Yet amid the anxiety and fear, a silver lining emerged. She is very right. The wake-up call came at the end of January, when the Hong Kong administration canceled schools, shut down public recreation centers and issued work-from-home orders to civil servants. Photo: Rana Wehbe Watson, Ivan proposed to Rana in New York City on December 21, 2019. Know anyone worthy of being on the list? From leaders in tech and pharmaceuticals, to artists, scientists and more meet the women who are proving that success comes at any age. What better way to end the year than with an acknowledgement to those donating their money as well as giving their time and personal attention to worthy causes? Basking in that happy moment, we had little clue that a deadly new strain of pneumonia had just been discovered in a city called Wuhan in China and the next four and a half months of our lives became our Engagement with Coronavirus. Forbes Staff. Be. Photo: Anya Hanson, Rana and Ivan at Hong Kong's Births, Deaths and Marriages Registrations Office on February 9. She was taken to intensive care in Beirut and had brain surgery. Hong Kongers didnt mess around. India tops the list in terms of the number of entries with 61. In early March, thousands of Koreans were testing positive on a daily basis. Compare that to me and Rana, who spent much of our engagement on the couch watching Tiger King (among other things). This was not what we expected, when I first asked her to marry me on a freezing night in New York City last December. Thank you to all the speakers who joined my panels, it was a pleasure to have you on board Mori Trust Co. Ltd.'s MiwakoDate, Gaw Capital Partners' Goodwin Gaw, ESR's Jeffrey Perlman, RB Capital Pte ltd's Kishin RK, TDCX's Laurent Junique, Serum Institute of India Pvt. The entire world has been taught a giant lesson in humility, a reminder that we are subject to forces and events that we cannot control. Converge president, co-founder is part of Forbes Asias Power Businesswomen list for Other businesswomen on the list include Thailands Wallapa Traisorat, president and chief executive officer of real estate company Asset World Corp.; Helen Wong, the first woman to helm the 89-year-old Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp.; South Koreas Lee In-kyung who became a partner at MBK Partners (one of the largest homegrown buyout firms in Asia) last year; and Meena Ganesh who co-founded Portea Medical, Indias largest home healthcare company by revenue. Rana Wehbe Watson, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2023 Gio Swaby crafts layered textiles of various colors and patterns that explore both Blackness and womanhood. The list is represented from the 22 countries and territories across the Asia-Pacific region. She held senior executive positions in several companies, including IBM Philippines, prior to Converge, according to Forbes. All Rights Reserved. Always a good way to end the year by highlighting some of the Asia Pacific's top philanthropists who have made significant contributions anddemonstrated strong personal commitment to various causes over the past 12 months. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. Amid the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic, Rana and I have just gotten married. Co-Founder and President Maria Grace Y. Uy is part of Forbes Asias 2021 Power Businesswomen list, which recognizes 20 outstanding female business leaders in the Asia-Pacific region. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. She has since edited all seven editions of the 30 Under 30 Asia list and directed the programming for Forbes Under 30 Asia Summits. I joined Forbes as a senior editor in 2015 to kickstart the Under 30 franchise in Asia. On the flight from South Korea, CNN cameraman Tom Booth and I were shocked to see British Airways crews operating without any protection. And we still believe that we have just started, she added. appreciated. All Rights Reserved. Forbes is looking for inspiring young entrepreneurs, VCs, scientists, artists and social activists to join our #ForbesUnder30 community in Asia Pacific. