Young Filipino Leaders Appear In Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia List

Filipinos hailing from various fields landed on Forbes’ annual 30 Under 30 Asia List for 2026.

This year’s list, which features 300 individuals across the Asia-Pacific region, aims to recognize rising personalities under 30 years old who have made significant contributions to their respective industries.

Seven young Filipino entrepreneurs entered the list, representing various sectors in the Philippine economy.

Pauline Dizon and Adrian Jumangit were placed in the Retail and C-commerce category, recognized for their work as co-founders of Fan Connection SEA (FanConSEA). Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, FanConSEA’s notable achievements include helping Penshoppe land its collaboration with Korean boy band BTS.

Also in the Retail and E-Commerce category are Kiyanusch Braun and Martin Joaquin Palaña, co-founders of men’s health platform GoRocky. The online health clinic focuses on medical matters most associated with men, such as hair loss and erectile dysfunction.

Kharl Christian Yeung, co-founder of pet food business Amico Innovations, joins the list. Philippine food and beverage company Monde Nissin acquired a majority stake in Amico Innovations in 2024.  

Raphael Sevilla and Brandon Angelo Wong, two of the co-founders of BayaniChain Tech, were included under the Consumer & Enterprise category. Forbes noted BayaniChain Tech’s efforts in influencing national policy on blockchain technology in the Philippines.

Nearly three-quarters (71%) of the profiles included in the 30 Under 30 Asia list are co-founders or founders.

The magazine also highlighted that the 300 recognized individuals raised about $1 billion in funding.

Filipino representation was also visible in the annual list’s Social Impact category, which Forbes says highlights honorees who are “systemically and sustainably transforming education, business and beyond.”

Recognized in the category is Saje Miguel Molato, founder of Siklab. The consulting firm works with governments and non-governmental organizations to develop programs focused on education, skills development, and climate.

Software engineer-by-trade Steph Naval and social advocate Emmanuel Mirus Ponon join Molato in the Social Impact category.

Naval created Empath, a social enterprise that aims to make mental health care accessible and affordable through technology.

Ponon founded the ASEAN Youth Advocates Network, a non-profit organization that has reached over 350 thousand youth with its mission to encourage young people to engage in policy making and sustainable development.

Other Filipinos include tennis player Alexandra Eala, who is the featured individual for the list’s Entertainment and Sports category. 

Forbes recognized the athlete’s historic record, noting her climb to number 29 in the Women’s Tennis Association’s Top 50 ranking in March 2026. Her placement placed her as the Philippines’ highest-ranking female tennis player in modern history.

Joining Eala in her category is singer-songwriter Zack Tabudlo, who rose to popularity with hit songs such as “Pano” and “Gusto,” the latter featuring rapper Al James.