Moments later, Rana and I exchange rings, sign government documents, and share a brief kiss. Basking in that happy moment, we had little clue that a deadly new strain of pneumonia had just been discovered in a city called Wuhan in China and the next four and a half months of our lives became our Engagement with Coronavirus. Introducing 50 women over age 50 from Asia-Pacific who are reaching new heights in their industries and inspiring the regions next generation. In this pandemic, we had each other. 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. A Warner Bros. 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. There is no time for vows to be exchanged during the 15-minute civil ceremony although in some ways, we didnt need them. Learn more in our Cookie Policy. Forbes is looking for inspiring young entrepreneurs, VCs, scientists, artists and social activists to join our #ForbesUnder30 community in Asia Pacific. Thank you to all the speakers who joined my panels, it was a pleasure to have you on board Mori Trust Co. Ltd.'s MiwakoDate, Gaw Capital Partners' Goodwin Gaw, ESR's Jeffrey Perlman, RB Capital Pte ltd's Kishin RK, TDCX's Laurent Junique, Serum Institute of India Pvt. Immediately, the whole city started wearing masks. Nominations for Asia-Pacific region are open till December 15. Rana Wehbe Watson, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2023 One of its earliest members, Art Clay, would go on to cofound the National Brotherhood of Skiers in 1973, along with Ben Finley, then-president of the 4 Seasons West Ski Club of Los Angeles. phy k-li-gr-f Synonyms of calligraphy 1 a : artistic, stylized, or elegant handwriting or lettering b : the art of producing such writing 2 : penmanship 3 : an ornamental line in drawing or painting calligraphic ka-l-gra-fik adjective calligraphically On the flight from South Korea, CNN cameraman Tom Booth and I were shocked to see British Airways crews operating without any protection. Rana Wehbe Watson So far, we have had it so easy. The list is represented from the 22 countries and territories across the Asia-Pacific region. 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 You can update your choices at any time in your settings. 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. 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. Photo: Rana Wehbe Watson, Ivan proposed to Rana in New York City on December 21, 2019. 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. She held senior executive positions in several companies, including IBM Philippines, prior to Converge, according to Forbes. At that stage, South Korea had the most confirmed coronavirus cases outside mainland China. Select Accept to consent or Reject to decline non-essential cookies for this use. Ivan Watson is a senior international correspondent for CNN in Hong Kong. Still, neither of us had ever been confronted by a modern-day plague of global proportions. Fortunately, neither of us got sick. #ForbesOver50 Sitting down (virtually) with these amazing 6 speakers for the second Forbes #100ToWatch webinar was like a crash course on entrepreneurship and funding. Rana Wehbe Watson. She has since edited all five editions of the 30 Under 30 Asia list and directed the programming for Forbes Under 30 Asia Summits. 196 followers. WATCH both panels on the link! And it's out! 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. 's mama and 's wifey . This byline is mine, but I want my name removed. Com - Asia. Forbes new first-of its-kind list - the 50 Over 50 - is going global! Rana joined the Forbes Hong Kong office as a Senior Editor in October 2015 to kickstart Forbes successful Under 30 franchise in the APAC region. 50 Over 50: Asia 2023 a month ago | By Rana Wehbe Watson | Forbes On the other side of the planet, our families and friends in the US, Lebanon and elsewhere watch the little civil ceremony in Hong Kong streamed live on Instagram, sprinkling the video with hearts and emojis and other social media expressions of happiness. We are looking for women over the age of 50 who are shattering age and gender stereotypes Introducing Forbes Asia's Heroes of Philanthropy 2022 list! This byline is for a different person with the same name. The average age of the 2022 list is 26.8. I was to check my temperature twice daily and report immediately if I came down with symptoms. Very proud and excited to present the inaugural Forbes 50 Over 50: Asia 2022 list which I co-edited with ForbesWomen's Maggie McGrath. Moderated by Rana Wehbe Watson, Special Projects Director, Forbes Asia Confirmed speakers: Eric Gnock Fah, COO and Cofounder, Klook Patrick Grove, Chairman and CEO, Catcha Group Lucy Liu, Cofounder and President, Airwallex Finally, our wedding day arrived in May. Shes a tough lady. Arjay L. Balinbin, 2021 BusinessWorld Publishing. 