Singapore’s Powerhouses Steal the Spotlight on Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women
When the Forbes list dropped on Tuesday, two Singaporean trailblazers strutted onto the stage, proving that woman‑power knows no borders.
No. 17: Ho Ching – Temasek’s Titan
- Age: 65
- Role: Chief Executive & Executive Director, Temasek
- Rising 11 spots from 28 last year to 17 this year (wow, talk about a leap!)
- Has been a Forbes fixture since 2004 – a true “vervet” of consistency.
- In 2016 she was at 30th. Now she’s practically a superstar.
Ho Ching has been steering Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund for 16 years, growing its assets to over $235 bn. She’s not just about numbers; she opened a new office in San Francisco last year, pumping a quarter of Temasek’s capital into life sciences, tech, and agribusiness. Think of it as “Where the money goes – long here, land there.”
No. 94: Jenny Lee – GGV’s Go‑Getter
- Age: 46
- Role: Managing Partner, GGV Capital
- Sharp rise from 94 last year to 17 now – a meteoric move.
- Based in Shanghai but with a global mindset.
Jenny Lee is not just a venture capitalist; she’s a renowned force in China’s startup scene. She helms GGV Capital (since 2005), and her smart picks include social media star YY (which has multiplied 10× since 2012) and the flying taxi eHang184 – yes, it’s another moonshot. Add AI bot Lingochamp, and you’ve got a portfolio that’s both bold and brilliant.
Leaderboard Snapshot – Beyond Singapore
- 1: Angela Merkel – German Chancellor (A decade of #1 domination)
- 2: Theresa May – British Prime Minister
- 3: Christine Lagarde – IMF Managing Director
- 68: Taylor Swift – Pop superstar (young, fun, and fierce)
- 23: Queen Elizabeth II – The venerable reigning monarch
So whether it’s a seasoned enterprise boss or a venture visionary, Singapore’s dynamic women are clearly showing the world they’re in it for the win. And they’re making it look effortlessly chic – because when women are shrewd and spirited, leadership isn’t just about the balance sheet; it’s about the bold steps you take to make history.
