PETALING JAYA – Nine young Malaysians made it to the Forbes third annual “30 Under 30 Asia” list, featuring 300 young disruptors, innovators and entrepreneurs across Asia, all under the age of 30, who are challenging conventional wisdom and rewriting the rules for the next generation.

Halal cosmetic brand Zahara founder and CEO Amira Geneid, 25, is the sole Malaysian featured in The Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Class of 2018, which includes 30 honourees in 10 categories. Amira was honoured in the arts (art & style, food & drink) category.

Among the other eight listees from Malaysia are Orkid Cosmetics CEO Raeesa Sya; dahmakan founder Jonathan Weins; singer Shila Amzah and NEM.io Foundation global director of partnership & strategic alliances Jason Lee.

Themed “disruption and innovation”, this year’s list features a distinctive list of 300 youthful visionaries and disruptors. Honourees were vetted and selected by a panel of accomplished and acclaimed judges in each category.

Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia editor Rana Wehbe said Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia 2018 List celebrates inspiring game-changers who are disrupting their sectors and not taking “no” for an answer. From refurbishing old sneakers to addressing footwear shortage that affects billions of people, to taking the Airbnb approach with satellites, there’s no shortage of innovative ideas among this year’s honorees.

We also noticed that many of this year’s honourees’ businesses reflect their lifestyle choices and ethos, addressing issues important to their generation. Whether it’s establishing the world’s first wedding magazine specifically catering to the LGBTQ+ brides, or founding a luxury halal-certified makeup brand, this year’s list showcases Asia’s diversity and inclusiveness,” Wehbe said.

Across the region, India had the highest number of honourees with 65 on this year’s list, followed by China with 59 honourees and Australia with 35 honourees. Notably, it is also the first time that honourees from North Korea, Fiji, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan appeared on the list.

More than 2,000 submissions were received but only 300 made the final cut. The criteria for honourees making the list included leadership and disruption in their field; entrepreneurial mind-set and results; and the likelihood of changing their field over the next half-century.

-Source : thesundaily.my