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. Rana Wehbe Watson's Post. All Rights Reserved. Rana is also the editor of the Forbes Asias Power Businesswomen list. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Forbes Staff. Copyright 2021 Forbes Asia CEO Webinar. Older women often become invisible as they age (in contrast to older men), this is an excellent way to celebrate their contributions, Public Relations | Strategist | Communications | SMU, OWNER - CHOCOLATE ON PURPOSE- 100% Indigenous Owned - Yindyamangidyal Marramarra ~ With Respect & Honour, we Create. rana_wehbe_watson. Thankfully, Ranas teta stabilized after the operation. 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. WATCH both panels on the link! A week before the wedding, however, disaster struck. Rana Wehbe Watson 1w Report this post When we last wrapped up the Forbes Global CEO Conference in 2019, I had no idea it would be 3 years till I get to be on stage . Access to education, women empowerment and sexual- and gender-based discrimination are some of the issues addressed by the social entrepreneurs and activists on this year's list. She has since edited all seven editions of the 30 Under 30 Asia list and directed the programming for Forbes Under 30 Asia Summits. 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. 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. Spot market power prices more than double in Oct. Axe to fall on corrupt officials after SONA. Know anyone worthy of being on the list? They are leading the way as the world struggles with the post-COVID reality, she added. 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. She was taken to intensive care in. Thank you to all the speakers who joined my panels, it was a pleasure to have you on board Mori Trust Co. Ltd.'s MiwakoDate, Gaw Capital Partners' Goodwin Gaw, ESR's Jeffrey Perlman, RB Capital Pte ltd's Kishin RK, TDCX's Laurent Junique, Serum Institute of India Pvt. This list was edited by Rana Wehbe Watson. Introducing 50 women over age 50 who are reaching new heights in their industries and inspiring the regions next generation. With our little rescue cat, our small family settled in for weeks of working from home in pajamas followed by cozy home-cooked dinners. Our annual list highlights 20 outstanding female entrepreneurs and business leaders who are transforming the Asia-Pacific region. Mandaang guwu (thank you in my Australian First Nations Wiradyuri language) for including me in this article Rana I'm humbled and speechless! Forbes Asia. Introducing #ForbesUnder30 Asia 2022 list: Meet the next generation of inspiring entrepreneurs, olympians, artists, scientists and activists who are redefining | 10 comentarios en LinkedIn 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. 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. , Two firms to build data centers in Luzon after talk with Marcos, Bloomberry turns around with P5-billion income, MPTC unit taps Chinese company for CAVITEX C5 link, Scams on fake IKEA websites reach P1.4 million, More Filipino children engaged in hazardous work PSA, Globe and Yondu fortifies cybersecurity through Security Ops Center, Interior & Design Manila Lifestyle will be held back-to-back with the Philippine International Furniture Show this March at SMX Manila, AbotizPower sharpens safety skills in observance of Fire Prevention Month, Expanded US access to Philippines bases not for aggression, defence chief says, Philippines central bank governor sees 50 bps rate hike if inflation exceeds 9%, Biden, Scholz to get into the weeds on Ukraine war, China concerns in Washington, Malaysias Anwar says ASEAN must be tougher in bid to resolve Myanmar crisis, SpaceX rocket carries multinational crew toward space station, Several countries ban Brazilian beef as mad-cow probe goes on, Resilient consumption seen to drive growth, BSP sets June 30 deadline for full adoption of QR Ph. Forbes Staff. 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. Congrats to all those who made the final cut out of the 4000+ nominations we received this year, and a big thank you to the amazing panel of judges who helped vet the nominees including Mickey Mikitani Kai-Fu Lee Kishin R K Laurence Lien Chandra Tjan Patrick Grove In Kyung Lee JP GAN Meng Ru Kuok Meena Ganesh Nisa Leung Nadiah Wan Nicole Warne Ronald Akili Janice Lee Snehal Patel, M.D., J.D. 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? So far, we have had it so easy. 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. 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. 