About the сontest
About the сontest
APEC BEST AWARD — The international competition for women’s entrepreneurial projects has been held annually since 2015 at the "Asia‑Pacific Economic Cooperation" forum, with the support of the Council of the Eurasian Women’s Forum under the Federation Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, and the Committee for the Development of Women’s Entrepreneurship "OPORA RUSSIA".
The competition has established itself as one of the best projects aimed at promoting women’s entrepreneurship in APEC. Representatives from 20 APEC economies have already taken part in the competition. The key objectives of the APEC BEST AWARD project are to select the best sustainably developing projects by women in the SME sector in APEC, to scale them up in the Asia‑Pacific region, to find potential partners, and to draw the attention of the media to women entrepreneurs and to the leaders of SME enterprises, as well as to their success stories.
The competition has established itself as one of the best projects aimed at promoting women’s entrepreneurship in APEC. Representatives from 20 APEC economies have already taken part in the competition. The key objectives of the APEC BEST AWARD project are to select the best sustainably developing projects by women in the SME sector in APEC, to scale them up in the Asia‑Pacific region, to find potential partners, and to draw the attention of the media to women entrepreneurs and to the leaders of SME enterprises, as well as to their success stories.
Report on the award ceremony for the winners of the International Competition of Women’s Entrepreneurial Projects APEC BEST AWARD 2025
From the first person
From the first person
The International Competition for Women’s Entrepreneurial Projects in APEC APEC BEST AWARD plays an important role in building a women’s business community. Over the ten years of its existence, it has become a springboard for many participants — it not only opened up new business horizons for them but also introduced them to international entrepreneurial circles.
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Galina Karelova,
Chairperson of the Council of the Eurasian Women’s Forum
Chairperson of the Council of the Eurasian Women’s Forum
APEC BEST AWARD is the calling card of the Russian Federation and one of the best projects in APEC, according to our international partners. The APEC BEST AWARD competition provides women entrepreneurs with opportunities to present their business model to the international community, to receive recommendations for business development from international practicing experts, to internationalize women’s entrepreneurial projects, and to find partners. Another mission of the competition is to introduce the culture of the Russian Federation and the activities of active, creative women to our foreign colleagues. Representatives of various APEC economies form an impression of Russia through personal contacts.
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Irina Saltykova,
APEC BEST AWARD Project Leader
APEC BEST AWARD Project Leader
Submit your application to participate in the competition right now.
History
History
2016
The GRAN PRIX winner
of APEC BEST AWARD
of APEC BEST AWARD
Peru
Ms. WEI XIAO
President of Beijing LanChao Clothing Technology Development Co., Ltd
People’s Republic of China
President of Beijing LanChao Clothing Technology Development Co., Ltd
People’s Republic of China
Lanchao Group was founded in 2004. Over 10 years, Lanchao has been developing and producing an underwear. Now, Lanchao Group takes the saving physical health as the core business and continues to improve the products and services based on the scientific theory and technologies.
Lanchao creates an intergrated platform "Lanchao Smart Production" for physical health management.
Lanchao Group has a new production - learning - research system using the Lanchao Physical Health Management Science and Technology Research Institute.
Lanchao creates an intergrated platform "Lanchao Smart Production" for physical health management.
Lanchao Group has a new production - learning - research system using the Lanchao Physical Health Management Science and Technology Research Institute.
2017
The GRAN PRIX winner
of APEC BEST AWARD
of APEC BEST AWARD
Vietnam
Ms. Rika Yajima
President and Founder of aeru company
Japan
President and Founder of aeru company
Japan
«Аeru» — the brand of goods for everyday life that are created by Japanese craftsmen based on the traditions of Japan for children from 0 to 6 years old. The founder of the brand considers it important to introduce children to the environment and lifestyle of Japanese people based on traditions from an early age.
