50 Inspiring and influential Asian mums we love

Be inspired by these women who prove that achieving your dreams and building a happy home is possible!

Roshni Mahtani

CEO/Founder

She is one of Singapore’s most well-known women in tech. Her brainchild, Tickled Media, has published several successful websites, chief of which is theAsianparent, the largest parenting portal in Asia.

The new mum manages to balance helming a successful company with raising her 3-month-old daughter, Shan, by pouring equal amounts of passion and dedication into both roles.

Sonia Gandhi

Politician

Born in Italy, this Indian politician has held the position of President of the Indian National Congress for nearly two decades.

Her late husband, Ravij Gandhi, was the former Prime Minister of India. They have two kids: Priyanka and Rahul, who have followed in their footsteps and pursued a career in politics.

photo: wikipedia

Sirikit Kitiyakara

Queen of Thailand

Admired for her working hard alongside her husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, this amazing royal is considered by many as the 'mother of Thailand', with a heart to serve, and well-respected reputation, her reign began more than six decades ago.

photo: thailand.gr

Aung San Suu Kyi

Politician/Diplomat/Author

An icon and a champion of human rights, she has been inspiring people the world over with her courage, passion, and love for her country.

When she challenged dictator U Ne Win and advocated a non-violent approach to achieving democracy and human rights in 1989, the Burmese government placed her under house arrest. She was only released 21 years later.

The fearless social democratic stateswoman won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1991.

She gave birth to both of her sons, Alexander and Kim, in London, England.

photo: wikipedia

Leni Robredo

Lawyer/Politician/Social Activist

A beloved public figure and politician, this mum to three girls has been part of the Philippine House of Representatives since 2013.

She is an inspirational mum who is bravely raising her three daughters alone.

Her husband, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, perished in a tragic plane crash in 2012. The couple had been married for 25 years prior to his untimely death.

Leni has been diligently serving her country ever since she graduated from college in 1986.

photo: facebook

Eva Chen

CTO/CEO

After co-founding and running TrendMicro, the world’s largest security firm, the Taiwanese-born businesswoman placed fifth on the list of Asia’s 50 Power Businesswomen by Forbes in 2012.

The mum-of-two currently resides in California.

photo: techonmag

Maria Lourdes Sereno

Supreme Court Chief Justice

Maria Lourdes Aranal-Sereno became the first woman in Philippine History to be named the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

She believes that women possess a unique style of leadership and that there is no such thing as "too busy" when spending time with her kids.

photo: wikipedia

Zhang Xin

Business magnate

She is the co-founder and CEO of SOHO China, the largest commercial real estate developer in Beijing.

In 2014, she was named part of the Forbes annual list of the most powerful women in the world.

The 50-year-old mum-of-two initially established SOHO as a philanthropic organization which aims to use education as a means to alleviate poverty.

photo: wikipedia

Chandrika Kumaratunga

Former President of Sri Lanka

This mum-of-two served as the fifth President of Sri Lanka, from 1994 to 2005. ,P>Since the end of her term, she has been an active member of the Council of Women World Leaders.

She is also continuously working with the non-profit organization Global Leadership Foundation, alongside experienced advisors tasked to help current world leaders face difficult situations in order to uphold democracy and good governance.

photo: wikimedia

Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng

Publishing Mogul

The third daughter of business magnate, John Gokongwei Jr., Lisa has managed to find success in her own right.

Growing up as part of the country’s richest and most influential families, she never abused the privilege but, instead, she learned the value of hard work.

After struggling to conceive for five years, she and husband Berck welcomed their two boys, Luke and Noah, through In Vitro Fertilization.

photo: linkedin

Indra Nooyi

Business magnate

She has been named the "World’s Most Powerful Woman" twice since she became the CEO of PepsiCo. She also helped establish Yum! Brands, which has been named a Fortune 500 company, operating giant food chains such as: Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut, and A&W Restaurants.

The 50-year-old business magnate was born in India but currently lives in the U.S.A with her husband, Raj Nooyi (president of Amsoft, an insurance agency software firm) and two daughters, Preetha and Tara.

photo: wikimedia

Sheikh Hasina

Prime Minister of Bangladesh

As Prime Minister of Bangladesh, she is focusing her current efforts on making her country poverty-free.

