#HeroesofPhilanthropy. The citys coronavirus guidelines allow up to 20 guests at a wedding. Senior Editor-Special Projects. Seemingly overnight, my hotel in Seoul became eerily empty. At the time, we were both jet-lagged after the long flight from Hong Kong, where we live and work. From climate change to education and humanitarian aid - these individuals have donated millions - and in some cases billions - from their own fortunes to support charitable initiatives across the region and the world. 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! Mandaang guwu (thank you in my Australian First Nations Wiradyuri language) for including me in this article Rana I'm humbled and speechless! With our little rescue cat, our small family settled in for weeks of working from home in pajamas followed by cozy home-cooked dinners. This Conference is attended by CEOs, tycoons, entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders to discuss and debate key issues of global concern and to build new partnerships. Rana grew up in Beirut in a civil war. Born and bred in Beirut, Lebanon Ranas eclectic journey has taken her from Dubai to Singapore and now Hong Kong where shes worked at global newsrooms taking on various editorial roles, last of which is APAC Group Editor in Chief for the Paris-based Reworld Media where she launched two lifestyle and fashion websites (Marie France Asia and BE Asia) setting their editorial strategy and growing their audience from day one. 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. Com) at ReWorld Media and also held positions at Marie France Asia, Al Nisr Publishing, Emirates Group, Daily Star. There was nothing we could do. 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. India tops the list in terms of the number of entries with 61. 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. Introducing Forbes Asia's Heroes of Philanthropy 2022 list! Forbes is looking for inspiring young entrepreneurs, VCs, scientists, artists and social activists to join our #ForbesUnder30 community in Asia Pacific. 1 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 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. Rana . You can update your choices at any time in your settings. I write about women who run companies, countries and currencies. 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. Forbes Staff. While my childhood was much more comfortable, 20 years of reporting overseas exposed me to the grim realities of war, natural disaster and political instability. 50 Over 50: Asia 2023 a month ago | By Rana Wehbe Watson | Forbes They are leading the way as the world struggles with the post-COVID reality, she added. Rana Wehbe Watson's Post. 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. Fascinated by Asia and its diverse culture, Rana loves to travel around the region and shes equally fond of Asimovs sci-fi novels and her skyhigh heels. 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. Rana Wehbe Watson's Post Rana Wehbe Watson Special Projects Director, Forbes Asia 2mo Edited We wore surgical masks with bride and groom written on them in marker to the registry. Forbes new first-of its-kind list - the 50 Over 50 - is going global! Shes a tough lady. 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? Immediately, the whole city started wearing masks. Announced on Tuesday, Forbes Asia recognized Ms. Uy for her role in growing Converge into one of the largest fixed broadband operators in the Philippines.. As the region has mostly moved on to a post-pandemic era, the trailblazers on this year's list have come up with varying strategies that helped their businesses soar despite the uncertainty of the new normal. Before leaving the wedding registry, we put on his and hers surgical masks adorned with the titles Mr. and Mrs.. Rana's 84-year old grandmother suffered a stroke. We are celebrating outstanding entrepreneurs, scientists, vanguards and business and political leaders whose biggest achievements came after the age of 50, and they continue to be inspiring and successful in their 60's, 70's, 80's and yes even 90's! appreciated. Introducing the 7th edition of Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list. There is no time for vows to be exchanged during the 15-minute civil ceremony although in some ways, we didnt need them. Know anyone worthy of being on the list? Rana Wehbe Watson's Post. Some of these women are thriving in male-dominated industries like tech, shipping and construction while others like Kristy Carr and Ghazal Alagh have started successful businesses inspired by their journeys to motherhood. ABOUT. Then, throughout March, Covid-19 spread like wildfire across the Middle East, Europe and North America. Photo: Anya Hanson, Rana and Ivan at Hong Kong's Births, Deaths and Marriages Registrations Office on February 9. I joined Forbes as a senior editor in 2015 to kickstart the Under 30 franchise in Asia. 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. Did you encounter any technical issues? Before that, she ran an editorial fashion blog which focused on emerging Asian designers and grew a large following in Singapore and beyond. Forbes Staff. She held senior executive positions in several companies, including IBM Philippines, prior to Converge, according to Forbes. This list was edited by Rana Wehbe Watson. 2. CONVERGE ICT Solutions, Inc. Select Accept to consent or Reject to decline non-essential cookies for this use. WATCH both panels on the link! She has since edited all seven editions of the 30 Under 30 Asia list and directed the programming for Forbes Under 30 Asia Summits. So far, we have had it so easy. 