The company started with an online retail store. In 2014, a direct retail store "aeru meguro" was opened in Tokyo, and the following year — "Aeru gojo" in Kyoto. Now the stores sell traditional goods made by order of the company of artisans. The company has gone its own way of development from the sale of individual goods to the creation of many ecosystems where various Japanese traditions are combined. The new direction of the company is called "air room". Several partner hotels are creating hotel rooms (one in each hotel), specially designed using traditional Japanese craft technologies characteristic of the region.
The company started with an online retail store. In 2014, a direct retail store "aeru meguro" was opened in Tokyo, and the following year — "Aeru gojo" in Kyoto. Now the stores sell traditional goods made by order of the company of artisans. The company has gone its own way of development from the sale of individual goods to the creation of many ecosystems where various Japanese traditions are combined. The new direction of the company is called "air room". Several partner hotels are creating hotel rooms (one in each hotel), specially designed using traditional Japanese craft technologies characteristic of the region.
2018
The GRAN PRIX winner
of APEC BEST AWARD
of APEC BEST AWARD
Papua New Guinea
Miran Kim
Founder of Shimpyo & Neukkimpyo Co., Ltd,
Korea
Founder of Shimpyo & Neukkimpyo Co., Ltd,
Korea
Kim adopted the concept of "3 Rs" – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – and adapted it to her business model. Her business aims to reduce social costs, reuse human resources and recycle careers. Kim hopes that her company can help close employment gaps and maximize the growth potential of women in the workplace.
2019
The GRAN PRIX winner
of APEC BEST AWARD
of APEC BEST AWARD
Chile
Ekaterina Postoeva
Founder and director LLC
«Morojko»
Russia
Founder and director LLC
«Morojko»
Russia
Morojko is not just a good ice cream, it is also a rich taste of the most delicate milk dessert, which is prepared according to the recipe and technology of its creators.... The abundance of flavors of our soft ice cream and natural milkshakes will not leave indifferent even the most capricious sweet lovers. It is better to try it once than to read about it a hundred times
2020
APEC BEST AWARD winner
Grand Prix
Grand Prix
Malaysia
Svetlana Shmakova
Founder of the
FOODCODE brand
Russia
Founder of the
FOODCODE brand
Russia
FOODCODE is a modern concept of delicious and healthy food. Limiting yourself, killing yourself in the gym and giving up your favorite food for the sake of benefits is no longer relevant. Attention to yourself, sports for fun and delicious food that benefits the body – this is our new reality. The FOODCODE assortment includes more than 40 items: buns, breads, eclairs, cakes, Cantuccini cookies, croissants and others. We know how to make delicious products healthy using only natural gluten-free ingredients.
2021
The GRAN PRIX winner
of APEC BEST AWARD
of APEC BEST AWARD
New Zealand
Mijin Gwon from Korea won the grand prize with her biotechnology company, Ag-Uni, where she is founder and chief executive officer. The company developed a precision agriculture solution that helps minimize the variability of resources' quality and yield by analyzing and monitoring the root and soil environment, formulating the best farming system to produce high quality products by leveraging the data.
2022
Best top manager
of APEC BEST AWARD
of APEC BEST AWARD
Thailand
Yuliana Nikolaeva
founder and chief executive officer «Natty's»
founder and chief executive officer «Natty's»
Yuliana Nikolaeva from Russia, founder and chief executive officer of organic peanut butter company Natty’s, was awarded the Best Top Manager. Her company manufactures peanut butter and nut pastes with all natural and organic ingredients, providing healthier choices for consumers.
2022
The GRAN PRIX winner
of APEC BEST AWARD
of APEC BEST AWARD
Thailand
Varangtip Satchatippavarn
Project «Ira Concept»
Project «Ira Concept»
Varangtip Satchatippavarn won the grand prize with the project Ira Concept. Her company produces organic, biodegradable feminine hygiene products offering a more environmentally friendly option for consumers. Varangtip, in an effort to reduce to reduce social disparity and break the stigma about female hygiene care in Thailand, launches charity initiatives and education programs.
