Forbes lists honours 50 women doing business in Asia

This is the first Forbes list of powerful businesswomen in Asia

Women from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau have dominated a list of 50 of the most powerful women in business in Asia by Forbes.

The media company said the women were chosen for "their hands-on management of profit-seeking companies".

Among those on the list are Perth mining mogul and Australia's richest person Gina Rinehart, as well as the head of Vietnam's biggest milk company.

However, many women in Asia still face issues of inequality in the workplace.

"This inaugural list celebrates the dynamic ways in which Asia's businesswomen are driving some of the region's most exciting growth," said Moira Forbes, president and publisher of ForbesWoman in a statement.

"Through their respective realms of power and influence, these honourees span diverse industries, nations and generations, yet each has changed the face of Asian business, while creating opportunities for future leaders."

Forbes said that 21 (or 42%) of the 50 women were from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. From India there were eight women (or 16%) and from Singapore there were five women (or 10%).

The remainder were from South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Australia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Sun Yafang, who is the chairman of Huawei Technologies, a major supplier of telecommunication equipment, is named as a honouree, as well Linda Chen, chief operating officer of gaming company Wynn Macau.

She is seen as a possible successor to Steve Wynn, head of the parent group Wynn Resorts, according to Forbes.

The youngest woman on the list is Ekta Kapoor, 36, known for making popular Indian soap operas and Bollywood movies. She is the joint managing director of Balaji Telefilms.