APAC Programme Expands Rise AV's Global Reach
Rise AV has announced mentor-mentee pairings for its inaugural 2026 APAC Mentoring Programme, following the success of its UK launch in January 2025. The six-month initiative pairs 31 female mentees with 31 industry mentors across Asia-Pacific markets, marking a significant milestone in the not-for-profit organisation's global expansion.
The programme launch has been enabled through support from Rise AV's Global Headline Sponsor QSC, along with Silver Sponsors Lightware and ROE Visual. Participants are predominantly based in Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore, and India, with mentors representing globally recognised organisations including JLL, MGM Macau, JPMorgan, and Meta.
Comprehensive Development Framework
The programme features a flexible, primarily virtual format designed to ensure accessibility across the geographically diverse region. Over six months, participants will engage in one-to-one mentorship, virtual networking opportunities, and a blend of global and region-specific training sessions covering public speaking, active listening, personal branding, and LinkedIn training.
The initiative also includes culturally tailored workshops addressing local nuances across APAC markets and select in-person networking opportunities. These include partnerships with key user events in Australia and Singapore, participation at InfoComm Asia, and exclusive site visits such as MGM Macau.
Diverse Industry Representation
The 2026 cohort brings together emerging female talent and experienced industry leaders from sales, engineering, marketing, events, and project management disciplines. Notable pairings include Aditi Bansal from Samsung Australia mentored by Pujan Doshi Dowsett from IAG, and Cassie Fong from AVI-SPL Hong Kong paired with David McKinney from Generation AV.
"Launching the APAC Mentoring Programme marks an exciting step forward in our mission to support women globally across the AV industry," says Peter Hunt, Chairperson, Rise AV APAC Regional Council. "The level of interest across the region has been incredible, and with the support of our Regional Council and global partners, we are proud to deliver a programme that reflects the diversity, ambition, and unique cultural landscape of APAC."
Expansion Support Sought
Rise AV is actively seeking additional sponsors across APAC and globally to support future cohorts and expand programmes into new regions. The organisation emphasises that sponsorship directly funds programmes, enabling delivery of mentoring, training, and development opportunities that cannot exist without this vital support.
Based on reporting by Event Industry News. Read the original article.