2023
Best top manager
of APEC BEST AWARD
of APEC BEST AWARD
USA
Silvana Baldovino (Peru)
Director of Biodiversity and Indigenous Peoples Program of the Peruvian Society for Environmental Law (SPDA)
Director of Biodiversity and Indigenous Peoples Program of the Peruvian Society for Environmental Law (SPDA)
Silvano Baldovino has more than 25 years of experience in the public and private sector, designing and implementing public policies and strategies in various aspects related to environmental and Indigenous Peoples issues. Member of the Forestry and Wildlife Court of OSINFOR, Baldovino promotes the inclusion of intercultural approach to grant rights to Indigenous Peoples. Her work has improved the condition of the Amazonian Indigenous Peoples in Peru, contributing to the legal security of more than 2 million hectares of Indigenous territories.
2023
The GRAN PRIX winner
of APEC BEST AWARD
of APEC BEST AWARD
USA
Delgir Sarangova (Russia)
Founder and CEO of
Oirat Farm Products
Founder and CEO of
Oirat Farm Products
Сompany «Oirat Farm Products» produces frozen semi-finished products, canned meat and snacks. Her company carefully selected its suppliers and works only with those who embraced ecological farming. This is to ensure the quality of the products and guarantee the absence of toxic elements in their products. As a women entrepreneur, Delgir Sarangova managed to grow her small family business to a regional brand that supplies products to Chile, United States and Spain.
2024
Best top manager
of APEC BEST AWARD
of APEC BEST AWARD
Peru
Mrs. JI Liping (Apple)
Business Development Director of the Hong Kong Centre for Logistics Robotics (HKCLR)
Hong-Kong
Business Development Director of the Hong Kong Centre for Logistics Robotics (HKCLR)
Hong-Kong
Throughout her career, Apple has demonstrated a keen interest in technology development. She has successfully led the development of several robotic projects for government departments and various industries. These projects have resulted in significant improvements in operational efficiency and safety standards.
Her strategic vision and commitment to collaboration contribute to the centre’s mission of achieving breakthroughs in logistics robotics and AI technologies.
Her strategic vision and commitment to collaboration contribute to the centre’s mission of achieving breakthroughs in logistics robotics and AI technologies.
2024
The GRAN PRIX winner
of APEC BEST AWARD
of APEC BEST AWARD
Peru
Ms. Irina Murashova
founder & CEO
of «Alliance «Rostok»
Russia
founder & CEO
of «Alliance «Rostok»
Russia
Rostok Alliance Company is a professional platform for growing plants, automated and robotic production of vegetable seedlings and vegetable seeds. A project to switch from varietal vegetables to hybrid ones. Key customers include farmers, vegetable producers, processing plants, greenhouses, and agricultural holdings.
2025
The winner in the nomination BEST TOP MANAGER
Republic of Korea
Dr. Kexin LIU
Founder & CEO, Kunshan QingCai Technology Company Limited (China),
Kunshan QingCai Technology Company Limited
Founder & CEO, Kunshan QingCai Technology Company Limited (China),
Kunshan QingCai Technology Company Limited
This startup focuses on commercializing thermoplastic carbon fiber technology to deliver scalable, eco-friendly solutions that meet consumer needs. It was secured four technology patents and established partnership with Hong Kong’s E Tech Dynamic Technology.
2025
The winner in the nomination BEST TOP MANAGER
Republic of Korea
Ms. Noor Shazreena BintI ISHAK
Co-Founder of «BIO-ANGLE VACS SDN BHD (BAV)» (Malaysia)
Co-Founder of «BIO-ANGLE VACS SDN BHD (BAV)» (Malaysia)
BIO-ANGLE VACS SDN BHD (BAV) is Bionexus-status company specializing in high-tech animal healthcare. It focuses on the research, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative vaccines and animal health products for livestock and aquaculture.
