Rise AV Launches Asia Pacific Council And Mentoring Programme

Rise AV, the global not-for-profit initiative dedicated to supporting and advancing women in the audiovisual (AV) industry, has announced its expansion into the Asia Pacific region with the formation of its first overseas council and mentoring programme, following a highly successful UK launch in January 2025.

This expansion will begin with a structured, six-month mentoring programme in Singapore and Hong Kong, offering professional development and mentorship opportunities free of charge to women at all career stages, thanks to the generous support of industry sponsors, including ROE Visual and global headline sponsor QSC.

The Rise AV Mentoring programme, beginning in Singapore and Hong Kong provides six months of structured mentorship and professional development for women at all career stages. Applications are now open for female mentees and industry-leading mentors of all genders. Thanks to the generous support of industry sponsors, including QSC and ROE Visual, participation in this programme is free.
To ensure Rise AV’s initiatives in APAC reflect the region’s unique professional and cultural contexts, Rise AV has established the Rise AV APAC Regional Council, chaired by Peter Hunt, Group CEO of Hewshott. 

The Council will include senior industry leaders from across APAC, including: 
• Maureen Aw, Senior AV Manager, Marina Bay Sands
• Sand Leung, Managing Director, NovaRange
• Angela Franco, Senior Manager, Strategy and Business Operations, APAC, QSC
• Sujith Sivaram, Managing Director, ESCO
• Molly Chow, Executive Director, Vega Global
• Candice Siow, Regional Director, Lightware
• Grace Kuo, Chief Strategy Officer, ROE Visual
• Jeff Shoesmith, Senior Channel Sales Rep - PA/VA, Honeywell

Supported by global headline sponsor QSC, this launch builds on the proven success of Rise AV’s UK mentoring programme, which has helped women develop their skills, confidence, and careers through a dedicated mentor, training, and community-building.

“Global sponsors, like QSC, play a crucial role in helping Rise AV scale. Their support enables us to launch new chapters, build local leadership teams, strengthen peer networks, and deliver impactful mentoring programmes tailored to each region,” says Rachael Hamilton, Managing Director of Rise AV.

“As Rise AV expands into APAC, we’re proud to support their mission to open doors for underrepresented talent and advance a more inclusive AV industry,” said Angela Franco, Senior Manager, Strategy and Business Operations, APAC. “Their mentoring and development programmes have already made a powerful difference globally, and this launch is a pivotal chance to extend that progress. At QSC, we’re committed to environments where women can grow and lead, and this partnership strengthens our shared drive for meaningful, long-term change. We look forward to supporting Rise AV’s success in APAC and helping build a more diverse community that reflects the people we serve.”

The Regional Council will play a strategic role, providing valuable insights into the cultural needs and challenges across different regions. Working closely with Rise AV’s global leadership team, the Council will help ensure the programme remains regionally relevant while upholding the high standards that have defined its success elsewhere.

Council members will also take an active role in community engagement, helping to recruit mentors, mentees, and sponsors and ensuring the programme continues to deliver meaningful, long-term impact within the AV industry.

“The launch of Rise AV in APAC represents a defining moment for our global mission,” said Peter Hunt, Chair of the Rise AV APAC Advisory Board and Group CEO of Hewshott. “By combining global expertise with local insight, we’re creating a programme that reflects the region’s diversity and potential, giving women in AV the tools and confidence to thrive throughout APAC, and hopefully beyond.”

The Rise AV Mentoring Programme is a six-month initiative designed to empower women at all career stages. Participants are paired with experienced mentors from across the AV sector and take part in a mix of virtual and in-person training, networking, and leadership development sessions tailored to regional needs.

Key Dates for Mentoring Programme:
• Applications Open: 1 December 2025
• Applications Close: 31 January 2026
• Mentor/Mentee Pairing Announced: March 2026
• Programme Launches: May 2026

Applications for the Rise AV APAC Mentoring Programme will open on 1 December 2025 at www.rise-av.com/mentoring.

Rachael Hamilton, MD of Rise AV, says,” As we expand into APAC, we are actively seeking sponsors who share our commitment to giving women in AV the growth potential they deserve. If you would like to support the APAC launch or want to help bring Rise AV to new regions across the globe, we would love you to be part of our mission!”

www.rise-av.com