In a city pulsating with talent and innovation, Hong Kong proudly reveals the trailblazing winners of the Ritzy Hong Kong Influential Women Awards. Among a pool of remarkable achievers, five exceptional women stand out as beacons of excellence, each illuminating their respective sectors with unparalleled skill and vision. These winners epitomize the essence of empowerment, leadership, and impact, embodying the spirit of inspiration and progress in Hong Kong’s vibrant community.
1. Ankie Beilke
Ankie Beilke, a Hong Kong professional model and actress of Chinese-German heritage, exudes elegance and talent. Formerly a TVB actress, she now shines as a contracted actress under China’s Guangdong Huazhijie Film and Television. Beilke’s captivating presence and diverse background enrich the entertainment industry, showcasing a unique blend of cultures and skills.
2. Grace Chan
3. Asha Edee Tria Cuthbert
Asha Edee Tria Cuthbert, a Hong Kong-born British-Filipino artist and social media influencer, captivates audiences with her vibrant persona and engaging hosting on ViuTV. Her multifaceted talents and digital influence showcase her as a dynamic force in the entertainment realm, embodying creativity and inspiration.
4.Irisa Shannon Wong
Irisa Shannon Wong, a Hong Kong female model, exudes elegance and charm in the fashion industry. With her captivating presence and unique style, Wong enchants audiences with her modeling prowess and grace. Her contributions to the world of fashion showcase a blend of talent and sophistication, setting her apart as a notable figure in the industry.
5. Kayla Wong
Founder of ethical brand Basics for Basics, Kayla Wong graduated from fashion school with a degree in merchandise marketing. 2 years ago started her brand in pursuit of her passion to make a difference through fashion. Focusing on ethical and sustainable fashion; she has a well rounded knowledge of the current market. She has been recognised by a variety of brands as an influencer in the current digital world. Her goal is to continue to push forward to educate more people on the topic of fair-trade and to take her brand global.
6. Marina Watt
Marina stands as a seasoned professional who has co-founded the boutique PR agency, Brandstorm Communications. She eloquently articulates her perspective on women’s empowerment:”Women’s empowerment is not a zero-sum game; it represents a shared commitment to advancing society as a whole. Empowerment transcends individual efforts; it necessitates the cultivation of an ecosystem that fosters mutual benefit and shared success. Each woman’s achievement propels society forward, and through our collective endeavors, we can catalyze significant progress.”
7. Anita Shum
As an education professional, Anita Shum, Founder of Mini Mandarins, has revolutionized Mandarin education with a unique curriculum blending Eastern and Western teaching styles. Armed with a Master’s Degree in International Studies from the University of Sydney, she creates immersive learning environments like simulated supermarkets and restaurants. Beyond her school, Anita co-founded the Mindful Mandarins Foundation in 2022, benefiting over 3000 students in underprivileged kindergartens in Hong Kong. A columnist for the South China Morning Post, Anita has been honored with the New Era Women Entrepreneurs Award in 2019 and 2023 and named one of Hong Kong’s 50 Most Influential People in 2020. Anita’s inspiring words ring true: “Special thanks to Ritzy Hong Kong. It’s truly an honor to be recognized as one of Hong Kong’s Influential Women. Let’s continue to embrace life to the fullest, making small positive differences every day.”
8. Michelle Harris
Michelle Harris, an education leader, shares, “What we fear is a stepping stone to our greatness. With self-belief, we can access the strength and power to overcome challenges and create success. Winning the Ritzy Women of Influence award reflects not only my journey and achievements in wellness and innovation, but also the collective contributions of women in Hong Kong who inspire change, create impact, and lead with purpose. THANK YOU! This is truly an honor.” In a recent interview, Harris discussed the importance of self-belief, teamwork, and the impact of women in leadership roles within the education sector.
9. Anisha Thai
Anisha Thai, a Vietnamese-Comorian artist originally from Paris and currently based in Hong Kong, is a multifaceted talent known for her captivating dance performances and engaging lifestyle content shared on social media. Notably, she has collaborated with globally recognized brands such as Apple, Fenty Beauty, Tommy Hilfiger, and the NBA, showcasing her versatility and creativity in various campaigns. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Thai serves as a prominent advocate for racial diversity. She imparts her passion for Afrodance through both live and virtual classes, setting an inspiring example as the first African-Asian woman to clinch victory in Hong Kong TVB’s prestigious 2021 Competition Dance For Life. Her talent has also been spotlighted on television platforms, including her appearances as a contestant on Street Dance of China S5 (2022) and as a participant on Netflix Asia’s acclaimed reality series Let’s Feast Vietnam (2023).
