Forget the outdated myths about young people being too inexperienced to lead. From simplifying finance for Gen Z to building VC ecosystems for emerging founders, a wave of young visionaries is making it clear: they’re not waiting for their turn, they’re creating their own tables.
This spotlight on the Voices of Young Innovators in Asia celebrates those redefining what leadership, creativity, and relevance look like in a region where youth is a driving force.
Highlights
CA Sakchi Jain
CA Sakchi Jain, a Chartered Accountant and content creator, is reshaping finance education for Gen Z with a reach of over 2.5 million followers. By distilling complex financial topics—ranging from investing to money management—into digestible insights, she has built a vibrant platform for financial literacy.
Moreover, as a TEDx and Josh speaker and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Sakchi is inspiring a new generation to achieve financial independence with clarity and confidence.
Michael Yan
Michael Yan, founder and CEO of Simplify, is redefining job hunting through AI with a platform trusted by over a million users.
A Stanford dropout turned entrepreneur, he earned a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list by building tools that make career discovery more intuitive. Backed by Y Combinator and top investors, Michael’s mission is clear: streamline opportunity access for job seekers globally—one smart assistant at a time.
Crystal Widjaja
Crystal Widjaja, a leading voice in data-driven growth, has helped scale companies like Gojek from 30K to over 5M daily orders. With roles spanning SVP of Growth and Data to Chief of Staff, her impact is as strategic as it is operational.
Now an investor and advisor through Reforge, Monk’s Hill, and Sequoia Scouts, Crystal champions startup success across Asia while co-founding Generation Girl to bring STEM access to Indonesian youth.
Amanda Cua
Amanda Cua, the trailblazing founder of BackScoop, is revolutionizing how Southeast Asians consume startup news. Launching her newsletter at just 19, Amanda has grown BackScoop into the region’s go-to source for business insights—short, sharp, and engaging.
With a clear eye for what matters and a mission to spotlight SEA startups, she’s building the next-gen media empire with a local heart and global ambition.
Lilan Dayananda
Lilan Dayananda, co-founder and CEO of ELZIAN AGRO, is tackling climate resilience in agriculture with smart agronomy solutions.
His tech-driven approach to sustainability—leveraging AI, IoT, and drone technology—has earned global recognition, from the UN to the Commonwealth. By empowering farmers and championing biodiversity, Lilan is not just innovating—he’s helping future-proof food systems across the Global South.
Winston Utomo
Winston Utomo, founder and CEO of IDN Media, is at the forefront of Indonesia’s Gen Z and Millennial media revolution. Through digital platforms spanning livestreaming, creator tools, and entertainment, IDN has become a cultural powerhouse.
With a mission to build a better Indonesia “one step at a time,” Winston’s decade-long vision blends tech, storytelling, and youth empowerment in powerful harmony.
Ayesha Amin
Ayesha Amin, founder of Baithak, is championing gender justice at the intersection of climate, sexual health, and community leadership. Her feminist grassroots organization has already impacted over 500,000 girls and women across Pakistan and beyond.
A UN Women 30 for 2030 leader and Fulbright Scholar, Ayesha continues to challenge taboos and drive meaningful change, one conversation at a time.
Kai Song E.
Kai Song E., co-founder and CEO of GuruLab, is reimagining English education across Southeast Asia with an AI-powered K12 learning platform.
A Cambridge MEng grad and former McKinsey consultant, Kai combines deep technical acumen with mission-driven entrepreneurship. After raising $1M in seed funding, she’s scaling GuruLab as part of Maxis eKelas—bringing personalized learning to where it matters most.
Raya Buensuceso
Raya Buensuceso, Managing Director at Kaya Founders, is building the future of venture capital in Southeast Asia. As employee No. 1, she has shaped Kaya’s vision from the ground up, championing digital transformation and strategic innovation.
Her passion for cities and inclusive growth translates into smart investment bets, while her writing and policy work continue to influence Southeast Asia’s startup and development ecosystem.
Tuan Anh Khong
Tuan Anh Khong is leading youth engagement in climate action as the Adolescent and Youth Environmental Engagement Coordinator at UNICEF East Asia and the Pacific.
As co-founder of YNet Vietnam, he’s also built a vibrant network of climate-minded youth organizations across the Viet Nam and the Asia-Pacific region. Tuan Anh’s efforts—spanning innovation, partnerships, and advocacy—underscore how purpose and perseverance can drive systemic change from the ground up.
Final Thoughts: Where Youth-Led Innovation Shapes Tomorrow
The Voices of Young Innovators in Asia offer more than personal success stories—they reveal a regional momentum fueled by curiosity, courage, and community.
Each profile underscores the powerful ripple effect of youth-led innovation, not just in solving immediate problems but in inspiring a generation to believe in their agency.
As we face ever-evolving challenges in climate, education, technology, and inclusion, these visionaries light the way forward, reminding us that real change often begins with the courage to lead differently.
Highlights
Read the Chinese article here, or listen to the podcast here.