Nearly half of the people in the densely populated country live below the poverty line. Still, the Prime Minister keeps fighting to move the country’s development onward and upward.

The dedicated leader has two children with her late husband, nuclear scientist M. A. Wazed Miah.

photo: wikipedia

Nadya Hutagalung

Model/Host/Painter/Designer

She is an Indonesian-Australian model who rose to fame as one of the first VJs of MTV Asia.

She is also a painter and jewellery designer. She’s happily married to former national team swimmer, Desmond Koh. The pair have a 8-year-old daughter named Nyla.

Photo: youtube

Monique Lhullier

Fashion Designer

This Filipino designer and mum-of-two is now one of the biggest names in fashion. Her designs have been worn by some of the biggest Hollywood celebrities at the Oscars, Emmys, and Grammys.

Throughout her successful fashion line’s evolution from bridal wear to high-fashion couture, she believes in giving her 100% at work and at home.

photo: moniquelhullier.com

Kris Aquino

Actress/Host/Entrepreneur

One of the highest earning actresses in the Philippines, this mum-of-two comes from one of the most renowned Political families of the Philippines.

She has been dubbed the Philippines’ ‘Queen of Talk’ but is currently taking a hiatus from show business.

photo: pinterest

Sri Mulyani Indrawati

Economist, COO and Managing Director of World Bank

Sri, who's been named one of the world's powerful women, oversees the entire operations of the World Bank.

The brilliant mum-of-three was formerly Indonesia's minister of finance and coordinating minister of economic affairs.

An advocate for equality; her recent essay calling for gender equality worldwide was published in the World Post.

photo: wikimedia

Zhang Ziyi

Actress

The new mum is one of the few Asian actresses to successfully crossover into Hollywood, starring in massive box office hits such as: "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", "House of Flying Daggers" and "Memoirs of a Geisha."

Charo Santos Concio

Media Executive/TV Host/Television and Film Producer

Though she recently retired as the President and CEO of ABS-CBN, the largest entertainment and media conglomerate in the Philippines, she still serves a vital role as the company’s Chief Content Officer.

She is one of the most influential women in media, whose produced award-winning shows and has helped launch the careers of the Philippines’ biggest celebrities.

On top of all her achievements, she is a doting mum to her two sons, Francis and Martin and a loving grandmother to two adorable grandaughters.

photo: wikipedia

Mika Noguchi

Entrepreneur

The 41-year-old entrepreneur rapidly expanded her Peach John Co. from a small mail-order business to a trendsetting influential chain of stores throughout Japan.

The single mum of four children built the company from the ground up, serving as an inspiration to many women who long to succeed in their career and in being a good mum.

photo: 10ven.com

Annette Gozon-Abrogar

Lawyer/Producer

Though she is the daughter of the "Big Boss" of GMA, one of the largest TV Networks in the Philippines, she has made a name for herself as a lawyer, producer and president of GMA Films.

She manages to apply her best traits as a lawyer (who finished a Master’s degree at Harvard University) and merge with her passion for the entertainment industry.

She has two kids, Anja and Andy, with husband businessman, Lito Abrogar.

photo: youtube

Merlee Jayme

Chairmum/CEO

Michiko Shōda

Empress of Japan

When she married Prince Akihito, she became the first commoner to be crowned princess of Japan.

She became an Empress when her husband ascended to the throne upon

She and Prince Akihito have three kids, the eldest of whom is the current heir to the Chrysanthemum throne, prince Naruhito.

She is said to be to most widely travelled empress in all of Japanese history.

photo: wikipedia

Ho Ching

Executive Director/CEO

The former CEO of investment firm Temasek is married to the prime minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Long.

The couple have two sons, Li Hongyi and Lee Haoyi.

Vilma Santos

Actress/Politician

The most awarded actress in Philippine Cinema managed to reinvent herself and find success as a public servant and governor of a province north of the Philippines.

She is married to Philippine Senator Ralph Recto, with whom she has one son. Her eldest son from a previous marriage is popular actor and TV host in the Philippines.

photo: wikipedia

Golda Aguilar-Roldan

General Manager

The general manager of J. Walter Thompson Philippines marries both her creative and corporate sides as she helms one of the biggest multinational companies in the Philippines.

She is the brains behind some of the most memorable ad campaigns for the Philippines’ biggest brands. Despite her demanding schedule, she manages to balance both her career and caring for her three kids.

