Following the success of its UK launch in January 2025, Rise AV, the global not-for-profit initiative dedicated to supporting and advancing women in the AV industry, announces today its expansion into the Asia Pacific region with the formation of its first overseas council and mentoring programme.
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.
The programme is sponsored by QSC and ROE Visual.
To ensure Rise AV’s initiatives in APAC reflect the region’s unique professional and cultural contexts, Rise AV has established the Rise AVAPAC 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
Rachael Hamilton, managing director of Rise AV, commented: “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.”
Angela Franco, senior manager, strategy and business operations, APAC, shared: “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. 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.”
Peter Hunt, chair of the Rise AV APAC Advisory Board and group CEO of Hewshott, concluded: “The launch of Rise AV in APAC represents a defining moment for our global mission. 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, and more information can be found at www.rise-av.com/mentoring.