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. This years list recognizes businesswomen who managed to adapt and thrive in industries including technology, healthcare, banking and manufacturing, said Rana Wehbe Watson, editor of the 2021 Asias Power Businesswomen list. So far, we have had it so easy. I joined Forbes as a senior editor in 2015 to kickstart the Under 30 franchise in Asia. Forbes Staff. Danh sch thng nin th 16 ca Forbes Asia cng b nhng nh ho tm hng u khu vc thc hin cam kt c nhn mnh m cho mc tiu t thin, gio dc v mi trng. Born and bred in Beirut, Lebanon my eclectic journey has taken me to Dubai, Singapore and now Hong Kong,where I worked at global newsrooms taking on various editorial roles. Select Accept to consent or Reject to decline non-essential cookies for this use. Rana Wehbe Watson 1w Report this post When we last wrapped up the Forbes Global CEO Conference in 2019, I had no idea it would be 3 years till I get to be on stage . From climate change to education and of course, the ongoing pandemic relief these individuals have a vision to support solutions that look to make the world a better place. Prior to Forbes, she was APAC Group Editor in Chief for the Paris-based publishing group Reworld Media where she launched two lifestyle and fashion titles setting their editorial strategy and growing their audience from day one. Rana Wehbe Watson's Post. 's mama and 's wifey . "They are leading the way as the world struggles with the post-COVID reality," she added. Contact Rana Wehbe, search articles and Tweets, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place. Rana joined the Forbes' Hong Kong office as a Senior Digital Editor in October 2015 to kickstart Forbes' successful Under 30 franchise in the APAC region. It's been 7 years since I joined Forbes to lead this franchise in the region. Touching on topics from real estate to innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship - my panelists had a lot to say especially regarding how businesses in various sectors are emerging from the pandemic. 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And pleasure to have some of Asia's top VCs Shane Chesson, Yinglan Tan and Helen Pei-Hua Wong on board to talk about their investment strategies and give funding advice to startup founders. Upon arrival in Hong Kong, health authorities put me on two-week mandatory medical surveillance. Learn more in our Cookie Policy. And it's out! Star Wars and shoes make me happy. Check out this article by Maggie McGrath and Rana Wehbe Watson on the 50 leaders from Asia-Pacific who Asian Australian Organisational Psychology Inc. on LinkedIn: 50 Over 50: Asia 2023 Fortunately, neither of us got sick. Touching on topics from real estate to innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship - my panelists had a lot to say especially regarding how businesses in various sectors are emerging from the pandemic. @rana_in_asia 1,896 followers, 2,606 tweets, Lunar New Year is just around the corner and Katya is so delighted to see tangerine trees everywhere! A candid discussion demonstrating the power of being agile and nimble in the fast-moving and competitive startup landscape. phy k-li-gr-f Synonyms of calligraphy 1 a : artistic, stylized, or elegant handwriting or lettering b : the art of producing such writing 2 : penmanship 3 : an ornamental line in drawing or painting calligraphic ka-l-gra-fik adjective calligraphically Born and bred in Beirut, Lebanon Ranas eclectic 17-year journey has taken her from Dubai to Singapore and now Hong Kong where shes worked at global newsrooms taking on various editorial roles. Moderated by Rana Wehbe Watson, Special Projects Director, Forbes Asia Confirmed speakers: Eric Gnock Fah, COO and Cofounder, Klook Patrick Grove, Chairman and CEO, Catcha Group Lucy Liu, Cofounder and President, Airwallex Copyright 2021 Forbes Asia CEO Webinar. We are looking for women over the age of 50 who are shattering age and gender stereotypes across all sectorsin Asia-Pacific. Older women often become invisible as they age (in contrast to older men), this is an excellent way to celebrate their contributions, Public Relations | Strategist | Communications | SMU, OWNER - CHOCOLATE ON PURPOSE- 100% Indigenous Owned - Yindyamangidyal Marramarra ~ With Respect & Honour, we Create. Moments later, Rana and I exchange rings, sign government documents, and share a brief kiss. All Rights Reserved. Friends and family back home called to express concern about our health. Rana Wehbe Watson So far, we have had it so easy. Introducing the 7th edition of Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list. I joined Forbes as a senior editor in October 2015 to kickstart the Under 30 franchise in Asia. Sitting down (virtually) with these amazing 6 speakers for the second Forbes #100ToWatch webinar was like a crash course on entrepreneurship and funding. Governments increasingly imposed international flight restrictions. This button displays the currently selected search type. At that