Forbes 30 UNDER 30 ASIA 2021

As Asia sees the light at the end of the Covid-19 tunnel, activists, entrepreneurs, scientists and young leaders on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2021 list are hard at work realizing the new normal. After the toughest year in their generation, these 300 Millennials and Gen Zs have persevered to survive and even thrive despite long lockdowns, restricted travel and uncertainties on all fronts. Most continued to grow their businesses and adapt to the changes brought about by the pandemic, while a few have even dared to start their ventures in the middle of crisis, spotting opportunities where others see obstacles. Selected from over 2,500 nominations and vetted by our team of reporters and a panel of A-list judges, these trailblazers are unparalleled examples of determination, hard work and innovation.

- RANA WEHBE WATSON

STELLA BENNETT “BENEE”

Age: 20 • Singer-songwriter • New Zealand

Stella Bennett’s single “Supalonely” about breaking up with her boyfriend went viral on TikTok early last year before it exploded on global music charts. Her track has racked up 2.3 billion streams and 211 million views on YouTube. The Kiwi singer, who goes by the stage name Benee, also won Best Solo Artist at the 2020 Aotearoa Music Awards in New Zealand. While her overseas tour was canceled last year due to the pandemic, she performed virtually for U.S. talk show hosts Ellen DeGeneres and Jimmy Fallon, while her sellout Auckland show in October was globally streamed. Following the November release of her debut album Hey U X, Bennett is back in the studio and working on new material, she says by email. She has also launched a women-run record label called Olive. “The idea of supporting up-and-coming artists really appeals to me,” she adds. “I’m always looking out for potential artists to work with.” —Jennifer Wells

JUDGES: Kuok Meng Ru, CEO, BandLab Technologies (Singapore); Teh Hua Fung, group president, One Championship (Singapore)

ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

Hye-jin Ahn “Hwasa,” 25 South Korea Singer

Alex Albon, 24 Thailand F1 driver, Red Bull Racing

Maudy Ayunda, 26 Indonesia Singer