanusch Braun and Martin Joaquin Palaña.

The social impact roster also mentioned Siklab Philippines Founder Saje Miguel Molato, Empath Founder Steph Naval, and ASEAN Youth Advocates Network Founder Emmanuel Mirus Ponon. While BayaniChain Tech Cofounders Brandon Angelo Wong and Raphael Sevilla, with Paul Soliman, appeared in the consumer & enterprise group.

Last year, seven Filipinos made it to the list, including girl group BINI, chess prodigy Daniel Quizon, entrepreneurs Raya Buensuceso and Ysabel Chua, food sustainability advocate Anna Beatriz Suavengco, youth leader Jasper Ruby Vijar, and visual artist Renren Galen.

The candidates for the list were selected through online submissions, filtered by Forbes Asia reporters and editors, and recommendations from industry sources and alumni.

The Forbes Asia team and a panel of experts, including 30 Under 30 alumni, evaluated close to 4,000 candidates from 18 countries and territories.

Of the 300 selected listees, roughly a quarter are women, and the average age is 26.

India has the most entries at 78, followed by China with 46, Australia with 38, and Japan with 32. Indonesia, Singapore, and South Korea each have 18 entries. — Almira Louise S. Martinez