stage, South Korea had the most confirmed coronavirus cases outside mainland China. Introducing 50 women over age 50 who are reaching new heights in their industries and inspiring the regions next generation. Ltd.'s Adar Poonawalla, BYJU'S' Byju Raveendran, Emtek (PT Elang Mahkota Teknologi Tbk)'s Alvin Sariaatmadja, FTX's Constance Wang, Coda Payments' Neil Davidson, Caldecott Music Group's Meng Ru Kuok, WeLab's Simon Loong, Biofourmis' Kuldeep Singh Rajput, CARRO's Aaron Tan, The Sylvan Group's Kyungsun Chung, IOI Corporation Berhad's Lee Yeow Chor and RGE's Anderson Tanoto, Introducing #ForbesUnder30 Asia 2022 list: Meet the next generation of inspiring entrepreneurs, olympians, artists, scientists and activists who are redefining the future of business and society in the region. Rana Wehbe Watson Special Projects Director Forbes Asia Rana joined the Forbes' Hong Kong office as a Senior Editor in October 2015 to kickstart Forbes' successful Under 30 franchise in the APAC region. 684 following. Discovery Company. Finally, our wedding day arrived in May. No one checked our temperature during the layover at Londons Heathrow Airport. SPEAKERS View Speakers AGENDA Immediately, the whole city started wearing masks. Shares have since risen over 70%, pushing Converges market cap to 233 billion pesos ($4.6 billion), it added. In this pandemic, we had each other. Forbes Staff. Congrats to all those who made the final cut out of the 4000+ nominations we received this year, and a big thank you to the amazing panel of judges who helped vet the nominees including Mickey Mikitani Kai-Fu Lee Kishin R K Laurence Lien Chandra Tjan Patrick Grove In Kyung Lee JP GAN Meng Ru Kuok Meena Ganesh Nisa Leung Nadiah Wan Nicole Warne Ronald Akili Janice Lee Snehal Patel, M.D., J.D. 2. Delighted to start this year with a very inspiring list, highlighting more women from Asia Pacific. A Warner Bros. I'm honored to be part of this important conversation to help reshape the narrative around gender and age in society. Rana Wehbe Watson Forbes Staff ABOUT I am Special Projects Director at Forbes Asia. It's about time! CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. WATCH both panels on the link! Can we take our masks off? I ask, as my bride and I get into position. When we last wrapped up the Forbes Global CEO Conference in 2019, I had no idea it would be 3 years till I get to be on stage hosting the next one! Rana joined the Forbes Hong Kong office as a Senior Editor in October 2015 to kickstart Forbes successful Under 30 franchise in the APAC region. You may, responds a Hong Kong official, who is still wearing his mask. Introducing 50 women over age 50 from Asia-Pacific who are reaching new heights in their industries and inspiring the regions next generation. LinkedIn and 3rd parties use essential and non-essential cookies to provide, secure, analyze and improve our Services, and (except on the iOS app) to show you relevant ads (including professional and job ads) on and off LinkedIn. I was to check my temperature twice daily and report immediately if I came down with symptoms. Photo: Rana Wehbe Watson, Ivan puts a surgical mask on new bride Rana. Meet The Forbes Under 30 Asia Class Of 2022, Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2022: The Social Entrepreneurs Working Towards A More Equal Future, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information. If you know anyone worthy of being on the list, please nominate them via this online form https://lnkd.in/guHhABnD Before that, she ran an editorial fashion blog which focused on emerging Asian designers and grew a large following in Singapore and beyond. Last year, Ms. Uy and her husband, Converge Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony H. Uy, raised $522 million in one of the Philippines largest-ever initial public offerings, Forbes said. Born and bred in Beirut, Lebanon my eclectic journey has taken me from Dubai to Singapore and now Hong Kong, working on all types of media from newspapers to magazines and online. Be it tech or fashion - I am always inspired by the creativity, energy and talent of those who dare to take a risk and follow their passion something I personally thrive on. She is equally fond of Asimovs sci-fi novels and her skyhigh heels. Ranas 84-year old grandmother suffered a stroke. Social isolation meant a pause in business travel and long work deployments. teen kan-tn 1 : a store (as in a camp) in which food, drinks, and small supplies are sold 2 : a place of recreation and entertainment for people in military service 3 : a