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. Ranas 84-year old grandmother suffered a stroke. We were also deliriously happy, posing in front of a glowing fountain alongside my sister and brother-in-law, who conspired with me to take surprise photos of the occasion. Mariefranceasia. She is very right. Rana Wehbe Watson Forbes Staff ABOUT I am Special Projects Director at Forbes Asia. On March 10, the only way to get from South Korea back home to Hong Kong was to fly absurdly long distances via London. I joined Forbes as a senior editor in 2015 to kickstart the Under 30 franchise in Asia. Always a good way to end the year by highlighting some of the Asia Pacific's top philanthropists who have made significant contributions anddemonstrated strong personal commitment to various causes over the past 12 months. We are looking for women over the age of 50 who are shattering age and gender stereotypes across all sectorsin Asia-Pacific. 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. 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. All rights reserved. After our engagement with coronavirus, we know we will be there for each other, no matter what the future may bring. Rana Watson is a Special Projects Senior Editor at Forbes based in Jersey City, New Jersey. Rana received a Bachelor of Arts . 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. A week before the wedding, however, disaster struck. The list goes on from pharmaceuticals and gaming entrepreneurs to running a 360-year-old fireworks maker - these women are unstoppable! In early March, thousands of Koreans were testing positive on a daily basis. 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! Then, throughout March, Covid-19 spread like wildfire across the Middle East, Europe and North America. The citys coronavirus guidelines allow up to 20 guests at a wedding. Chantal Abouchar Arif Rachmat Mike Wiluan Hua Fung Teh () Paul Ronalds Sonny Vu GOH Hian David Gowdey. 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.. 2023 Cable News Network. The coronavirus forced us to stop and count our blessings. Okla Jones, Essence, 27 Sep. 2022 The work also represents a more expansive way of looking at what a Venus is, and thereby expanding the ideas of femininity and womanhood. 1 We had eight. I edit Asia's Under30, power businesswomen & philanthropy lists. Last week, I was delighted to be back, doing what I love most about my job: Gathering and connecting with some of the best business minds out there, moderating interesting discussions with entrepreneurs and getting inspired by so many of them. 684 following. In addition to editing lists (30 Under 30 Asia, Asia's Power Businesswomen, Heroes of. When we last wrapped up the Forbes Global CEO Conference in 2019, I had no idea it would be 3 years till I get to be on stage hosting the next one! Rana Wehbe Watson. Meet The Forbes Under 30 Asia Class Of 2022, Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2022: The Social Entrepreneurs Working Towards A More Equal Future, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information. This year's list recognizes businesswomen "who managed to adapt and thrive in industries including technology, healthcare, banking and manufacturing," said Rana Wehbe Watson, editor of the 2021 Asia's Power Businesswomen list. Delighted to start this year with a very inspiring list, highlighting more women from Asia Pacific. Seemingly overnight, my hotel in Seoul became eerily empty. Compare that to me and Rana, who spent much of our engagement on the couch watching Tiger King (among other things). 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. She was taken to intensive care in Beirut and had brain surgery. 556 posts. 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! In addition to editing lists (30 Under 30 Asia, Asia's Power Businesswomen, Heroes of . 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. Rest followed as Singapore (34), Japan (33), Australia (32), Indonesia (30) and China (28). Rana Wehbe Watson I joined Forbes as a senior editor in October 2015 to kickstart the Under 30 franchise in Asia. Ltd.'s Adar Poonawalla, BYJU'S' Byju Raveendran, Emtek (PT Elang Mahkota Teknologi Tbk)'s Alvin Sariaatmadja, FTX's Constance Wang, Coda Payments' Neil Davidson, Caldecott Music Group's Meng Ru Kuok, WeLab's Simon Loong, Biofourmis' Kuldeep Singh Rajput, CARRO's Aaron Tan, The Sylvan Group's Kyungsun Chung, IOI Corporation Berhad's Lee Yeow Chor and RGE's Anderson Tanoto, Co-Founder @ Bondstein / Singularity | Forbes 30under30 | Seed Transformation @ Stanford GSB | Entrepreneur & Innovator | Engineer, Secretary General of the Olympic Committee, Editor at Fast Company Middle East - the worlds only business media brand focused on innovation, technology, and leadership, 9 out of 10 Marketing Leaders Recommend Escomedia. 