From concert halls to tennis courts, from global phenomena to luxury property developments: meet five remarkable individuals from the Tatler Most Influential list who are elevating Hong Kong’s presence on the world stage
For years, Tatler has celebrated the leaders, innovators and changemakers shaping the future of Asia through our Asia’s Most Influential list. This year marks an exciting evolution: we’ve rebranded to Tatler Most Influential, reflecting a shift towards a global framework for identifying impact-driven leadership that is transforming industries, enriching cultures and uplifting communities not just in Asia but around the world.
Hong Kong has consistently produced world-class talent across every field imaginable—from business and the arts to sport and technology. This year’s Tatler Most Influential celebrates more than 80 such individuals who are not only excelling in their respective domains but actively shaping the future of Hong Kong.
From this distinguished group, we spotlight five people whose achievements this year have been particularly noteworthy: a classical pianist claiming victory at one of the world's most prestigious competitions; an artist whose creation has become a global cultural phenomenon; a tennis player breaking barriers at grand slams; a pop icon rewriting record books; and a business leader reimagining hospitality for the next generation.
For the complete Tatler Most Influential 2025 list, see here.
Aristo Sham
When Aristo Sham was announced the winner of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in June 2025, it marked a historic moment for Hong Kong’s classical music scene. Often described as the “Olympics of the piano world”, the competition is staged every four years and attracts the globe’s most gifted pianists. For Sham, the victory was the culmination of a lifetime’s dedication to his craft.
Born to a piano teacher mother and a physics teacher father who runs a tutorial centre, Sham’s journey began at the age of three. By ten, he was already competing and performing, studying under local pianist Eleanor Wong at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts before relocating to London for his secondary education. Now 29, his CV reads like a checklist of the world’s most respected piano competitions.
The Van Cliburn prize included not just a cash award but also a tour across Asia, including performances in his hometown—a particularly meaningful component for the pianist who remains deeply connected to his roots. “I am very happy that [my win] puts Hong Kong on the [global] cultural map and that we can produce artists on this level for the world stage,” he says.