small container for carrying liquids (as on a hike) More from Merriam-Webster on canteen Last Updated: 22 Feb 2023 - Updated example sentences Love words? Read our privacy guidelines. Rana Wehbe Watson. I have always lived with the principle that to be successful, you need to put in everything youve got and always work to do it better, Ms. Uy told Forbes in a statement. You can update your choices at any time in your settings. In addition to editing the 30 Under 30 Asia lists, I've been directing the programming of our Under 30 Asia Summits and managing special projects for Forbes in Asia. Thankfully, Ranas teta stabilized after the operation. This byline is mine, but I want my name removed. CONVERGE ICT Solutions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. From leaders in tech and pharmaceuticals, to artists, scientists and more meet the women who are proving that success comes at any age. Delighted to start this year with a very inspiring list, highlighting more women from Asia Pacific. LinkedIn and 3rd parties use essential and non-essential cookies to provide, secure, analyze and improve our Services, and to show you relevant ads (including professional and job ads) on and off LinkedIn. Forbes noted that Ms. Uy led the negotiations for a $250-million investment from Warburg Pincus, a global growth investor, in 2019, which was used for the expansion of Converges fiber network. They are leading the way as the world struggles with the post-COVID reality, she added. This year's list recognizes businesswomen "who managed to adapt and thrive in industries including technology, healthcare, banking and manufacturing," said Rana Wehbe Watson, editor of the 2021 Asia's Power Businesswomen list. Big thanks to Danielle Keeton-Olsen Karsha Green and Lan Anh Nguyen for the reporting and to Caroline Howard for the guidance throughout the project. This button displays the currently selected search type. I write about women who run companies, countries and currencies. Rana grew up in Beirut in a civil war. Rana joined the Forbes Hong Kong office as a Senior Digital Editor in October 2015 to kickstart Forbes successful Under 30 franchise in the APAC region. There is no time for vows to be exchanged during the 15-minute civil ceremony although in some ways, we didnt need them. And pleasure to have some of Asia's top VCs Shane Chesson, Yinglan Tan and Helen Pei-Hua Wong on board to talk about their investment strategies and give funding advice to startup founders. In addition to. Previously, Rana was a Group Editor In Chief - Asia Pa cific (Www. The businesswomen honored this year were selected for their accomplishments in managing either a business with sizable revenues or a startup valued at over $100 million, Forbes said in an e-mailed statement. Before leaving the wedding registry, we put on his and hers surgical masks adorned with the titles Mr. and Mrs.. This button displays the currently selected search type. Photo: Scott Clotworthy, Family and friends tune in to watch the wedding via livestream. #HeroesofPhilanthropy. Apart from building Asias network of successful entrepreneurs through these annual lists, Rana is also a key member of Forbes Asia operations, handling special projects that seek to expand the brands footprint in the region. Did you encounter any technical issues? At a young age, she suffered the loss of her father, one of many tragic victims of that conflict. From innovative ways of delivering e-commerce and online learning services to venturing into the Web3 space, this year's list honorees are redefining the future of business and society in Asia. 1 Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Chantal Abouchar Arif Rachmat Mike Wiluan Hua Fung Teh () Paul Ronalds Sonny Vu GOH Hian David Gowdey. Keeps me young at heart :) 10 comments on LinkedIn Though authorities advised against it, Rana insisted on staying by my side throughout the 14 days. Introducing #ForbesUnder30 Asia 2022 list: Meet the next generation of inspiring entrepreneurs, olympians, artists, scientists and activists who are redefining | 10 comentarios en LinkedIn By Rana Wehbe Watson | Forbes Middle East Introducing 50 women over age 50 from Asia-Pacific who are reaching new heights in their industries and inspiring the region's next generation. Edited with Maggie McGrath, OMG something I can understand and relate to, Founder - Raise Our Voice Australia | Global Shaper | Advisor | AFR 100 Women of Influence | Forbes 30 Under 30 | ACT Woman of the Year 2018, I love this! When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. Open