From redefining creative boundaries to inspiring change across industries, these trailblazers in the cultural scene are not just making waves—they’re setting the course. This list, curated by Popspoken, highlights a diverse array of twenty two influential figures shaping the creative landscape of Southeast Asia. These leaders are making significant contributions across the lifestyle and hospitality sectors.
Each individual plays a unique role in enriching and expanding the region’s vibrant cultural scene. We celebrate the visionaries who are pushing the envelope and shaping the future of art, music, and beyond.
Iqbal Ameer (Founder, It’s the Ship)
As the driving force behind the floating festival ‘It’s the Ship‘ Iqbal Ameer has brought a unique, cruise-based music festival experience to Southeast Asia, emphasizing resilience and innovation. He has transformed the festival landscape in Southeast Asia.
Livescape Group’s relentless drive have created a unique music experience that brings together international acts and adventurous spirits on the high seas.
Pete Phonprapa (Founder, Wonderfruit)
Visionary founder of Wonderfruit, Pete Phonprapa has revolutionized Southeast Asia’s festival scene by blending sustainability with cultural expression. His innovative approach to event curation has turned Wonderfruit into a global beacon for eco-conscious celebration and artistic diversity, from the choice of music acts.
Low Eng Teong (CEO, National Arts Council)
Formerly an educator, CEO of Singapore’s National Arts Council, Low Eng Teong plays a pivotal role in nurturing the arts ecosystem, serving as a conductor of the arts through various initiatives and policies.
His leadership has been instrumental in fostering creative innovation and cultural development, making the arts more accessible and vibrant across the nation.
Karen Seah (Founder, Refinery Media)
Karen Seah, who spearheaded the launch of Zouk Kuala Lumpur, also revolutionized reality TV in Asia with shows like Asia’s Next Top Model, under Refinery Media. Her passion for entertainment and her role as a leading female executive producer underscore her commitment to advancing the genre.
Her recent project, Now Is Not the Time, a collaborative exhibition celebrating Singapore’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, exemplifies her innovative spirit. In collaboration with design pioneers Robert Cheng and Daniel Arsham, along with Founding Partners like DBS Bank and Pontiac Land Group, Karen has brought this immersive experience to life. The exhibition explores Singapore’s journey through art and technology, reflecting Lee Kuan Yew’s legacy.
Karen’s dedication to integrating art with entertainment not only honors historical figures but also inspires future generations, bridging the gap between past achievements and future aspirations.
Sheila Majid (Musician)
Malaysia’s Jazz Royalty, Sheila Majid, continues to make waves in the music scene, celebrated for her contributions to jazz and her influence in the region’s music industry.
Renowned for blending East and West in her work, Majid humbly downplays her “Queen of Jazz” title, focusing on her role as a positive influence and advocate for awareness. She emphasizes that producing high-quality, relatable music is key to staying relevant, as seen with her enduring hit “Sinaran.” While acknowledging the benefits of modern recording technology, Majid prefers live instrumentation and is open to exploring futuristic sounds in her future work.
Jeremy Monteiro (Musician)
A renowned jazz musician, Jeremy Monteiro has dazzled audiences with his expertise in swing and jive, contributing significantly to Singapore’s music landscape.
His groundbreaking performances, such as his debut at the Montreux Jazz Festival, have placed Singapore on the global jazz map. As a cultural ambassador, Monteiro bridges musical traditions, fostering international collaborations and promoting jazz education. His impact extends beyond performance to nurturing new talent and shaping the cultural landscape through his contributions to music and education.
Jazz Li (Founder, Enviseam)
Jazz Li, founder of ENVISEAM, is a dynamic force in the art world, particularly known for his collaborations with Mandopop superstar Jay Chou.
He has been instrumental in blending fine art with pop culture, curating innovative exhibitions that bridge the gap between these two realms. With ENVISEAM’s latest endeavor, Art Colure With Artistes at Marina Bay Sands, Jazz continues to push the boundaries of art, by making it accessible to a wider audience, using entertainment and celebrity influence, such as Jay Chou and Jahan Loh, to drive powerful vehicles for artistic expression. His vision is to create a more cohesive world through art, by promoting cultural understanding.
Amos Ananda (Artist and Fashion Icon)
Amos Ananda, a familiar face in Singapore’s fashion scene, has seamlessly blended music, pop culture, hype art and street style into his work.
