Four remarkable Malaysian youths from diverse backgrounds have earned a prestigious spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia list this year. This esteemed list celebrates 300 of Asia’s most innovative and influential young entrepreneurs and trailblazers. The Malaysian honorees include national squash player Sivasangari Subramaniam, venture capital principal Angel Low, animator Erica Eng, and Eat and Cook co-owner Lee Zhe Xi.
Sivasangari Subramaniam: Triumph Over Adversity
In the Entertainment and Sports category, Forbes highlighted the extraordinary journey of Sivasangari Subramaniam. Despite suffering severe injuries from a car accident in 2022, which included facial fractures and a C1 vertebrae injury, Sivasangari's resilience and determination propelled her back to the pinnacle of her sport. Just seven months post-accident, she clinched two gold medals at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023. Her triumph didn’t stop there; in April 2024, she emerged victorious at the Professional Squash Association (PSA) GillenMarkets London Classic tournament, defeating three of the world’s top five players in an intense 81-minute final match. Currently ranked 13th globally, Sivasangari is now setting her sights on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, symbolizing her unyielding spirit and ambition.
Angel Low: A Visionary in Venture Capital
Angel Low’s remarkable achievements in the Finance and Venture Capital category underscore her significant impact on the startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia. As a principal at The Hive Southeast Asia, a $50 million fund established by Tuas Capital Partners, Sunway Group, and Palo Alto-based The Hive, Low plays a crucial role in supporting and investing in innovative startups across Malaysia and the ASEAN region. Additionally, she serves as the general manager of AI Nusantara, an initiative under Selangor Digital School and one of The Hive Southeast Asia's notable investments. This program focuses on equipping students with essential skills in artificial intelligence and machine learning, preparing them for a digital future. Prior to her current roles, Low gained valuable experience as an investment analyst at Malaysia Venture Capital Management and as a project analyst at Huisheng Consulting Group.
Erica Eng: Transforming Webcomics into Award-Winning Novels
In the Media, Marketing, and Advertising category, Erica Eng stands out for her creative prowess and storytelling ability. Eng first garnered attention with her webcomic "Fried Rice" in 2019, a narrative inspired by her personal experience of having her application to study in America rejected. The story follows a young artist named Min and resonated with many, earning Eng an Eisner Award in 2020, often referred to as the Oscars of the comic industry. In 2022, Eng successfully transformed "Fried Rice" into a graphic novel, adding 30 pages of new content. Despite initial setbacks with multiple publishers, she self-published the novel, showcasing her tenacity and dedication to her craft. Currently, Eng is working on a new webcomic titled “Beloved,” which delves into her experiences growing up in a Christian household and exploring the complexities of faith.
Lee Zhe Xi: A Culinary Innovator
In the Arts category, Lee Zhe Xi's journey to becoming a renowned chef and restaurateur is a testament to his passion for culinary arts and resilience. Lee co-owns Eat and Cook, an omakase-style restaurant that offers a unique twist on traditional Malaysian cuisine. Inspired by cherished childhood memories of cooking with his grandmother, Lee’s culinary aspirations were reignited during the pandemic when he found himself unemployed. Partnering with a university classmate, he opened the original six-seater Eat and Cook in a mall in 2021. The restaurant quickly gained acclaim, leading to its relocation to a larger 32-seater venue. Eat and Cook was honored as number 79 on Asia's 100 Best Restaurants list in 2023 and received the American Express One To Watch Award. Additionally, it earned a Michelin Recommendation in both 2023 and 2024, solidifying its status as a culinary destination.
These young Malaysians exemplify excellence and resilience, each making significant contributions in their respective fields. Their recognition on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia list not only highlights their individual achievements but also showcases the diverse talent and potential emerging from Malaysia.
Reference: Malaysian youths shine in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list | The Star
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