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. WATCH both panels on the link! Shared by Rana Wehbe Watson Purpose, ESG reporting, climate impact and sustainability have all become hot topics in recent years, evolving from environmental and activist Liked by Rana Wehbe. Rana is also the editor of the Forbes Asias Power Businesswomen list. 's mama and 's wifey . 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. Suddenly, Rana and I were far more worried about our parents in the US and Lebanon, than we were for ourselves in Hong Kong. On the flight from South Korea, CNN cameraman Tom Booth and I were shocked to see British Airways crews operating without any protection. Chantal Abouchar Arif Rachmat Mike Wiluan Hua Fung Teh () Paul Ronalds Sonny Vu GOH Hian David Gowdey. Our annual list highlights 20 outstanding female entrepreneurs and business leaders who are transforming the Asia-Pacific 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. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. 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. 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. Be it businesswomen, artists, scientists, venture capitalists, chefs, politicians or activists - the women we are seeking to highlight have reached the highest echelons of a business or field after turning 50. 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. Ms. Uy is a certified public accountant. 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. Sitting down (virtually) with these amazing 6 speakers for the second Forbes #100ToWatch webinar was like a crash course on entrepreneurship and funding. If you know anyone worthy of being on the list, please nominate them via this online form https://lnkd.in/guHhABnD Upon arrival in Hong Kong, health authorities put me on two-week mandatory medical surveillance. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. Photo: Scott Clotworthy, Family and friends tune in to watch the wedding via livestream. 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. All Rights Reserved. In addition to editing lists (30 Under 30 Asia, Asia's Power Businesswomen, Heroes of. Rana Wehbe Watson @rana_in_asia Nov 7 Just launched: Forbes #AsiaPowerBusinesswomen2022 list honoring outstanding entrepreneurs and leaders across APAC forbes.com Asia's Power Businesswomen 2022 Our annual list highlights 20 outstanding female entrepreneurs and business leaders who are transforming the Asia-Pacific region. You may, responds a Hong Kong official, who is still wearing his mask. Now in its 20 th year, the prestigious Forbes Global CEO Conference will be held this September 26-27, 2022 in Singapore. No one checked our temperature during the layover at Londons Heathrow Airport. Thankfully, Ranas teta stabilized after the operation. by Swathi K | Jan 22, 2020 | 0 comments. Compare that to me and Rana, who spent much of our engagement on the couch watching Tiger King (among other things). Keeps me young at heart :) She has since edited all seven editions of the 30 Under 30 Asia list and directed the programming for Forbes Under 30 Asia Summits. 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. 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. 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. Select Accept to consent or Reject to decline non-essential cookies for this use. The list goes on from pharmaceuticals and gaming entrepreneurs to running a 360-year-old fireworks maker - these women are unstoppable! Forbes Asia. Moments later, Rana and I exchange rings, sign government documents, and share a brief kiss. Forbes new first-of its-kind list - the 50 Over 50 - is going global! Spot market power prices more than double in Oct. Axe to fall on corrupt officials after SONA. 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. Rana is also the editor of the Forbes Asias Power Businesswomen and Heroes of Philanthropy lists, and has co-edited the inaugural 50 Over 50 Asia list. Editors Note: We are publishing personal essays from CNNs global staff as they live and cover the story of Covid-19. 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. Shares have since risen over 70%, pushing Converges market cap to 233 billion pesos ($4.6 billion), it added. All Rights Reserved. At that stage, South Korea had the most confirmed coronavirus cases outside mainland China. Hong Kongers didnt mess around. Learn more in our Cookie Policy. This button displays the currently selected search type. But they spoke about the epidemic as if it was some distant threat, an Asian problem that would never reach their shores. Com - Asia. 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. A week before the wedding, however, disaster struck. 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. Star Wars and shoes make me happy. Open in Who Shared Wrong byline? Nominations for Asia-Pacific region are open till December 15. For two people who have lived almost all of our adult lives overseas, a sickening realization set in we could no longer count on jumping on a plane to fly home to our loved ones in the event of an emergency. rana_wehbe_watson. 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 "Businesswomen across the Asia-Pacific region continue to break barriers, and, in many cases expand their businesses despite the lingering pandemic," said Rana Wehbe Watson, editor of Asia's . Rana received a Bachelor of Arts . 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. 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. Published Rana Wehbe Watson's Post Rana Wehbe Watson Special Projects Director, Forbes Asia 4d Edited She has since edited all five editions of the 30 Under 30 Asia list and directed . 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? 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.