The Ipoh-born actress made it big in Hong Kong and then Hollywood, and still going strong 30 years since her career started.
Recognising her achievement as "one of very few actresses from Asia to enjoy a long, successful career in the USA", BBC named her as one of 2020's most inspiring and influential women under the "creative" category.
Talented and a bada**
Yeoh started her career in movies by performing her own stunts in martial art films, being one of the first women to do so.
She later started acting in Hollywood movies alongside big names such as Pierce Brosnan in 'Tomorrow Never Dies'.
After 30 years, Yeoh is still in demand. Her upcoming projects includes the new Avatar films and Marvel's first Asian-led superhero movie, Shang-Chi.
Besides being a talented actress, Yeoh also often speaks about the lack of Asian representation in Hollywood and is the UN goodwill ambassador working towards eradicate poverty by 2030.
Recognising inspiring and influential women
Every year, British media giant BBC releases lists of 100 inspiring and influential people.
Under the women list this year, BBC decided to leave one spot empty as a tribute to the many women around the world who have made sacrifices to help others.
Other women who made to the list includes Finland Prime Minister Sanna Marin; Thai model, actress and TV host Cindy Sirinya Bishop; UK scientist Sarah Gilbert who is leading the Oxford team set to work to create a COVID-19 vaccine.
You can check out the full list here.