Ten outstanding finalists were shortlisted to join the 12-week “SC WIN Global Accelerator Programme after a competitive selection process, culminating in their final business pitches at the Pitch Finale on 15 October. Congratulations to our five award winners!
Best SC WIN Business
Award
Christine Tsui – Canpanion Group
Redefining mental health and inclusive education with clinically proven AI, making it accessible for every household, community, hospital and school across Asia.
Best Business for Good
Award
Wendy Lam – EzyGreenPak Limited
Replacing single-use plastics with plant-based products that dissolve in hot water—leaving no waste and no microplastics behind.
Best International Business
Award
Penney Chong – Green Vigor Limited
Turning untapped water flow inside buildings into clean electricity—making every drop of water count.
Best Next Gen Business
Award
Anushka Purohit – Breer
Turning surplus food into craft beverages, transforming food waste into delicious local brews.
People’s Choice
Award
Bernice Liu – Qi Concepts
Reimagining coffee with functional cold brews that deliver sustained energy and wellness for modern professionals.
Leveraging AI and big data to unlock precise insights into ovarian health, empowering women with scientifically backed optimization and management of fertility, menopause, and ovarian wellness.
Empowering the next generation through AI, 3D printing and hands-on STEAM education that makes learning more inclusive and future-ready.
Redefining wellness and making quality, personalised experiences accessible in Hong Kong and beyond.
Helping hardware innovators turn ideas into market-ready products in minutes with AI-powered product design.
Building AI digital employees that automate workflows and empower organisations to work smarter, faster and more efficiently with NotOnlyOffice.ai
Ms. Xie Wen joined Standard Chartered Bank in 1997. Over the last 29 years with the Bank, she has advanced her career through leadership positions in both Risk Management and Business Development across markets and regions. Prior to her current role, she has held multiple senior positions, such as the Country Chief Risk Officer for Singapore, the Country Chief Risk Officer for China, the Chief Risk Officer for the retail business in East Asia, as well as the Country Head of Commercial Banking in China, the CO-Head of Commercial, Corporate and Institutional Banking in China, and the Global Head of SME Banking.
Xie Wen graduated from National University of Singapore with a Ph.D. degree in Industrial and System Engineering. She also holds a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from Xi’an JIAOTONG University.
Mr. Tony So is the Head of SME Banking, Hong Kong & Greater Bay Area, and Head of GBA Corridor at Standard Chartered Hong Kong. In this capacity, he leads the Bank’s SME business strategy across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, driving cross-border growth, ecosystem partnerships, and integrated banking solutions that support the evolving needs of entrepreneurs and business owners.
With over two decades of leadership experience across SME Banking, Corporate Partnerships, Wealth Distribution, and Distribution Network management, Tony has played a key role in driving business growth, strengthening strategic partnerships, and advancing One Bank collaboration to deliver greater value for clients and the Bank.
Drawing on his deep understanding of client ecosystems and cross-border opportunities, Tony leads initiatives that connect business and personal banking solutions, helping entrepreneurs and SMEs unlock growth across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
Ms. Elizabeth Thomson describes herself as “a lawyer by profession, an entrepreneur by choice“. She is the Chairwoman of The Amber Foundation, her family’s charitable foundation dedicated to supporting the education of disadvantaged and ethnic minority women across Hong Kong, India, and Canada. It also repurposes airline kits and hotel toiletries into Men’s and Women’s Kits for the homeless, women in shelters, the elderly and refugees.
Elizabeth founded the EMPOWER Program for Women in 2018 to support young women from ethnic minority backgrounds in building resilience, confidence, and professional networks. What began with 10 university students has since grown into a thriving community of more than 260 alumnae, with the programme currently welcoming its ninth cohort. In recognition of its meaningful social impact, EMPOWER was honoured with the Spirit of Hong Kong Award 2026.
A respected business and community leader, Elizabeth has held numerous leadership and advisory roles across the business, education, and nonprofit sectors. She is currently a Governor of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and a former Governor of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. Recognised as the American Chamber’s Entrepreneur of the Year, she has also contributed to a wide range of organisations, including Teach For Hong Kong, SickKids Hospital Toronto, and McGill University.
A brand enthusiast. A business champion. A woman in tech. Hilda has a passion in creating meaningful brands, shaping culture and human behaviour. She is no stranger to the creative world as she worked at multiple global advertising agencies in HK and China before she shifted to the client side and was named as the ‘Client of the Year’ at the Kam Fan Awards winning over 130 top industry, creativity and marketing awards.
Currently, Hilda leads an array of curated marketing initiatives to promote Hong Kong and HKSTP as a global leader in innovation and technology. She is responsible for spearheading executive-level strategies across branding, content, social and digital performance, events and community engagement, corporate communications and public relations.
Mr. Teddy Lui is an influential leader and venture capital catalyst in the startup ecosystem, currently serving as the Chief Commercial Officer of the Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund (AEF) and a Partner at NextGen Partners. In this capacity, he spearheads high-impact investment programs and strategic partnerships that fuel innovation and accelerate growth across Hong Kong’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape.
With over two decades of transformative experience spanning eCommerce, FinTech, venture capital, and strategic business development, Teddy has played a pivotal role in shaping the digital economy in the region. Since joining Alibaba Group in 2009, he initially championed business and partnership development for Alibaba.com across the Asia Pacific, later scaling regional operations as the General Manager of Alipay.com and Taobao.com for Hong Kong and Macau. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles.
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Programme Overview :
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| Awards | • Best SC WIN Business Award – HKD500,000 • Best Business for Good Award – HKD100,000 • Best International Business Award – HKD100,000 • Best Next Gen Business Award – HKD100,000 |
| Professional Support | Each finalist will: • Receive dedicated mentorship and professional guidance; • Receive support for marketing and branding to enhance brand visibility; and • Have the opportunity to join the SC WIN Community to expand business connections and collaboration opportunities. |
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Details of Application : |
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| Eligibility | Women entrepreneurs and business owners (including startups and SMEs seeking expansion) |
| Application Period | Due to the overwhelming response, the application deadline was extended from 12 June 2026 to 30 June 2026. (Applications have now closed. Thank you for your support.) |
| Entry Criteria | 1. Incorporated in Hong Kong with valid Business Registration (BR) 2. The company must have been established for at least one year 3. A) (i) at least 51% owned by woman or women; OR (ii) the business is founded by a woman (i.e. 50% shareholding); OR B) (i) at least 20% owned by woman or by women; AND (ii) with a woman as CEO, COO, President or Vice President; AND (iii) has a board of directors at least 30% comprised of women, where a board exists. |
| Selection Process |
30 applicants will be shortlisted and invited to online interviews. 10 finalists will be selected to enter the final competition and participate in the 12‑week SC WIN Global Accelerator Programme. |
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