10. Jo Soo Tang
Jo was born in Hong Kong to parents of Japanese, Shanghainese and Polynesian descent and grew up in HK, UK and Australia. She launched social enterprise, r é n in February 2023 and manages its initiatives around three core pillars – HUMANITY, GOODNESS and FOOD. After a career with several PR firms, she started a consultancy to have a flexible working schedule for her three children and also a health and fitness business, Wellness 360 which she sold in 2019. She has also volunteered for Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation, Food Made Good Hong Kong; as well as Splash Foundation.
11. Yvonne Ang
Yvonne Ang, a dedicated Marketing and Business Consultant deeply involved in charitable work. Yvonne shares invaluable insights into navigating the ever-changing business landscape of today’s economy. She stresses the importance of adaptability, noting that business models must evolve continually to remain relevant and successful. Yvonne is the visionary behind Kumo Uchuu Workroom, guided by the motto “be the change of the world.” Her overarching vision is to infuse purpose into each day, positively impacting those around her and contributing to the intricate tapestry of life. Yvonne’s driving force behind founding Kumo Uchuu Workroom stems from her desire to actualize this vision. Committed to this cause, she looks forward to dedicating the next five years to its growth and realizing her profound vision. “Refrain from judgment; instead, cultivate belief. Practice kindness, uphold truth, and love as though each day is your last. Embrace your authentic self, for true authenticity is a profound gift. Together, we can create a better world.”
12. Himani Shah
Himani Shah, a design virtuoso, mirrors the essence of her brand, Innaya—infusing grace, solitude, and kindness into her creative tapestry. Just as Innaya Jewelry in Hong Kong epitomizes luxury without exorbitance, Himani’s work exudes exclusivity and innovation. “Design is like a great playlist—curate it with passion, add a splash of creativity, and throw in some unexpected beats!” Her mantra aligns with Innaya’s ethos of crafting perfection through handmade techniques and using conflict-free diamonds and recycled gold. Both Himani and Innaya champion customization, weaving dreams into tangible beauty. With Innaya’s global expansion, offering seamless shopping experiences and diverse currency options, Himani’s vision of enhancing the world’s beauty resonates internationally.
13 . Michelle Chen
Michelle Chen, a beauty maven whose guiding principle is, “Never assume your outcome until you have taken the action to experience the process of your journey.” With a passion for innovation and a commitment to the transformative power of beauty, Michelle embodies the ethos of embracing the journey before defining the destination.
14. Serrini
Serruria Leung Ka-yan, is a talented Hong Kong independent singer-songwriter who has made a name for herself with her music that touches on current affairs and the complexities of young relationships. With a knack for crafting catchy tunes and poignant lyrics, Serrini has established a deep bond with her audience, resonating with them through her relatable and engaging songs. Her unique and fun approach to songwriting covers a wide spectrum of themes, from love to societal issues, capturing listeners with refreshing melodies. Recently, in 2022, media reports surfaced indicating that Serrini was among the Canto-pop artists placed on a blacklist by the government-funded broadcaster RTHK, a development that stirred discussions within the music industry.
15. Layla Yeung
Layla Yeung, founder of Lafit Florist, Lafit Jewellery & Skin Care Brand, “I discover possibilities everywhere. I’m committed to chasing my dreams and turning them into reality,” Layla’s entrepreneurial journey reflects a deep-rooted passion for creativity and transformation. With a keen focus on work that she adores, Layla is crafting a career that aligns with her truest aspirations, finding fulfillment in every endeavor she undertakes. As she ventures into a new branding project, Layla embraces the forthcoming challenges with excitement, viewing each hurdle as an opportunity for growth and progress. Her philosophy encourages all to embrace life’s passions wholeheartedly, relishing the unexpected surprises that pave the way. With an unwavering spirit and a zest for innovation, Layla Yeung embodies the essence of turning dreams into tangible realities, inspiring others to pursue their aspirations with fervor and joy.
16 . Julianna Yau
After earning a Master’s in Mathematics from the University of Cambridge, Julianna followed her passion for education by studying Maths Teaching at Stanford University. Returning to Hong Kong, she founded Ampla Education, an admissions consultancy dedicated to guiding students toward academic success. Julianna finds joy in her students’ accomplishments and draws inspiration from their resilience and creativity. Reflecting on recent challenges, she shares that her motivation comes from maintaining connections with family, friends, colleagues, and clients, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human interaction. “Nothing beats staying connected, especially during times of social distancing,” Julianna remarks.
17 . Leanna Lam
Leanne Lam, wellness advocate and host of Beyond the Label, empowers youth and women through workshops, coaching, and events. Inspired by her journey through anxiety and cultural stigma, she champions mental health and self-love, creating spaces for honest discussions and inclusivity.
18 . Hey E Tse
Hey E Tse is an actress, founder of Hiu Cha, and creator of the Lifestyle Aesthetics Club. She hosts a podcast on Instagram, sharing authentic insights and personal experiences that inspire women to embrace their true selves and pursue their passions.