in Who Shared Wrong byline? She was taken to intensive care in. by Swathi K | Jan 22, 2020 | 0 comments. Copyright 2022 Forbes Asia 100 to Watch Webinar. Our 16th edition of the annual list highlights the regions top 15 philanthropists who demonstrated a strong personal commitment to causes such as education and the environment. Nominations for Asia-Pacific region are open till December 15. #ForbesOver50 After all, your grandparents got married during World War II, my mom pointed out. With our little rescue cat, our small family settled in for weeks of working from home in pajamas followed by cozy home-cooked dinners. At the time, we were both jet-lagged after the long flight from Hong Kong, where we live and work. Rana Wehbe Watson's Post. Introducing 50 women over age 50 who are reaching new heights in their industries and inspiring the regions next generation. Thank you to #30under30 alumni Klook's Eric Gnock Fah and Airwallex's Lucy Liu and the one and only Patrick Grove for a candid discussion about lessons learned on your entrepreneurial journeys so far. The coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan had spread across China, and the first cases had been detected in the semi-autonomous cities of Hong Kong and Macau. We were also deliriously happy, posing in front of a glowing fountain alongside my sister and brother-in-law, who conspired with me to take surprise photos of the occasion. Even if there was some way to fly to Lebanon, Rana would not dare exposing her family if she picked up an illness on the plane. 556 posts. As Rana became more and more worried, I remained naively optimistic until a reporting assignment in South Korea at the end of February. Learn more in our Cookie Policy. Very proud and excited to present the inaugural Forbes 50 Over 50: Asia 2022 list which I co-edited with ForbesWomen's Maggie McGrath. I edit Asia's Under30, power businesswomen & philanthropy lists. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to see up close what the next generation is up to each year and draw inspiration from their constant innovation and optimism. A week before the wedding, however, disaster struck. Ivan Watson and Rana Wehbe had eight. Excited to work on this new initiative with ForbesWomen editor Maggie McGrath ! Arjay L. Balinbin, 2021 BusinessWorld Publishing. Rest followed as Singapore (34), Japan (33), Australia (32), Indonesia (30) and China (28). Mariefranceasia. Photo: Rana Wehbe Watson, Ivan is fitted for his wedding suit. 8:20 PM EDT, Thu May 7, 2020, Hong Kong's coronavirus guidelines allow up to 20 guests at a wedding. The average age of the 2022 list is 26.8. Photo: Keith Richburg. Rana Wehbe Watson. She has since edited all seven editions of the 30 Under 30 Asia list and directed the programming for Forbes Under 30 Asia Summits. A week before the wedding, however, disaster struck. Last week, I was delighted to be back, doing what I love most about my job: Gathering and connecting with some of the best business minds out there, moderating interesting discussions with entrepreneurs and getting inspired by so many of them. Access to education, women empowerment and sexual- and gender-based discrimination are some of the issues addressed by the social entrepreneurs and activists on this year's list. On March 10, the only way to get from South Korea back home to Hong Kong was to fly absurdly long distances via London. Philanthropy, Asia's 100 Digital Stars, 50 Over 50 Asia), I've been directing the programming of the Under 30 Asia Summits and managing special projects for Forbes in Asia. Com - Asia. Now in its 20 th year, the prestigious Forbes Global CEO Conference will be held this September 26-27, 2022 in Singapore. Ms. Uy is a certified public accountant. Proud to have edited this year's edition of Forbes Asia's Heroes of Philanthropy - highlighting 15 prominent entrepreneurs and business tycoons who demonstrated a clear personal commitment to a number of initiatives. Rana is also the editor of the Forbes Asias Power Businesswomen list. , From semiconductors to pharmaceuticals, art, policy, science and more - meet the 50 women over 50 who are doing incredible things across industries in Asia-Pacific. Be it tech or fashion Rana is always inspired by the creativity, energy and talent of those who dare to take a risk and follow their passion something she personally thrives on. Introducing Forbes Asia's Heroes of Philanthropy 2022 list! But they spoke about the epidemic as if it was some distant threat, an Asian problem that would never reach their shores.