Asia is home to some of the world's wealthiest families, with fortunes built over generations. These families have diversified their investments in various sectors, including energy, real estate, technology, and finance. Their influence extends beyond business to the social and cultural spheres. The increase in the number of millionaires in Asia can be attributed to several important factors. Rapid economic growth has created numerous opportunities for wealth creation. The countries increasing integration into the global economy has also played an important role, with many Asian companies expanding their global reach and influence. In addition, the high-tech boom and the rise of innovative industries have propelled the wealthiest women in Asia. Here is the short story of the five richest women in Asia in 2024.
Pansy Ho
With a net worth of $3.8 billion, Pansy Catalina Ho Chiu King is one of Hong Kong's wealthiest billionaires and the 835th richest person in the world. The daughter of the late casino magnate Stanley Ho, Pansy is the chairman and executive director of gaming giant MGM China and chairman of Shun Tak Holdings, which operates ferries between Hong Kong and Macau.
Born in Hong Kong on August 26, 1962, Pansy attended the Castile School in Palo Alto, California, and later earned a bachelor's degree in marketing and business from Santa Clara University. Stanley Ho recognized her career success, and the gambling magnate decided to let her take over the family business. Several companies under the umbrella of Stanley Ho specialize in shipping, real estate, hotels, tourist and leisure services, and investments, among others. In 1995, Pansy became director of the Shun Tak Group. At the time, the Shun Tak Group had a transportation company under its umbrella. Due to poor management, the business began to shrink, and the gambling magnate was taken over by Pansy in 2007, which made it successful.
Solina Chau
Solina Chua is the co-founder of Horizons Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in the deep science and technology that will lead humanity to a radically better future. Solina has backed many of the world’s most disruptive company’s ideas. The world's 1,062nd richest person also has ties to Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka Shing, with Horizons Ventures managing Li Ka Shing's investments, and Solina is a board member of the Li Ka Shing Foundation. This charity has invested over $30 billion in education and healthcare.
Elizabeth Sy
Elizabeth Sy has made a name for herself in the Philippines' tourism, leisure, and hospitality industry. The youngest daughter of the late Henry Sy Jr., she has overseen and expanded the SM Group's hotel and convention investments over the years. Elizabeth attended Miriam College (formerly Maryknoll College) and graduated in 1974 with a degree in business administration. Although she never had a formal career in hospitality, her father eventually put her to work as an assistant at the family's first hotel. At the Manila Royal Hotel in Quiapo, Elizabeth began to hone her vision for the group's hospitality and convention department.
Primarily responsible for real estate and hospitality, she was a member of SM Prime Holdings' Investor Relations group from 1998 to 2007. She took her management cues from the annual roadshows held around the world. Later, she spearheaded the SM Hotel & Convention Corp. With Elizabeth at the helm, this company has become one of the leading hospitality companies in the country. Today, it has a total of 1,960 rooms and over 38,000 square meters of convention space. Its portfolio spans the entire archipelago and includes 10 hotels and six convention centers. She came up with the idea of establishing the SMX Convention Center at the MOA Complex in Pasay City, a 21,000-square-meter space available for lease, with four halls. Since then, it has become the largest privately operated exhibition and convention center in the Philippines. More recently, there are SMX Convention Centers in Manila and Davao.
Shiu Ling Kao
Shiu Ling Kao's net worth is $1.3 billion, ranking her 2,287th on the world's billionaires list. One of Taiwan's richest men, Kao derives his wealth from a majority stake in Uni-President Enterprises, a food and beverage giant founded by his late father, Chin-Yen Kao. Today, this Asian conglomerate makes instant noodles, soft drinks, seasonings, animal feed, and many other products and also operates 7-Eleven stores in Taiwan.
Shiu chairs Uni-President's health, beauty, and retail affiliates and subsidiaries. Uni-President also operates a social welfare fund that provides relief and provides assistance to the elderly and youth communities in need.
Teresita Sy-Coson
With a net worth of $2.3 billion, Teresita Sai-Coson is the richest woman in the Philippines and the 1,438th richest billionaire in the world. Teresita is the daughter of Henry Sy, one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines. Growing up in such an environment, Teresita developed a strong business sense and passion for entrepreneurship from an early age.
Teresita has had a remarkable career, holding leadership positions in various prestigious companies. Currently, she is the Vice Chairman of SM Investment Corporation (SMIC), one of the largest publicly traded holding companies in the Philippines. She also serves as Chairman of BDO Unibank (BDO), the largest bank in the Philippines. Her expertise and strategic vision are the driving force behind the growth and success of these companies. Teresita's accomplishments are numerous and significant. She played a pivotal role in the establishment of BDO Unibank, transforming it into the Philippines' leading financial institution. Under her leadership, SMIC also experienced significant growth and diversification, becoming one of the most prominent holding companies in the Philippines.