Kuala Lumpur — Datin Paduka Sarena Cheah has been named to Forbes Asia’s 2025 Power Businesswomen list, a recognition of her three‑decade journey within Sunway Group. Rising from a junior executive who once helped with photocopying, she now serves as Executive Deputy Chairman of the US$8.6 billion conglomerate founded by her father, Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah.
Her appointment in January 2025 marked a new chapter for Sunway, as she leads overseas expansion and crafts a long‑term plan for the next 50 years. “My father could not have imagined what Sunway would become. Now my focus is to craft a strong plan for the next 50,” she said, reflecting both continuity and vision.
Cheah’s leadership embodies resilience and adaptability. From property to healthcare, Sunway has diversified into multiple sectors, and under her guidance, the group is positioning itself for sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving regional economy.
Her recognition places her alongside other influential women such as Kuok Hui Kwong of Shangri‑La Asia, Jamie Khoo of DayOne Data Centres, Lani Darmawan of CIMB Niaga, and Amanda Lacaze of Lynas Rare Earths. Together, they represent a new generation of leaders actively shaping Asia’s corporate landscape.
For Cheah, the honor is not merely personal. It symbolizes the broader narrative of women redefining leadership in Asia, balancing legacy with innovation, and proving that vision and perseverance can transform organizations across generations.
