KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, a well-known journalist, has been selected by Tatler, the prestigious international lifestyle magazine, to be included in its list of Asia’s Most Influential 2023 personalities. This list was revealed last week.
The Star Media Group adviser and Bernama chairman was included in the annual list alongside leaders from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand. Tatler stated that their decision was based on four key metrics: the leader’s scope of influence, the timeliness of achievements, the endurance of careers, and how these personalities made the world a better place.
Wong, who has been dedicated to moderation and diversity throughout his 38-year career in journalism, expressed his honor at being included. He said, “I am pleased to be named together with two other media friends, (publisher) Datuk Ho Kay Tat from The Edge and Malik Ali (the founder of BFM Radio).”
In September, Wong, an award-winning journalist, was named to lead Bernama, the national news agency. He was also the first Malaysian elected to the Paris-based World Editors Forum and former chairman of the Asia News Network, an alliance of 22 leading news organizations.
Other Malaysians included in the list are filmmaker Amanda Nell Eu, renowned infectious disease expert Professor Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Grab co-founder Anthony Tan, top chef Darren Chin, and actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh. Yeoh won an Oscar for best actress in March, while Eu was the first Malaysian female director to win the Cannes Grand Prix 2023 award in October.
Businessmen on the list include Ecoworld Development Group Bhd executive chairman Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin, Nirvana Asia Group founder Tan Sri Kong Hon Kong, Gamuda Bhd managing director Datuk Lin Yun Ling, Sunway Group Bhd chairman Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah, and Berjaya founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan. The young talent included in the list are entrepreneur Bryan Loo and Curate Group founder Chryseis Tan.
