Forbes Asia launched its inaugural 100 Digital Stars list this week, which includes Vietnam’s very own Chi Pu, Dong Nhi and Tran Thanh.
The Forbes Asia’s 100 Digital Stars highlights celebrities from across the Asia Pacific region who have taken the digital world by storm and have used their digital influence for social advocacy and causes.
This list comes at an unexceptional time. Much of the region’s population is spending time isolated at home where people are relying on their screens for communication and entertainment, reads an article from Forbes Asia.
“We’ve given special focus to celebrities who, despite cancelled physical events and activities, managed to remain active and relevant, largely by using social media to interact with their fans, raise awareness and inspire optimism.
Many also used their influence to help worthy causes, especially those with a COVID-19 focus.
– Forbes Asia
The digital stars, which is unranked, includes singers, bands and film and television actors in ages from 20 to 78, proving that social media influence is a cross-generation phenomenon.
Most famous names on the list includes Korean band BTS and actress Park Shin-hye, Thai actor Mario Maurer and Pitch Perfect star Rebel Wilson who hails from Australia.
Unsurprisingly, some Vietnamese celebrities made it on the list. The growing social media presence of Vietnam’s well-loved actors and singers have drawn the attention of Forbes Asia.
Here are the top digital stars from Vietnam in Forbes Asia’s list:
Chi Pu, 27
Actress, model, producer, singer and TV host, Vietnam
With over 19 million social media followers, Chi, whose real name is Nguyen Thuy Chi, is one of Vietnam’s most popular female celebrities. A model-turned-actress and singer, her music video “Anh oi o lai” has over 92 million views on YouTube. She donated $50,000 this year to local Covid-19 relief efforts.
Dong Nhi, 32
Singer, Vietnam
Nhi is one of Vietnam’s most beloved stars, with 2.3 million followers on Instagram, 8.4 million on Facebook and 858,000 on TikTok. After failing an audition for Vietnam Idol in 2007, Nhi, whose real name is Mai Hong Ngoc, started posting songs to social media platforms until her boyfriend and now husband Ong Cao Thang became her manager and helped propel her to stardom.
Tran Thanh, 33
Actor, emcee and comedian, Vietnam
With 29 million followers on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, Thanh is Vietnam’s best known TV host. Known for his impersonations of other Vietnamese celebrities, he was named Outstanding Celebrity Star in the 2019 Metub WebTV-Asia Awards in Ho Chi Minh City.