4 Pinoys crack Forbes list of influential young Asians

MANILA, Philippines - Four Filipino entrepreneurs and a Philippine-based Iranian made it to Forbes’ 2017 list of the most influential Asians under 30, the magazine announced over the weekend.

The list includes Matthew Cua, founder of SkyEye Analytics; Carl Ocab, founder of Carl Ocab Internet Marketing Services, Maricor Bunal, chief operating officer of Growth Solutions Inc., Gian Scottie Javelona, founder of OrangeApps and Shahab Shabibi, co-founder of Machine Ventures.

The 2017 “30 Under 30 Asia” list features 300 young innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders who are challenging conventions and making an impact in today’s world, Forbes said..

The second annual list includes 30 honorees for each of the 10 categories that make up the list. The 10 categories are Consumer Technology; Enterprise Technology; Entertainment & Sports; The Arts; Finance & Venture Capital; Industry, Manufacturing & Energy; Healthcare & Science; Social Entrepreneurs; Media, Marketing & Advertising; and Retail & E-commerce.

“This year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list highlights the diversity of talent in this vast region, with 300 impressive young entrepreneurs from all walks of life pushing the boundaries of innovation. It’s fascinating to see how these millennials are using technology to disrupt their industries, empower their communities and overcome cultural barriers,” said Forbes Media senior digital editor Rana Wehbe.

Furthermore, Forbes said this year’s list showcases a number of women in Asia who are advocates for social change and are defying stereotypes and prejudice to set a positive example for what women in this part of the world can achieve.

Another highlight of the year’s list includes the region’s most influential millennials, such as swimmer Joseph Schooling, who beat American Michael Phelps to win Singapore’s first Olympic gold medal and Grammy award-winning singer Lorde from New Zealand.

To make it to the list, the honorees must show leadership and disruption in their field; entrepreneurial mind-set and results; and the likelihood of changing their field over the next half-century.

Forbes received more than 1,200 submissions but only 300 applicants made the final cut.

Meanwhile, Forbes will hold its Second Annual “Under 30 Summit Asia” in Manila on July 25, 2017.

The second annual summit will convene honorees from the 2016 and 2017 Forbes “30 Under 30 Asia” lists.