SC WIN Now & Next Challenge Recognises Women Entrepreneurs with HKD 1 Million in Awards

By: WE staff | Tuesday, 2 September 2025

• Standard Chartered and LIFTWOMEN® declared the winners of the first-ever "SC WIN Now & Next Challenge"
• The programme is a part of Standard Chartered's Women's International Network (SC WIN)
• The programme identifies and encourages women-owned startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

Standard Chartered and LIFTWOMEN® have revealed the winners of the first-ever "SC WIN Now & Next Challenge," an initiative under Standard Chartered's Women's International Network (SC WIN).

The program is established to identify women-owned startups and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and promote their development through mentorship, access to resources, and visibility opportunities.

A combined HKD 1 million worth of prizes went to ten women-owned enterprises to support their further growth.

Launched in March 2025, the challenge received more than 125 applications from women entrepreneurs in Hong Kong.

The competition was carried out through a competitive shortlisting process, and ten finalists were chosen for the 11-week LiftHER Global Accelerator Programme, which ended in a live finale where participants pitched their ideas.

Lamia Sreya Rahman of Vidi Labs (Seekr) took home the Venture of the Year Award for creating a small AI-based wearable device in partnership with the visually impaired community.

The device records visual information and provides carefully curated audio feedback across different languages, meeting accessibility requirements using technology. Four other category awards were given:

1. Global Growth Award: Tata Miyamoto & Vriko Kwok, NOURWISH
2. Impact & ESG Excellence Award: Florence Chanzi, AI Guided Limited
3. Best Innovation Award: Choi Pui Wah, WomenX Biotech Limited
4. People's Choice Award: Choi Pui Wah, WomenX Biotech Limited

Winners will continue to have access to mentorship and regional networking opportunities through SC WIN network.

Mary Huen, CEO of Greater China & North Asia and Hong Kong, Standard Chartered, said that the bank is committed to empowering SMEs, particularly women-owned businesses, with training, recognition, and growth opportunity.

She termed the initiative as a catalyst for developing a more inclusive business ecosystem.

Xie Wen, the Global Head of SME Banking at Standard Chartered, pointed out that women-owned SMEs experience difficulties in finance and expansion, and SC WIN was created to overcome these through capital assistance, advisory expertise, and networking.

SC WIN has dispensed more than USD 400 million of funding to 3,800 women-owned enterprises in seven markets since its launch.