His latest ventures with Carlsberg and Harley Davison, reflects his signature “audacious and electric energy.” Previously, Maison Martell’s two-year project culminated in a new signature range, showcased in the campaign “Soar Beyond The Unexpected,” featuring striking camouflage prints and lightning-inspired graphics.
Steve Lawler (Founder, GIFFEST)
Steve Lawler, also known by his artist moniker Mojoko, is an internationally acclaimed artist born in Iran, raised in Hong Kong, educated in Europe and based in Singapore. His career took off with the prestigious FABRICA art residency in Italy and an early role at Diesel HQ, where he rapidly advanced as an artist and creative director.
As a seasoned multimedia artist, he is known for his creative projects like GIFFEST. He believes that artificial intelligence (AI) will enhance creativity rather than replace it. Lawler, who launched GIFFEST in 2017—a biennial showcase of GIFs by emerging motion graphic artists—has continued to push the boundaries of digital art. The latest edition, GIFFEST: IMPERFECT, is a key component of DesignSingapore Council’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Yah Leng Yu (Creative Director and Founder, Foreign Policy Design Group)
As the founder and creative director of Foreign Policy Design Group, Yah Leng Yu has crafted some of the most innovative and impactful design concepts in the region. Her leadership extends to being a member of the prestigious Alliance Graphique Internationale and chairperson of Singapore’s Design Society, where she shapes the future of design and its community. She believes in deriving creative design solutions from life experiences, influencing the design community with her work and philosophy.
Her role as a judge for prestigious design awards like the D&AD and the Golden Pin Design Awards highlights her influence in the global design community.
Goh Beng Kwan (Artist)
A revered figure in Singapore’s art scene, Goh Beng Kwan is celebrated for his remarkable contributions to both traditional and contemporary art. Born in 1936, Goh’s career spans over six decades, marked by a profound exploration of artistic mediums and techniques.
As a pioneer of modern ink painting in Singapore, Goh’s early training under eminent mentors such as Chen Wen Hsi and Cheong Soo Pieng laid the foundation for his artistic development. These formative years at the Chinese High School honed his skills in oil painting and Chinese ink, which continue to influence his contemporary works.
Ong Kim Seng (Artist)
Today, Ong Kim Seng is celebrated as one of Singapore’s most accomplished watercolourists, having achieved international recognition by becoming the only Asian artist residing outside the US to be admitted into the American Watercolor Society. His work, that is now showcased at Artcommune Gallery, as a plein-air realist painter, is distinguished by its nuanced portrayal of natural and architectural beauty, often infused with a sense of intrigue through varied perspectives.
Ong’s artistic pursuits have taken him to diverse locations such as Bali and Nepal, each offering unique inspiration. Nepal, in particular, resonates deeply with Ong due to its majestic mountains and rich cultural heritage. His travel experiences and deep reflections are evident in his work, which is shaped by a lifetime of personal and artistic growth.
Jackson Aw (Founder, MightyJaxx)
Founder of one of the most prominent startup stories in Singapore, supported by Enterprise Singapore, Jackson Aw’s strategic vision and leadership have propelled award-winning future culture company, Mighty Jaxx from a niche start-up, to a major player in the global toy collectibles market.
Launched in 2012, Mighty Jaxx initially focused on limited-edition figurines, in partnership with Warner Bros, but has since expanded into digital products and immersive experiences, through iconic brand deals with Hasbro, Sesame Street, Toei Animation, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, DC Comics, and Looney Tunes under Aw’s leadership. His ability to anticipate pop-culture trends and guide the company through successful pivots has been crucial in shaping its success.
Kelley Cheng (Architect and Founder, Press Room)
Kelley Cheng embodies the spirit of a cultural shaper, blending relentless creativity with a deep commitment to nurturing the design community. Over her illustrious career, Cheng has transformed Singapore’s design landscape through her influential work as the founder of iSh magazine, the design consultancy The Press Room, and her latest venture, Studio SML.
Awarded the President’s Designer of the Year Award, Cheng’s impact resonates through her pioneering projects that archive and elevate local design talent. Her journey is marked by an unwavering dedication to good design and community building, even in the face of personal and professional challenges. Through her work, she has not only shaped the aesthetic landscape but also fostered a deeper appreciation for design as a crucial cultural element.
