KUALA LUMPUR: Prominent journalist Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai has been picked by the prestigious international lifestyle magazine Tatler to join its list of Asia’s Most Influential 2023 personalities, unveiled last week.

The Star Media Group adviser and Bernama chairman was named in its annual list along with leaders from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand.

The magazine said the decision was made based on four key metrics: the leader’s scope of influence, the timeliness of achievements, the endurance of careers, and how these personalities made the world a better place.

Wong, who has made moderation and diversity his commitment in his 38-year career in journalism, said he was honoured.

“I am pleased to be named together with two other media friends, (publisher) Datuk Ho Kay Tat from The Edge and Malik Ali (the founder of BFM Radio),” he said.

In September, Wong, an award-winning journalist, was named to helm Bernama, the national news agency.

He was the first Malaysian elected to the Paris-based World Editors Forum and former chairman of the Asia News Network, an alliance of 22 leading news organisations.

The other Malaysians on the list include filmmaker Amanda Nell Eu, renowned infectious disease expert Professor Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Grab co-founder Anthony Tan, top chef Darren Chin and actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh.

Yeoh won an Oscar for best actress in March, while Eu was the first Malaysian female director to win the Cannes Grand Prix 2023 award in October.

Businessmen on the list include Ecoworld Development Group Bhd executive chairman Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin, Nirvana Asia Group founder Tan Sri Kong Hon Kong, Gamuda Bhd managing director Datuk Lin Yun Ling, Sunway Group Bhd chairman Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah, and Berjaya founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan.

The young talents include award-winning entrepreneur Bryan Loo, Curate Group founder Chryseis Tan, and also business woman Marion Caunter, the co-founder of Hairplay Salon and Marna Ro Capital.