EMPOWER by The Amber Foundation Named Finalist in the 2025 Spirit of Hong Kong Awards

We’re thrilled to share that EMPOWER by The Amber Foundation has been named a finalist in this year’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, presented by the South China Morning Post and Sino Group, under the Teamwork category. This recognition celebrates our shared mission to make Hong Kong a more inclusive, opportunity-rich city for ethnically diverse young women.

Creating Visibility and Breaking Barriers

Founded in 2017, EMPOWER grew out of The Amber Foundation’s scholarship work, recognising that financial aid alone wasn’t enough. Many ethnically diverse women in Hong Kong, often born and educated here, still face systemic barriers to career growth, from limited access to professional networks to bias in hiring.

EMPOWER was created to change that narrative. Through mentorship, career-readiness training, and networking, we help participants build confidence, learn professional skills, and gain visibility in industries where they are often overlooked. The programme now counts over 250 mentors and volunteers, including business leaders, educators, and professionals who give their time to open doors for the next generation.

Empowering Confidence Through Connection

Each year, EMPOWER runs seven interactive workshops covering everything from CV writing and interview skills to workplace etiquette, financial literacy, and leadership. These sessions are designed to help participants find their voice and gain the practical tools to thrive in professional settings.

As Elizabeth Thomson, Chairwoman and Founder of The Amber Foundation, explains in a recent South China Morning Post article:

“We started years ago providing young women [from ethnic minority groups] with scholarships, but we realised that they still lacked networks, connections, confidence and access to the corporate world. Empower fills that gap.”

Celebrating Teamwork in Action

This nomination recognises the entire EMPOWER community: mentors, Group Leaders, partners, and participants, whose collaboration drives the programme forward. Corporate partners such as HSBC, EY and JSM have opened their doors to provide mentorship and internships, while volunteer Group Leaders continue to guide participants toward long-term success.

“Opportunity is what defines this city. When people from different backgrounds work together to lift others, that is the true spirit of Hong Kong,” — Elizabeth Thomson

About the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards

Launched in 2013 by the South China Morning Post and Sino Group, the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards celebrates individuals and organisations whose creativity, compassion, and perseverance strengthen the city’s social fabric. EMPOWER is a contender for the Lion Rock People’s Choice Award, which recognises initiatives that embody Hong Kong’s resilience and collective spirit.

Vote for EMPOWER here: spiritofhk.scmp.com/vote/#candidate_162

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this milestone, our focus remains on the work ahead: dismantling systemic barriers, expanding visibility, and helping young women turn potential into progress. In November, EMPOWER will host its next workshop on CV writing and job interviews. As one participant once said, "EMPOWER humanised the networking and CV writing process".

How You Can Support EMPOWER

• Group Leader: Share your expertise and guide a young woman’s career journey.

• Corporate Partner: Offer internships or skill-building opportunities through your company.

• Advocate: Help us amplify these voices by sharing our story.

  
  

To learn more about EMPOWER, visit our page here.