The 30 Under 30 Asia Content Creators Using Their Platforms To Educate And Entertain
A new wave of Gen-Z creators is redefining the intersection of entertainment, education, and social impact. By leveraging social media to demystify complex subjects, these individuals are inspiring a global audience to pursue niche passions and engage with challenging topics.
Artistry and Social Influence
In Indonesia, artist and influencer Erika Richardo has pushed the boundaries of traditional murals. To commemorate Indonesia’s 80th independence day in August 2025, she was commissioned by Garuda Indonesia to paint a Boeing 737 aircraft.
The artwork incorporates batik elements and depicts 16 different ethnic groups from across the archipelago. Richardo, who has amassed over 18 million TikTok followers, used the project to showcase storytelling through art.
Beyond her visual work, Richardo co-founded the nonprofit Rumah Mimpi Indonesia with sustainability influencer Jerhemy Owen. The organization has raised 1.7 billion rupiah ($100,000) to provide art supplies and build schools in remote regions.
Similarly, Indian creator Parth Bajaj is using digital platforms to simplify the culinary arts. A self-taught baker and industrial engineering graduate, Bajaj has built a brand around demystifying pastries for home cooks.
Bajaj, who has over 1.5 million followers, expanded his reach last year by publishing a cookbook with Penguin Random House titled Plated by Parth: Whisk, Bake, Indulge.
Bridging the Gap in Science and History
Academic scholars are also migrating to social platforms to make specialized knowledge accessible. Australia-based astrophysicist Kirsten Banks, known as AstroKirsten, simplifies cosmic discoveries and black holes for her followers.
Banks integrates her Wiradjuri heritage into her teachings about the stars. She currently serves as a lecturer at Swinburne University of Technology and a brand ambassador for Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow programme.
In Thailand, Nattanon Dungsunenarn is driving STEM interest through Spaceth.co. As cofounder and editor-in-chief, he utilizes podcasts and social media to inspire young Thais to explore space.
The trend of destigmatization extends to intimacy with Australian sex historian Esmé James. With a Ph.D. From the University of Melbourne, James uses her “Kinky History” series to examine intimate lives through a historical lens.
Navigating Global Affairs and Marketing
Current affairs are being reimagined for younger audiences through platforms like “Shit You Should Care About.” Cofounded by New Zealand’s Lucy Blakiston, the platform makes global issues digestible for nearly 4 million followers.
In Australia, Hannah Ferguson is tackling similar goals via Cheek Media. A law graduate with a master’s in writing, editing, and publishing, Ferguson also cohosts the Big Small Talk podcast.
The creative industry is also seeing a surge in human-centric design amidst the rise of AI. India-based Makarand Narkar and his studio, Boomranng, created the 2024 animation for Coldplay’s “Good Feelings.”
Other notable figures include Léon Bristow, an art director at Colenso BBDO who founded the diversity-focused casting platform BEINGS, and Daniel Woodroof, whose agency Pandan Social was acquired by Ruder Finn in 2023.
The Path Forward
As these creators continue to grow, they may further integrate educational content with commercial ventures. The success of nonprofit initiatives like Rumah Mimpi Indonesia suggests a possible next step where digital influence is more systematically tied to infrastructure development.
In the marketing sector, the emphasis on diversity and human creativity could lead to a shift in how global brands approach casting and storytelling. It is likely that the blend of traditional academic credentials and social media reach will become a new standard for public intellectuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much has Rumah Mimpi Indonesia raised for schools? The nonprofit has raised 1.7 billion rupiah, which is approximately $100,000. What is the focus of the platform Spaceth.co? It is an online media platform aimed at inspiring young Thais to explore space and pursue STEM. Who created the animation for Coldplay’s 2024 song ‘Good Feelings’? The 13-second animation was created by Makarand Narkar and Boomranng Studio. Which of these creators’ approaches to simplifying complex topics do you find most effective?