SINGAPORE : The chief executive of Temasek Holdings, Ho Ching, has been listed as the most powerful woman in Asia, according to the annual Forbes list of the world's most powerful women.

Forbes noted that her efforts transformed Temasek Holdings into a pan-Asian investor, and has brought the group over US$100 billion in assets.

Ms Ho replaces China's former vice-premier Wu Yi who took the top Asian spot last year, but has since retired in March this year. Ms Ho is number 8 overall on the list.

Topping the global ranking is German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is the most powerful woman in the world for the third year running.

In total, the 100 women ranked on the list control US$26 trillion worldwide. - CNA /ls