Creating impact, innovation and inclusion

Insights from our Supplier Diversity Event in Hong Kong.

September 29, 2025

2 mins

Diversity & inclusion

In today’s interconnected and globalised market, we believe that fostering diversity within our supply chain offers both strategic advantage and the opportunity to ensure we represent the markets in which we operate.

From our business banking team leaders to our diverse businesses and partners, speakers at our recent Supplier Diversity Event shared powerful stories, practical strategies and successes to highlight the transformative impact of supplier diversity and how we at Standard Chartered can help.

What our speakers said

Diversity and inclusion is not a slogan, it is the principle that shapes how we hire, serve, and choose our partners. When we can remove friction by having simpler onboarding, clearer requirements, and faster payment terms, that's when we make inclusion real, practical and scalable.

John Thang

Co-Chair, Hong Kong Diversity and Inclusion Council

“To support our commitment to extend USD1 bn of financing to women entrepreneurs by 2028, the SC WIN programme was created to help women entrepreneurs to scale and grow their businesses through additional access to capital, network, mentorship, and capability building resources”.
– Xie Wen, Global Head of SME Banking

“Your team here in Hong Kong hosted a really excellent supplier diversity and inclusion event yesterday. The content was world class with an excellent and passionate range of speakers who enlightened and encouraged the many suppliers in the room who requested more going forward. We were really thrilled with the way WEConnect International and WBE Certification was positioned with the audience. We are super excited about the opportunities to collaborate here in Hong Kong and the region.”
– Elizabeth A. Vazquez, WEConnect International

“Supplier partnerships are key. We’ve been collaborating with the Bank to refurbish and reuse furniture, cutting waste and CO2 while delivering business value. 14,630 pieces of furniture have been saved from landfills, equivalent to 1.2 million kg of CO2 emissions reduction. A great example of transforming waste into community impact.”
– Andy Russell, JEB Sustainable Office Solutions

“Our solutions enable diverse businesses to enhance their talent acquisition and retention, optimize payroll and benefits administration, and boost employee financial wellness – turning inclusion into day-to-day value for teams and founders.”
– Tony So, Head of Corporate Partnerships, Hong Kong

As the event came to a close, one message was clear: creating an inclusive supply chain is not only the right thing to do, it’s better for business. By championing diverse suppliers, we are able to unlock innovation, strengthen communities and build long-term resilience. We’re excited to continue these conversations, foster new connections and turn these insights into action.