5 Filipinos on Forbes young entrepreneurs list

MANILA, Philippines — Five Filipinos and one entrepreneur based in the country made it to this year’s “Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia,” a list of 300 young entrepreneurs, innovators and people across the Asia-Pacific whose initiatives are causing “disruptions” in traditional industries.

Carrying the theme “Disruption and Innovation,” this year’s search for Forbes’ third annual “30 Under 30 Asia” covered 24 countries. Those on the list are cited for challenging conventional wisdom and rewriting the rules for the next generation.

One of the Filipinos in the list is Stephanie Sy, founder of data science startup Thinking Machines, a company that aims to make artificial intelligence systems work for humans.

“With offices in Manila and San Francisco, clients include corporations, government agencies, NGOs and startups,” Forbes said.

Thinking Machines works with government agencies including the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). The company translates data from traffic navigation app Waze, Forbes said.

Also in the list is 19-year-old video blogger Bretman Sacayanan, who has millions of followers on Instagram and nearly two million subscribers on YouTube for his make-up tutorials and some snippets of wisdom. He had been recognized by Time Magazine.

Chef Miko Aspiras, who has worked for a number of top hotels and co-owns seven concept restaurants, is also on the list.

Carlo Delantar, country director of non-profit group Waves for Water, made it to the list for his role in his group’s effort to provide clean water to communities in the Philippines.

“Delantar enlists the help of travelers there to distribute water filtration systems. So far, they have handed out some 10,000 water filters, helping one million Filipinos to access clean water,” Forbes said.

Another Filipino on the list is Archie Oclos, noted for his murals criticizing the government’s “war on drugs.”

Philippine-based Patrick Lynch, an Irish, made it to the list for his work with financial technology startup First Circle, which he co-founded.

“First Circle uses available information such as social media, credit, network and cellphone data to create credit scores to determine the feasibility of a loan,” Forbes said.

The Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Class of 2018 includes 30 honorees in 10 categories. The categories are The Arts (Art & Style, Food & Drink); Entertainment and Sports; Finance and Venture Capital; Media, Marketing and Advertising; Retail and Ecommerce; Enterprise Technology; Industry, Manufacturing and Energy; Healthcare & Science; Social Entrepreneurs and Consumer Technology.

“Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia 2018 List celebrates inspiring game-changers who are disrupting their sectors and not taking ‘no’ for an answer. From refurbishing old sneakers to address a footwear shortage that affects billions of people, to taking the Airbnb approach with satellites, there’s no shortage of innovative ideas among this year’s honorees,” Rana Wehbe, Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia editor, said.

“We also noticed that many of this year’s honorees’ businesses reflect their lifestyle choices and ethos, addressing issues important to their generation. Whether it’s establishing the world’s first wedding magazine specifically catering to the LGBTQ+ brides, or founding a luxury Halal-certified makeup brand, this year’s list showcases Asia’s diversity and inclusiveness,” she added.