Winners in Nominations
Winners in Nominations
2024
Nomination:
«Best entrepreneurial project»
«Best entrepreneurial project»
Peru
Ms. Irina Murashova
founder & CEO
of «Alliance «Rostok»
founder & CEO
of «Alliance «Rostok»
Rostok Alliance Company is a professional platform for growing plants, automated and robotic production of vegetable seedlings and vegetable seeds. A project to switch from varietal vegetables to hybrid ones. Key customers include farmers, vegetable producers, processing plants, greenhouses, and agricultural holdings.
2023
Nomination:
«Best Creative
Economy Project»
«Best Creative
Economy Project»
USA
Elena Vinogradova
Founder and CEO of
LC TH Way Wood House
Founder and CEO of
LC TH Way Wood House
The company «TH Way Wood House» is a full-cycle manufacturer for the production of ready-made of northern wood sets of houses. The company has successfully implemented projects in India, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Germany, and Sri Lanka. Elena promote wooden house construcion at the international level, positioning quality that meets all international standards. for the production of ready-made sets of houses made of northern wood.
2016
Nomination:
«Best Social Impact»
«Best Social Impact»
Peru
Eugenia Lazareva
Founder of «Kids Rock Fest»
Founder of «Kids Rock Fest»
«Kids Rock Fest» is the new format of event for you and your children. Live music, Educational and fun games, Tasty and healthy food=happiness for every one.
Since 2014, the open-air Festival has been held annually in Moscow. Usually it is timed to coincide with Children's Day. The main idea of Kids Rock Fest is that rock music unites all generations of the family, and also creates an environment for joint creativity of children, dads, moms, grandparents.
Since 2014, the open-air Festival has been held annually in Moscow. Usually it is timed to coincide with Children's Day. The main idea of Kids Rock Fest is that rock music unites all generations of the family, and also creates an environment for joint creativity of children, dads, moms, grandparents.
2017
Nomination:
«International Attractiveness»
«International Attractiveness»
Viet Nam
Natalia Larchenko
Founder LCC
«Matryoshka Rus» (Matryoshka)
Founder LCC
«Matryoshka Rus» (Matryoshka)
Matryoshka is a Russian brand of conceptual gifts, jewelry and clothes. Matryoshka brand concept idea is based on one of the most popular and easiest to recognize symbols of Russia – famous doll in doll known as matryoshka. Form, color and functionality - the triangle on which Matryoshka is built and developed. Each Matryoshka product is also created according to the recent trends in fashion and design. Thus it has different target groups and is bought by foreign guests as a modern design present from Russia or by Russians as a fashion jewelry.
2018
Nomintaion:
«The Fourth Industrial Revolution Project»
«The Fourth Industrial Revolution Project»
Papua New Guinea
Dr. Liudmila Shcherbakova
Founder of LLC «Velpharm»
Founder of LLC «Velpharm»
Velpharm represents the latest technologies, a first – class production complex, qualified personnel, a balanced product portfolio, as well as a course to fulfill strategically important state tasks-I ncreasing the share of domestic production to 50% by 2030.
2021
Nomination:
"Best Family Business Support"
"Best Family Business Support"
New Zealand
Olga Ermachenko
Founder and Director of the company "Garden of Joy"
Russia (Volgograd)
Founder and Director of the company "Garden of Joy"
Russia (Volgograd)
Olga Ermachenko, an entrepreneur from Volgograd, specializes in the development and production of modern art objects to increase the attractiveness of cities, large chains of shopping and entertainment centers. The company was one of the first in Russia to produce metal light figures decorating the streets and parks of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi, Vladivostok, Volgograd (including using the company's own technologies). The company has research and design departments that develop projects for smart cities.
The company's products are supplied to the USA, Germany, Kazakhstan and Belarus.
Olga's family members work in the company.
The company's products are supplied to the USA, Germany, Kazakhstan and Belarus.
Olga's family members work in the company.