Romi Haan

Founder/CEO

The CEO/Founder of South Korean conglomerate Haan Corp., came up with the idea of inventing her own steam floor cleaner because of how much she disliked cleaning.

Now, Haan Corp. is one of the top providers of steam-based household appliances in South Korea. Currently, they are expanding to provide kitchenware as well as beauty products.

The mum of two stays fit by doing 108 Buddhist prostrations in 15 minutes. Her retirement plans include promoting a Korean maternity exercise which, she believes, will help hasten labor.

photo: more.com

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Mary Kom

Boxer

Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom, more popularly known as MC Mary Kom, is a famous boxer from India.

The feisty fighter is the first woman in history who's won medals in all six boxing world championships.

Her inspiring life story has been adapted into film. She not only empowers athletes but young mums as well who long to balance a successful career as well as a happy home.

photo: Facebook

Nanz Chong-Komo

Model/Entrepreneur/Author

This former model and mum-of-three is also the award-winning entrepreneur behind the ONE.99shop in Singapore.

She managed to channel all the difficulties she encountered when she was first starting out into a bestselling book "One Business, 99 Lessons"—-which sold over 17,000 copies.

photo: tnpcontest

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Actress/Model

Hailed as one of the most beautiful women in the world, she is the first Indian celebrity to be assigned as a jury member at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival and one of the first to make a successful crossover into Hollywood. She also signed on to become the brand ambassador for L'OREAL. She has an adorable 4-year-old daughter named Aaradhya.

photo: wikipedia

Huang Shao Ning

CEO/Co-founder

The Taiwanese mum-of-four co-founded and currently runs Job Central, one of Singapore’s most successful job portals.

photo: Instagram

Wendy Jacobs

Model/Manager

The South African model suffered a nearly fatal cardiac arrest in 2008 but her devoted husband, former football player Fandi Ahmad, stood by her side.

They have five beautiful children: Irfan, 17, Ikhsan, 16, Iman, 15, Ilhan, 12 and Iryan, 8.

15-year-old Iman is following in her mother’s footsteps, making a name for herself in the modeling industry.

photo: Instagram

Dimple Aswani

CEO/Director

She is currently the director of their family business, Royal Group Holdings. Back in 2015, she rebranded and relaunched the spa at their Sentosa Hotel.

She welcomed a baby girl--her second child with Sameer J. Aswan--in February 2016.

photo: Instagram

Nurul Aini

Entrepreneur/Actress/Host

This actress-host has also made a name for herself in the world of business.

She has two adorable kids, Shan and Shaista, who often find themselves in the limelight as well. The cute youngsters have made a couple of TV appearances and are often featured on their mum’s social media accounts.

photo: Instagram

Violet Lim

CEO

This mum-of-two spends most of her time matchmaking singles in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur as the co-founder of Lunch Actually, Asia’s first lunch dating company and eteract.com, Asia’s first online speed dating site.

photo: Wikimedia

Jean Yip

Beauty Mogul

This mum is the genius behind the Chinese beauty empire Jean Yip Group--which started out as a hairdressing business in 1982.

It has since risen to become one of the biggest names in the beauty and slimming industry and has expanded to neighboring countries such as: Malaysia, Jakarta, and Indonesia.

Her only daughter, Cheryl Wee, is a beauty queen and recording artist.

photo: Instagram

Gauri Khan

Film Producer/Interior Designer

Aside from being a film producer and interior designer, Gauri is co-owner of the film production and distribution company Red Chillies Entertainment along with her husband, Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, with whom she has three kids.

photo: wccelebrity

Madhuri Dixit

Actress/Dancer/Philanthropist

She’s a renowned actress in Hindi cinema who’s been lighting up the silver screen since the 1980s.

Not only lauded for acting and dancing skills, the mum-of-two has also been recognized for her philanthropic endeavors. She was appointed the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in India back in 2014.

photo: Wikipedia

Priyanka Gandhi

Politician

An Indian politician, and the daughter of Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka is married to businessman Robert Vadra, with whom she has two children: Raihan and Miraya.

photo: DNA India

Lea Salonga

Singer/Actress/Host

This award-winning actress and singer from the Philippines got her big break on Broadway when she was cast as Kim during the first run of ‘Miss Saigon’ when she was only 18 years old.

