The 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list features 300 young trailblazers under age 30 from the Asia-Pacific region across 10 sectors, including entertainment, technology, finance, and healthcare [1, 2]. Singapore ranked joint fourth with South Korea and Indonesia, each with 18 honourees on the list [1, 2]. India led with 78 honourees, followed by China (46), Australia (38), and Japan (32) [2].
Among Singapore’s 18 recipients are three artistes in the Entertainment & Sports category: Nathania Ong, Iman Fandi, and Regina Song [1]. Ong, 27, is a singer and West End stage actress known for roles such as Eponine in Les Miserables and Eliza Hamilton in Hamilton in London [1]. She returned to Singapore in May 2026 for Les Miserables: The Arena Spectacular and is slated to play Elle Woods in the Singapore Repertory Theatre’s Legally Blonde in July 2026, followed by her solo concert "Honest" in September 2026 [1].
Iman Fandi, 25, daughter of football legend Fandi Ahmad, is recognized for her work in modeling, acting, and music, including her 2026 single "Out Of My Mind". She performs the song "Giants," one of three official theme songs for Singapore’s 2026 National Day Parade [1]. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Regina Song is a viral alt-pop singer-songwriter best known for her 2024 hit "The Cutest Pair" and a 2025 Southeast Asia tour covering Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila [1].
Other Singapore honourees include professional golfer Shannon Tan, 22, who in 2025 became the first Singaporean to win the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit [2]. Artists Quek Jia Qi, 29, and writer Wen-yi Lee, 26, also made the list, along with entrepreneurs Regine Sum (Nasty Cookie), Lenney Leong (SmileFam), and Poh Yong Han (OnSite) [2].
The average age of all honourees is 26, with about a quarter being female [2]. Prominent Asian celebrities named include Chinese star Wang Yibo, Thai idol Putthipong Assaratanakul, and Hong Kong actress Isabella Wei [3]. Forbes Asia editor Rana Wehbe Watson said the list highlights "the Asia-Pacific youth driving innovation amid rapid AI-driven change" [2].
