BamBam
Cover Singer BamBam of Thailand

The region’s most notable actors and singers connect with audiences through emotionally resonant performances

The entertainment superstars of Asia’s Most Influential do more than just entertain: they lift the spirits through emotionally resonant performances that provide delight or inspiration, and often they also reflect the zeitgeist and provide meaningful platforms for discussion on the issues of the day. Through their work in movies, series or songs, they express emotions that audiences relate to, allowing people to confront and transcend life's challenges. Moreover, as Asian stars, they champion the region’s different cultures, as well as the exceptional talent it produces for the global stage.

Also read: Meet the visionary magnates driving unprecedented growth in the region and beyond

Yuna, singer (Malaysia)

Tatler Asia
Yuna
Above Yuna, singer

In October 2023, LA-based singer-songwriter Yuna held her homecoming concert Yunaverse at the Mega Star Arena in Malaysia, where she entertained 4,000 fans with her catalogue of hits. Working in the US for more than a decade, the global artist has released five studio albums, including her chart-topping set Chapters, which was named one of the best R&B albums by Rolling Stone in 2016. She also collaborated with Usher for her hit single “Crush” and Pharrell Williams, who produced “Live Your Life”. Yuna’s latest album Y5 was released as a five-part series in 2022.

Read Yuna’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Tanya Chua, singer-songwriter (Singapore)

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Tanya Chua
Above Tanya Chua, singer-songwriter

Mandopop icon Tanya Chua has enjoyed over two decades of success not just in Singapore but also in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and beyond. The award-winning artist has the distinction of being named Best Mandarin Female Singer four times at the Golden Melody Awards, with her latest set Depart also winning Album of the Year, Best Mandarin Album and Best Vocal Recording Album at the 2022 ceremony. Chua recently inked a deal with music fund blackx to manage her catalogue. “Making great music that not only entertains but resonates with audiences has always been my focus. This partnership with blackx will raise the bar on connecting with my fans through a variety of content formats, distribution platforms and artistic collaborations,” she said in a statement.

Read Tanya Chua’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

BamBam, artist (Thailand)

Tatler Asia
BamBam
Above BamBam, artist

Captivating audiences around the world with his singing, rapping and dancing skills, BamBam first rose to prominence as part of K-pop boy group GOT7. After completing his contract with JYP Entertainment, he signed with Abyss Company and began his solo career. The artist released two mini-albums before debuting his first full-length album Sour & Sweet in March 2023. This year, BamBam also embarked on his first world tour, Area52, which had stops in Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Macau, Bangkok, Osaka and Yokohama. He also hosts Bam’s House, his YouTube show where he interviews fellow K-pop stars such as Taeyeon and Sandara Park and even JYP founder J.Y. Park.

Read BamBam’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Nadine Lustre, actor and singer (Philippines)

Tatler Asia
Nadine Lustre
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“When I listen to [my favourite artists], it makes me feel loved… I want people who listen to my music to feel the same way, to be inspired, to feel like they're important or worthy,” said actress and singer Nadine Lustre to Tatler. Released in 2020, her debut album Wildest Dreams arrived with a 33-minute short film featuring six of her songs interwoven with imagery from Philippine mythology. Lustre is also recognised for her work on the big screen, winning Best Actress for her roles in Deleter at the 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival and Greed at the 2023 FAMAS Awards.

Read Nadine Lustre’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Karena Lam, actor and singer (Hong Kong)

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Karena Lam
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Award-winning actor Karena Lam entered the entertainment world as a singer with the album Karena in 1995, before becoming an actor with a now-extensive filmography that includes over 30 movies such as July Rhapsody and Zinnia Flower. With Zinnia Flower, she became the first person to win three acting awards at the Golden Horse Awards, bagging Best Leading Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Best New Performer at the 2015 ceremony. Lam will be seen next in Customs Frontline, alongside a star-studded cast that includes Jacky Cheung, Nicholas Tse and Cya Liu.

Read Karena Lam’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Ruby Lin, actor and singer (Taiwan)

Tatler Asia
Ruby Lin
Above Ruby Lin, actor and singer

Ruby Lin’s turn in the Netflix romance anthology series At the Moment marks another career high for Taiwan’s TV Drama Queen. Soon after its November 2023 release, the show, which explores love in the pandemic through 10 stories, shot to No 1 in Taiwan’s Top 10 TV Programmes list, while also placing in Singapore’s and Hong Kong’s daily rankings. Lin is known for her roles in My Fair Princess, which was a hit in several Asian countries, Beauty’s Rival in Palace, The Way We Were and more. In 2009, the actress became a producer with the Ruby Lin Studio and eventually won Best Producer at the 2012 TV Drama Awards Made in China for The Glamorous Imperial Concubine. The multi-faceted artist has also released six studio albums.

Read Ruby Lin’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential


Tatler Asia's Most Influential is the definitive list of people shaping our world today. Asia's Most Influential brings together the region's most innovative changemakers, industry titans and thought leaders who are driving positive impact in Asia and beyond. View the full list here.

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