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. I joined Forbes as a senior editor in October 2015 to kickstart the Under 30 franchise in Asia. Proud to have edited this year's edition of Forbes Asia's Heroes of Philanthropy - highlighting 15 prominent entrepreneurs and business tycoons who demonstrated a clear personal commitment to a number of initiatives. I am Special Projects Director at Forbes Asia. Forbes new first-of its-kind list - the 50 Over 50 - is going global! Photo: Anya Hanson, Rana and Ivan at Hong Kong's Births, Deaths and Marriages Registrations Office on February 9. Ms. Uy is a certified public accountant. CONVERGE ICT Solutions, Inc. Nothing neither our health, the roof over our heads, nor the food on our table can be taken for granted. 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. Forbes Staff. SPEAKERS View Speakers AGENDA Amid the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic, Rana and I have just gotten married. Open in Who Shared Wrong byline? I was even a fashion blogger at one time, reporting on young emerging designers in Asia. Editors Note: We are publishing personal essays from CNNs global staff as they live and cover the story of Covid-19. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. Rana Wehbe Watson Special Projects Director Forbes Asia Rana joined the Forbes' Hong Kong office as a Senior Editor in October 2015 to kickstart Forbes' successful Under 30 franchise in the APAC region. Prior to Forbes, she was APAC Group Editor in Chief for the Paris-based publishing group Reworld Media where she launched two lifestyle and fashion titles setting their editorial strategy and growing their audience from day one. 2. 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. I'm honored to be part of this important conversation to help reshape the narrative around gender and age in society. Introducing #ForbesUnder30 Asia 2022 list: Meet the next generation of inspiring entrepreneurs, olympians, artists, scientists and activists who are redefining. Sitting down (virtually) with these amazing 6 speakers for the second Forbes #100ToWatch webinar was like a crash course on entrepreneurship and funding. She is equally fond of Asimovs sci-fi novels and her skyhigh heels. Senior Editor-Special Projects. Thanks to Forbes Asia team who helped me put this together Jonathan "Joubert" Burgos Russell Flannery Gloria Haraito John Kang Phisanu Phromchanya Anu Raghunathan Yessar Rosendar James Simms Jessica Tan Yue Wang and Ardian Wibisono, When we last wrapped up the Forbes Global CEO Conference in 2019, I had no idea it would be 3 years till I get to be on stage hosting the next one! 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. This years list recognizes businesswomen who managed to adapt and thrive in industries including technology, healthcare, banking and manufacturing, said Rana Wehbe Watson, editor of the 2021 Asias Power Businesswomen list. Rana Wehbe Watson 9h Report this post Delighted to start this year with a very inspiring list, highlighting more women from Asia Pacific. From leaders in tech and pharmaceuticals, to artists, scientists and more meet the women who are proving that success comes at any age. Published Did you encounter any technical issues? Forbes noted that Ms. Uy led the negotiations for a $250-million investment from Warburg Pincus, a global growth investor, in 2019, which was used for the expansion of Converges fiber network. Rana Wehbe Watson's Post Rana Wehbe Watson Special Projects Director, Forbes Asia 5d Edited I am Special Projects Director at Forbes Asia. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. The entire world has been taught a giant lesson in humility, a reminder that we are subject to forces and events that we cannot control. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Co-Founder and President Maria Grace Y. Uy is part of Forbes Asias 2021 Power Businesswomen list, which recognizes 20 outstanding female business leaders in the Asia-Pacific region. I'm also equally fond of Asimov's science fiction novels and skyhigh heels. 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? 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. We did too, when we went to the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registrations Office in early February to apply for a date to get married. Star Wars and shoes make me happy. Keeps me young at heart :) 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. It's about time! "They are leading the way as the world struggles with the post-COVID reality," she added. Excited to work on this new initiative with ForbesWomen editor Maggie McGrath ! Asia. check out the nomination guidelines and form below. Special Projects Director, Asia @forbes. 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!