2022
Nomination
«BCG Economy Leader»
«BCG Economy Leader»
Thailand
Ms. Marina Kudryashova
project
«Comprehensive Rehabilitation
Center for Children and Adults»
project
«Comprehensive Rehabilitation
Center for Children and Adults»
Social services to the Center's clients include comprehensive assistance to families with children with developmental disabilities from birth, families with disabled children and/or with the status of a disabled child.
2025
Winner of the Nomination BEST BCG Economy Project
Republic of Korea
Mrs. Olga Larina
Founder and CEO of «Teplotekhnik LLC»
(Russia)
Founder and CEO of «Teplotekhnik LLC»
(Russia)
Сreation and development of a full-cycle enterprise for the production of eco-friendly insulation "Ekovata-extra" from recycled materials, as well as the development of a sales system and professional installation service.
Номинации
- APEC BEST AWARD
- BEST International Cooperation Project in APEC
- BEST Innovative Digital and AI Technology Project
- BEST Indigenous Culture, Remote and Rural Areas Preserving Project
- BESTHumanCapitalDevelopmentProject
- BEST Creative Economy Project
- BEST Top Manager
Terms of participation
Terms of participation
Each member economy can nominate 2 candidates (finalists)
(1 for the first 5 nominations and 1 for the 6-th nomination) among entrepreneurs and CEO of SME.
The host economy can nominate up to 4 candidates for the APEC BEST AWARD in total.
(1 for the first 5 nominations and 1 for the 6-th nomination) among entrepreneurs and CEO of SME.
The host economy can nominate up to 4 candidates for the APEC BEST AWARD in total.
1
Candidates of the entrepreneurial part of the Contest (for the first 6 nominations) are females from currently running a micro-, small or medium enterprise (MSME to be defined according to relevant domestic legislation). However, to be eligible, the relevant MSMEs must have not less than 50% of business equity under candidate ownership for the first 5 nominations.
2
Be able to make video presentation of a potentially replicable business model.
3
Have operated in their local market for 2 to 15 years and have overcome the «break-even point».
4
Candidates participating in competition to win the nomination «The Best Top Manager» are also females from APEC member economies currently leading (managing) a small or medium enterprise (with SME to be defined according to relevant domestic legislation). The presentations of such candidates should demonstrate the leading potential of the participant and key steps following the manager decisions in business development, social support and tackling the pandemic impact.
Recognize yourself? We invite you to take part in the national selection for the right to represent Russia at the APEC BEST AWARD final!
Participants about AWARD
Participants about AWARD
Participation in the APEC BEST AWARD competition will give you the opportunity to see how your business is evaluated at it on a global scale, how interesting it is to people with different mentalities, since representatives of 21 APEC economies work in the jury and in the audience. In addition, it will be a push to expand business abroad. I wish you success!
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Rika Yajima,
from Japan, founder and CEO of AERU
Winner of GRAN PRIX in Y2017
from Japan, founder and CEO of AERU
Winner of GRAN PRIX in Y2017
The award had a big impact on us. It has strengthened our credibility as an enterprise and increased brand awareness. We were on the front page of a national newspaper that got a lot of coverage and a media run. This has opened the door for more features, media coverage, participation in speeches, etc.
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Ms. Anya Lim
from Philippines, Y2016
from Philippines, Y2016
Everything with my business is going excellent. Now I am in the short list of women in Compliance Awards, and also I am going to be speaker among the women in Compliance Conference. Winning in the category of international attractiveness has encouraged me to be world class and expand my business to others countries..
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Ms. Susanna Sierra
from Chile
from Chile
I'm very happy to announce you that after attending APEC BEST AWARD we have received more inquires from many overseas companies, and now our products are available on Chinese online shopping site which is our first experience of overseas expansion. CNN contacted us and we were interviewed, its news was broadcasted over the region.
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Ms. Yuka Mitsuhata
from Japan
from Japan