KUALA LUMPUR: Five Malaysian business leaders have been named to Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Asia 2026 list, with UOB Malaysia chief executive officer Ng Wei Wei the highest-ranked Malaysian at No. 85.
Berjaya Corp
Bhd chief executive officer Nerine Tan Sheik Ping was ranked 91st, followed by Sunway Group executive deputy chair Datin Paduka Sarena Cheah at No. 92.
Affin Bank Bhd group chief financial officer Joanne Rodrigues took the 99th spot, while Public Bank Bhd chief financial officer Yik Sook Ling was ranked 100th.
The latest ranking saw some changes in Malaysia’s representation compared with 2025, when four Malaysian executives made the list.
Ng, who was ranked 95th last year, moved up 10 places to No. 85,
Tan, Cheah and Yik were among Malaysia’s new entrants to the ranking this year.
Fortune unveiled its third annual Most Powerful Women Asia list, recognising 100 women based on their leadership, business performance and influence across the region.
Malaysia accounted for five honourees, compared with mainland China’s 18, Hong Kong’s 16 and Singapore’s 12.
DBS Group CEO Tan Su Shan retained the top position, followed by Luxshare Precision Industry chairwoman and CEO Grace Wang. Lens Technology founder and chairwoman Zhou Qunfei climbed 25 places to third.
Technology was the most represented sector this year with 16 executives, followed by banking with 14. Of the 100 women on the list, 76 returned from 2025 while 24 were newcomers.
Fortune said the ranking was based on factors including the scale and performance of the executives’ organisations, career trajectory, influence, innovation and broader societal impact.
"What stands out in this year's ranking is how the landscape of business power in Asia is evolving," said Charmian Choo, Asia list Senior Manager.
"We see established leaders continuing to shape some of the region's largest companies, alongside a new generation rising through the ranks. The prominence of technology is particularly striking, reflecting the sector's growing influence on Asia's economy and the women increasingly at the forefront of that transformation."