Jamie Koh (Founder, Brass Lion Gin)
Founder of Singapore’s first gin school, Jamie Koh has played a key role in the local craft spirits movement, blending education with entrepreneurship, alongside newer players in the market such as Tanglin Gin. Her contributions extends beyond innovation; Jamie’s emphasis on incorporating local botanicals into gin highlights Singapore’s rich natural heritage. By using ingredients like chrysanthemum flowers and torch ginger, she not only celebrates local flavors but also fosters a deeper cultural appreciation among consumers.
Jamie’s Gin School is more than just a distillery experience; it’s an educational journey that democratizes the art of gin-making. By making the complex process accessible to the public, she empowers individuals to develop a personal connection with their spirits.
Kevin Foo (Managing Director (Greater China), Sony Music)
As an executive at Sony Music and previously co-Founder of Beep Studios, Umami Records and Foundation Music, Kevin Foo’s role has been crucial in managing and promoting musical talents, balancing artistic growth with commercial success.
His strategic approach expertly aligns artistic voices, to help artists navigate the industry while fostering creativity and innovation within the music scene.
Dick Lee (Musician and Founder, Dick Lee Asia)
Singaporean music icon, Dick Lee has an illustrious career. He is known for his contributions to the local music scene and mentoring the next generation of musicians.
With a career spanning over four decades, Lee has continually redefined Singaporean pop culture through his innovative blend of traditional Asian sounds and Western influences. His landmark album The Mad Chinaman and the iconic anthem “Home” exemplify his role in shaping national identity and cultural pride.
As a versatile artist, Lee transcends genres, from pop to musical theatre, and his work often weaves themes of multiculturalism and identity. His contributions extend beyond music, cementing his status as a cultural shaper who has significantly influenced and enriched Singapore’s artistic and cultural heritage.
Gaurav Kripalani (Singapore Repertory Theatre)
Gaurav Kripalani, together with managing director, Charlotte Nors, has been pivotal in rediscovering the arts in Singapore, leading the Singapore Repertory Theatre, through dynamic programming and creative leadership.
Andrew Li (CEO, Zouk Group)
As CEO of Zouk Group, Andrew Li has championed the region’s nightlife scene and is now venturing into food & beverage concepts such as Here Kitty Kitty that has launched in Resorts World Las Vegas. ZoukOut festival made a triumphant return in 2022, in partnership with AEG, solidifying its status as the region’s premier dance music event and reaffirming Zouk’s standing in the global nightlife industry.
The group has also opened a successful string of nightclubs across Tokyo, Malaysia, Las Vegas, and soon to come, Los Angeles.
Calvin Wong (CEO, Universal Music Group, South East Asia)
Calvin Wong has played a pivotal role in expanding the iconic Def Jam label’s presence in Southeast Asia. With a focus on authenticity, he has been a champion for emerging hip-hop artists in the region, creating platforms for their voices to be heard and their talents to flourish.
He intends to elevate local talent, to regional talent before breaking them on global markets. With a wealth of experience in the music industry, Wong previously built and managed successful record labels such as F Records in Hong Kong and Black Hat Cat Records in Malaysia.
Loh Lik Peng (Founder, Unlisted Group)
Loh Lik Peng built a restaurant empire with the Unlisted Group. Loh has continued to drive forward with creative concepts and exceptional dining experiences, solidifying his reputation as a leading force in the culinary world, garnering the most number of Michelin stars for the restaurants under his belt in Singapore.
Appetite now has a curated art concept by curator, Tan Siu Li, further enhancing the dining experience with a touch of artistic elegance.
Teng Wen Wee (Founder, Lo & Behold Group)
With a deep passion for creating meaningful lifestyle experiences, Teng has spearheaded the development of a diverse portfolio of establishments that blend cultural innovation with contemporary design, such as the latest lifestyle offering, New Bahru.
Under his leadership, Lo & Behold Group has become synonymous with cutting-edge hospitality and lifestyle concepts. From the iconic Tanjong Beach Club to the sophisticated 3-star Michelin dining experience at Odette and Claudine, Teng’s ventures are renowned for their attention to detail, as well as commitment to community and environmental sustainability.
Teng’s approach goes beyond mere business success; it’s about crafting spaces that resonate with people on a deeper level. His dedication to integrating cultural richness and environmental consciousness into his projects has made Lo & Behold Group a beacon of innovation and excellence in the industry.
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