Insular Life’s Nina Aguas on Forbes Asia’s Power Businesswomen list 2019

Insular Life Assurance Company executive chairman Nina Aguas is on the Forbes Asia’s Power Businesswomen list 2019, the sole Filipina among accomplished women in business in the Asia-Pacific region.

The list focuses on 25 top-caliber women in the region, highlighting their “significant role in shaping Asia’s business landscape in the next few decades.”

Forbes noted that Aguas took over as the executive chairman of the Insular Life, the first local life insurance company, quoting her as saying: “A life insurance policy is one of the most prized gifts one can give one’s family and loved ones.”

Under her leadership, Insular Life saw its premium income in 2018 rise 18% to P14 billion. She also led InLife Sheroes, a partnership with the World Bank to educate Filipino women on financial literacy and health.

According to Forbes, the women on the list were selected for their achievements and track records of success, including entrepreneurs who have started their own business, those transforming their family enterprises, and high-level executives.

“By profiling these 25 outstanding women, Forbes Asia aims to highlight their achievement in the business world and present them as both powerful and empowering so that their success may inspire all our readers,” said Rana Wehbe, editor of the 2019 Asia’s Power Businesswomen list.

Other women who made it on this year's list include the following:

• GGV Capital Managing Partner Jenny Lee (Singapore)

• ZhenFund CEO Anna Fang (China)

• XL Axiata President Dian Siswarini (Indonesia)

• Vietjet Aviation Founder and CEO Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao (Vietnam)

• Market Kurly Founder and CEO Kim Seul Ah (South Korea)

• The Coffee Academics Founder and Chairwoman Jennifer Wai-Fun Liu (Hong Kong)

• Ya-Man President Kimiyo Yamazaki (Japan)

• Grab Cofounder and COO Tan Hooi Ling (Malaysia)

• One Origin CEO Kamonwan Wipalukorn (Thailand)

• Luckin Coffee Founder and CEO Jenny Qian Zhiya (China)

• Nykaa Founder and CEO Falguni Nayar (India)

• The Great Room Cofounder and CEO Jaelle Ang (Singapore)

• MobiKwik Cofounder Upasana Taku (India)

• Avrist Assurance President Anna Leonita (Indonesia)

• Wantedly Founder and CEO Akiko Naka (Japan)

• Yum China CEO Joey Wat (China)

• Malee Group CEO Roongchat Boonyarat (Thailand)

• Ruparupa.com Chief Teresa Wibowo (Indonesia)

• House of Anita Dongre Cofounder and Chief Creative Officer Anita Dongre (India)

• BioSmart chair Park Hye Rin (South Korea)

• NutiFood CEO Tran Thi Le (Vietnam)

• Huazhu Group CEO Jenny Zhang (China)

• Hardcastle Restaurants Managing Director Smita Jatia (India)

• Aussco Chief Strategist & Catalyst Joanne Chow (Hong Kong)

“The list recognizes women who are breaking down barriers and playing a significant role in shaping Asia’s business landscape,” said Forbes. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/VDS, GMA News