Top 10 Business Leaders of Substance

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Top 10 Business Leaders of Substance - 2026

Business leadership across Asia and beyond is increasingly defined by individuals who combine global vision with regional insight. Among them are distinguished alumni leaders from Universiti Teknologi MARA, emerging healthcare innovators from Myanmar, and influential Asian business figures shaping industries across Europe. Together, they represent a dynamic network of professionals driving transformation in business, healthcare, and global enterprise.

Graduates of Universiti Teknologi MARA have long been recognized for their commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development. With strong foundations in management, finance, and technology, these alumni leaders contribute to industries ranging from banking and manufacturing to digital services and public administration. Their leadership reflects a balance between strategic growth and community impact, reinforcing Malaysia’s evolving role in the global economy.

"Strong business leadership balances strategy with empathy, shaping organizations that grow sustainably and inspire people to achieve more"

Parallel to this progress are healthcare leaders emerging from Myanmar, where professionals are redefining healthcare delivery amid changing socio-economic conditions. Through hospital management, medical innovation, and community-driven healthcare initiatives, these leaders are strengthening healthcare systems and expanding access to essential services. Their work demonstrates resilience and adaptability, addressing both local healthcare challenges and broader regional needs.

Across Europe, Asian business leaders continue to build bridges between markets, cultures, and industries. Their presence in multinational corporations, entrepreneurial ventures, and investment networks highlights the growing influence of Asian expertise within global economic ecosystems. By blending international business strategies with cultural intelligence, they contribute to sustainable growth, cross-border collaboration, and technological advancement.

Collectively, these leaders embody a new generation of global professionals—rooted in their educational and cultural foundations while navigating international landscapes with confidence. Their achievements reflect the evolving character of modern leadership: adaptive, globally connected, and driven by purpose. Through business, healthcare, and innovation, they continue to shape a more integrated and forward-looking global economy.

CEO Insights Asia in this issue presents a list of ‘Top 10 Business Leaders of Substance - 2026' who have leveraged their extensive industry expertise and experience in offering effective skills to the market. The following list has been prepared after being closely scrutinized by a distinguished panel of judges including CXOs, analysts and our editorial board. We recognize their valuable contribution to the ever expanding and competitive market and their ability to sustain themselves and emerge as top contestants through their reliable knowledge.

Top 10 Business Leaders of Substance - 2026

Company Management	Company Name	Company Description
Deepak Peschard, Founder & CEO	Digeto	With over 20 years of experience across banking, venture capital, and high-growth startups, demonstrating a strong track record in business development, digital transformation, and executing multi-regional strategies across diverse business lines
Dr Oakgar Kyaw, Group CEO	Mandalar Healthcare Group	With over 13 years of healthcare services experience, he has expertise in people management, investment planning, operations, project management, and revitalising struggling healthcare businesses by improving organizational performance
Kamarul Zaman, Vice President - Finance	Takaful Ikhlas Family	He has expertise in accounting and finance with experience in the insurance industry, specialising in general ledger management, bank reconciliation, investment-linked reporting, and collection and payment processes
Marco Tieman, CEO	LBB International	He focuses on research in halal procurement strategy, halal supply chain management, and halal risk and reputation management, with expertise in logistics, procurement, healthcare logistics, and performance improvement
Mohd Yaakob Jaafar, CEO	Sabah Electricity	With more than 22 years of experience, he brings strong operational expertise and active community engagement, supporting the utility’s commitment to reliability, innovation and customer-focused service delivery across operations
Nang Thapyay, Country Head - Myanmar	Viya Health	She oversees overall operations of the social enterprise, including profit and loss management, business development, sales and distribution strategy, marketing initiatives, and human resource management
Dr Nay Lin, Founder & Director - Clinical Nutritionist	Skin Symphony Medical Aesthetic & Nutrition Center	A medical expert and strategic leader with over a decade of experience across pharmaceuticals, fintech, insurance and healthcare partnerships, his venture aims to advance ethical, personalized, health-focused beauty and wellness care
Nishith Rastogi, Founder & CEO	Locus	He is passionate about building, from hardware projects to organizations, and focuses on using technology to drive efficiency, sustainability, and large scale operational impact
Saravana Kumar, Co-Founder	Namma Snacks	With 26 years of international experience across India, Singapore and Germany, he specializes in mechanical engineering, SolidWorks, engineering design, manufacturing processes, and project management across diverse industrial and engineering environments
Syafiqah Nadia Kamal Baharin, Assistant Vice President - Legal	Astro	She has experience in drafting and reviewing contracts across industries, including food and beverage and IT, and handling employment pass applications for expatriates, as well as dependency and domestic worker passes

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