The South Asia region, encompassing countries like Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, is a vibrant hub of progress and innovation. From development in technology and education to hospitality and social entrepreneurship, this region is home to inspiring leaders driving transformation. In this article, we highlight the 10 Top Voices in Other Asia, individuals who have emerged as thought leaders across diverse fields. These individuals are setting benchmarks in their industries, creating meaningful change, and paving the way for future growth.
The 10 Top Voices in South Asia highlight the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that define South Asia region. They are leading groundbreaking initiatives in technology, fostering inclusive education, and championing sustainability in tourism. Whether it’s in driving strategic innovation, empowering underrepresented communities, or reshaping traditional industries, these leaders exemplify excellence and a commitment to progress.
Highlights
Rubaba Dowla
Rubaba Dowla, a seasoned leader in the ICT and telecommunications industry, currently serves as Country Managing Director at Oracle Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. With over 24 years of corporate experience, she has significantly shaped market dynamics, including transforming Grameenphone into a billion-dollar revenue leader. Beyond her corporate achievements, Rubaba champions women’s empowerment and holds multiple recognitions, such as the Anaya Top 10 Women Award and GSMA. Her journey reflects a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and innovation.
Sabira Mehrin
Sabira Mehrin, Founder and CEO of Wander Woman, has spent six years creating a vibrant community of over 150,000 female travelers. She combines her marketing expertise with a mission to empower women through travel opportunities and partnerships with global brands. Notably, Sabira’s innovative approach to gender empowerment has positioned her as a leader in social entrepreneurship. Additionally, her global ambassadorial engagements and extensive media features highlight her dedication to creating inclusive spaces for women travelers.
Farhana Akter
Farhana Akter is an influential LinkedIn thought leader who has transformed professional development through her extensive work in ICT and youth mentorship. Beginning her journey at UNDP Timor-Leste, she led initiatives driving sustainable development and technological innovation. Transitioning to her current role at Dotlines Bangladesh, she continues to foster impactful collaborations as Head of Program and Partnerships. Moreover, Farhana’s thriving online community, Farhanasstation, empowers over 300,000 LinkedIn members. Her unwavering focus on mentorship and collaboration has inspired countless young professionals to achieve their goals and drive meaningful change.
Ramesh Shanmuganathan
Ramesh Shanmuganathan, a visionary leader and LinkedIn Top Voice, leverages over 25 years of experience to drive transformative initiatives in the data-driven economy. As Executive Vice President and Global CIO at John Keells Group, he oversees 70+ companies across diverse industries, further driving innovation through programs like John Keells X. Moreover, known for his expertise in digital transformation and strategic execution, Ramesh’s achievements are underscored by his unwavering commitment to creating customer-centric solutions. His leadership style exemplifies a balance of strategic foresight and operational excellence.
Nayomi Handunnetti
Nayomi Handunnetti, Chief Revenue Officer at Negete (Pvt) Ltd, is a seasoned marketing professional with over 20 years of experience in hospitality and tourism. With a focus on customer-centric strategies, she has consistently delivered outstanding results. Nayomi is also an advocate for women’s entrepreneurship, earning accolades like the Asia Top 50 Woman Leader Award and Women Super Achiever Award. Beyond her professional milestones, Nayomi’s dedication to continuous learning and community-building makes her a true thought leader in her field.
Poht Poht Kyi
Poht Poht Kyi, Founder of Myanmar Imperial University, is a pioneer in Myanmar’s education sector. With over two decades of experience, she combines her expertise in organizational leadership and entrepreneurship to foster academic excellence. Furthermore, with degrees from the University of Oxford and the University of Northampton, Poht Poht’s mission is to elevate education standards and create socially responsible institutions. As a result, her dedication to innovation and collaboration has firmly established MIU as a leader in higher education.
Ted Patrick B.
Ted Patrick B., Director at AYA Pay, is a seasoned marketing strategist with expertise spanning Southeast Asia. His skills encompass strategic campaign planning, stakeholder communications, and digital marketing, making him a versatile leader in the fintech space. By integrating advanced tools like CRM and CMS into his strategies, Ted continues to drive impactful 360-degree campaigns. His commitment to innovation and strategic growth defines his professional journey.
Yoosuf Riffath
Yoosuf Riffath, CEO of the Capital Group of Companies, has revolutionized Maldives‘ tourism sector since 1991. Initially an in-bound travel agent, Capital Travel now operates as a premier tour operator with a robust global network. Yoosuf’s visionary leadership blends luxury with efficiency, consistently elevating Maldives’ global standing in the hospitality industry. His commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences highlights his pioneering spirit.
Sonu Shivdasani, OBE
Sonu Shivdasani, Founder of Soneva and Six Senses Resorts, has redefined luxury hospitality by intertwining sustainability with guest experiences. His properties, like Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, offer a unique blend of environmental mindfulness and world-class service. By advocating for sustainable tourism, Sonu exemplifies how luxury can coexist with ecological responsibility. His visionary approach continues to influence the global hospitality landscape.
Ibrahim Khaleel
Ibrahim Khaleel, Minister at the President’s Office for Strategic Communications in the Maldives, combines diplomacy with strategic insight. Notably, his contributions to shaping communication strategies have bolstered both national and international relations for the Maldives. Through his leadership, Ibrahim underscores the undeniable power of strategic communication in fostering impactful connections and driving progress.
Celebrating the Voices Shaping Asia’s Future
The 10 Top Voices in South Asia represent the incredible talent and visionary leadership emerging from Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. These individuals are not only shaping their industries but also inspiring others to dream bigger and achieve more. Their stories of innovation, resilience, and community impact showcase the dynamic potential of this region.
If you’re looking for inspiration, don’t miss the chance to follow these leaders on 10 Top Voices in South Asia and engage with their insights. Have someone in mind who should be featured next? Share their name in the comments and let us know why they deserve the spotlight!
Highlights
Read this article in Chinese here.
More of our 10 Top Voices on Linkedin You Should Follow here:
Singapore | Indonesia | Malaysia | Vietnam | India | Thailand | Australia | South Korea | Japan | Pakistan | Greater China
