14 young professionals from China were selected on the list. [Photo/widgets.weforum.org/ygl-2016]

The World Economic Forum selects the most "innovative, enterprising and socially minded men and women under the age of 40 who are pushing boundaries and rethinking the world around them" each year.

World Economic Forum is hoping that this year's Young Global Leaders can tackle the world's most complex and pressing challenges. Furthermore, those on the list are invited to join a community and a five-year leadership journey to "break down silos, bridge cultures and use their collective skills to get things done for positive impact across private, public and civil society organizations."

A total of 121 renowned young professionals from all walks of life were selected, including scientists, government workers, entrepreneurs, social activists and artists. A total of 14 professionals from China were on the list, including Yao, Fu Sheng (CEO of Cheetah Mobile) and Chih-Han Yu (CEO and co-founder of technology company Appier).

"This is a title, it is also a mission and a responsibility," Yao commented in regards to her work in the next five years.

Yao was awarded the Crystal Award in Davos alongside Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio in January earlier this year.

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