Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 18) — Seven Filipinos made it to Forbes’ “30 Under 30 Asia” list this year which recognizes outstanding people 29 years old and below.
Among those selected were a CEO of a finance tracker app, founders of an AI-powered automation service for supply chain businesses, co-founder of a sustainable high fashion brand, and a co-founder of a delivery platform.
In the Finance and Venture Capital category, Forbes recognized 25-year-old Aaron Villegas, CEO of the app Lista that helps people and small businesses in the Philippines track their finances, plan their spending, and set payment or debt reminders.
Founded in 2021, Lista said it has over 1.6 million downloads.
The four founders of the company Expedock, meanwhile, were listed under the Industry, Manufacturing & Energy category: 25-year-olds Rui Aguiar, King Alandy Dy, and Jeff Tan, as well as 27-year-old Jig Young.
According to its website, Expedock helps move thousands of freight containers internationally every week by using artificial intelligence to “[automate] the manual processes and connect all physical and digital data sources into one platform.”
Citing information from the company, Forbes also noted that large corporations, such as Michigan-headquartered logistics company Ascent, France’s CEVA Logistics and Jusda (a spinoff from Taiwan’s Foxconn), use Expedock’s services.
Under The Arts category, fashion designer Isabel Sicat from Manila also made it to the global media company’s list.
The 29-year-old is one half of the duo behind TOQA, a brand that turns deadstock fabrics into sustainable high fashion.
She completed a dual degree at Brown University-Rhode Island School of Design and interned at New York fashion houses, such as Alexander Wang.
Shipmates co-founder David Marquez, 28, meanwhile, joined other Asian names in the Retail & Ecommerce category.
Forbes said Marquez helped establish the Manila-based delivery platform to usher in “next-generation” shipping technology and infrastructure for the Philippines.
The company was founded in August 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic increased demand for e-commerce and accompanying courier services.
