ICON Ball 2025 marks a milestone with a spotlight on next-gen leaders

As ICON magazine commemorates its 20th anniversary, it does so in style with the ICON Ball 2025 — an evening that honours its legacy as a leading Chinese luxury lifestyle publication and looks firmly toward the future. Held at the Shangri-La Singapore on 30 April 2025, this year’s gala carries the theme “A New Era, Reimagined”, a nod to the publication’s evolving ethos and the new generation of leaders it aims to celebrate.

The evening’s centrepiece was the Next ICON Awards, inaugurated in 2023 to spotlight rising leaders under 40 who are transforming family enterprises through technology and innovation. Organised in partnership with the Business Families Institute at Singapore Management University (SMU), the awards reflect ICON’s commitment to recognising those who embody modern leadership while navigating the delicate balance of legacy and progress.

This year’s three honourees exemplify this ethos.

Kia Jiehui, Business Development Manager at Ichi Seiki and Founder of Shin Seiki, has introduced sustainability-driven change to the precision metalworking sector — a traditionally conservative industry. By launching Shin Seiki, she offers SMEs carbon-reduction solutions powered by technology, bringing both climate-conscious strategy and engineering credibility to the table.

Ng Yi-Xian, Group CEO of EtonHouse International Education Group, has steered the family-founded organisation into the digital age. His introduction of AI-based tools like the AI Planner has not only streamlined operations but allowed educators to personalise learning experiences while easing administrative burdens. It is a case study in how educational institutions can innovate without sacrificing pedagogy.

The third honouree, Woon Tien Yuan, Director of heritage brand Killiney Kopitiam, has shown how tradition and technology can co-exist. Under his direction, the brand has developed healthier ready-to-drink options and embraced food-tech innovation, all while expanding its reach beyond Singapore. His work illustrates how heritage businesses can stay relevant to newer generations without losing their identity.

Beyond the awards, the evening featured a keynote speech by Joy Tan, Chair of the Singapore Repertory Theatre and Director at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. Her address underscored the importance of cultural continuity and artistic stewardship in an increasingly digital world. This was followed by a performance from violinist and Cultural Medallion recipient Lynnette Seah, whose presence lent a sense of gravitas and grace to the evening’s proceedings.

As part of the programme, a token of appreciation was also presented to SMU, recognising the university’s ongoing partnership in advancing family business research and talent development.

The evening concluded with a light-hearted Best Dressed segment — highlighting 20 standout looks from the gala’s attendees — before officially drawing to a close at 10pm.

Presented by a suite of luxury partners including BMW Singapore, Clé de Peau Beauté, Air 7 Asia, and Roger Vivier, ICON Ball 2025 exemplified what it has always stood for: the convergence of taste, talent, and timeless elegance — with a new generation boldly taking the lead.