She won the Tony award for Best Actress in 1991 for her portrayal in the beloved musical.

Hers is the iconic and familiar voice behind memorable Disney classics, ‘A Whole New World’ and ‘Reflection’.

Her only daughter, Nicole (9) has recently shown an interest in following in her mother’s footsteps.

photo: broadwayworld

50 Inspiring and influential Asian mums we love

The amazing mums on this list do not only have beauty, aand brains; they have the heart to inspire and influence others by living their best lives.

Be inspired by these women who prove that achieving your dreams and building a happy home is possible!

Kajol

Actress/Manager/Social Activist

Kajol Devgan is one of the most prominent faces of Bollywood cinema. Coming from a family of actors and filmmakers, it’s no wonder that Kajol would also find success in the same field.

Though she spends most of her days in the limelight, she isn’t afraid to work behind the scenes, maintaining a managerial position at Devgn Entertainment and Software Ltd.

In addition to her acting career, the mum-of-two is a social activist who champions the rights of women and children.

photo: Wikipedia

Farah Khan

Director/Producer/Actress/Choreographer

She is a successful Indian filmmaker, producer, actress, and choreographer best known for her work on numerous Hindi films. The mum-of-three has choreographed dance routines for over 80 Bollywood movies.

photo: phizzical.com

Jetsun Pema

Queen of Bhutan

The elegant, young royal married King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in 2011 and recently gave birth to a son, Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, heir apparent to the throne.

To celebrate the prince’s much awaited birth, the people of Bhutan planted 108,000 trees in his honor.

photo: wikimedia

Toh Puan Noor Aishah

Former First Lady of Singapore

The former first lady is the wife of Singapore’s first president Yusuf Ishakin, who was in office from 1965-1970. They have three kids.

She firmly believes in the power of hard work but above all, she values caring for her marriage and her children no matter how busy she gets.

photo: Wikimedia

Tessa Prieto-Valdes

This quirky mum is a Filipino fashion designer, columnist and socialite-philanthropist who comes from one of the wealthiest clans in the Philippines.

She's been known to always don flamboyant outfits and exudes a vivacious personality.

Her husband and four kids share her fun personality. They recently renewed their wedding vows in a lavish Game of Thrones-inspired ceremony and reception.

photo: Wikipilipinas

Sushmita Sen

Beauty Queen/Model/Actress

After becoming the first Indian woman to win the Miss Universe crown in 1994, she went on to pursue a career in Bollywood as an actress and a model.

The single mum absolutely adores her two daughters Renee and Alisah.

photo: wikipedia

Chanda Kochchar

Managing Director/CEO

She is the managing director and CEO of ICICI Bank, India's largest private sector lender.

She has two children, son Arjun, and daughter Aarti, who recently got married at the Taj Mahal. It was an event graced by the best and brightest in Bollywood as well as Hindi society.

photo: Wikimedia

Yao Chen

Actress This celebrity mum was just named by Time Magazine as one of the Most Influential People on the Internet.

Some have even dubbed her "China’s answer to Angelina Jolie."

But more than making fans swoon with her romantic comedies, Chen also inspires them to give back. In June 2015, she was named UN Refugee Agency Goodwill Ambassador.

Knowing how to use her fame for good, she sheds light on social and environmental issues, addressing her 71 million followers .

She's married to a cinematographer with whom she has a baby boy. They fondly call him Xiao Tudou ("little potato")

photo: pinterest

Smriti Irani

Former Model/Actress/Politician

Born Smriti Zubin Irani, this mum-of-five started out as a model, TV actress, and producer before making her foray into public governance. Currently, she is the Minister of Human Resource Development in India.

photo: wikipedia

Peng Liyuan

Folk Singer/First Lady of China

She gained popularity as a soprano singer, with numerous hit songs and accolades. She was also a civilian member of China's People's Liberation Army, and held the civilian rank equivalent to Major General.

She has been married to president Xi Jinxing for 25 years. They have one child together: Xi Mingze, who graduated from Harvard University in 2014.

photo: flickr

Halimah Yacob

Politician

Halimah Binti Yacob is a Singaporean politician and mum of five. She is currently the ninth Speaker of Parliament, having assumed office in January 2013.

photo: Wikimedia