FUTURE LEADER AWARD — CORPORATE: For rising stars driving leadership, innovation, and ambition within large-scale organizations.
Eligibility:
Aged 40 and under, with 3+ years of professional experience in China
Works at a corporate organization of significant scale — multinational, publicly listed, or otherwise comparable to Fortune 500 in size and structure
Criteria:
Leadership & Vision: Demonstrates proven leadership ability through influential positions in profession and community, with a clear vision of long-term professional goals
Experience: Has over three years of professional experience in China and demonstrates a clear trajectory and growth in career
Scope & Impact: Shows a track record of increasing responsibility within a large, complex organization — cross-functional initiatives, expanded team or budget oversight, or measurable contribution to business results
Innovation: Reinvented, improved, or implemented new innovation opportunities into existing business models
Mentorship: Actively invests in developing and mentoring talent within the organization
Sustainability: Implemented sustainable development on the corporate level or demonstrates a commitment to giving back to the community
FUTURE LEADER AWARD — SMALL&MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES/ENTREPRENEUR: For founders, business owners, and leaders at independently run companies building impact in Shanghai and beyond.
Eligibility (either path qualifies):
Aged 40 and under, with a proven track record of leadership and impact
Is an owner, partner, or shareholder of at least 25 percent of a business based in Shanghai, and demonstrates positive social and/or economic impact in the region, OR
Is employed at independently owned, or entrepreneur-led organization — distinct from a large corporate structure
Criteria:
Ownership & Impact: Demonstrates significant ownership stake or leadership contribution to a Shanghai-based SME, with positive social and/or economic impact in the region
Innovation: Demonstrates commitment and passion for transforming traditional practices through an innovative product, service, approach, or idea
Perseverance: Demonstrates capacity to be an independent thinker, to overcome business obstacles, and to take risks in the face of uncertainty
Scalability: Innovates business model for sustainable growth, and has demonstrated capability for long-term success
Sustainability: Implemented sustainable development on the corporate level or demonstrates a commitment to giving back to the community
EMERGING LEADER AWARD: For early-career professionals, students, or recent graduates showing outsized potential and momentum.
Eligibility:
Aged 25 and under, including university students, recent graduates, or standout high school seniors
Criteria:
Vision: A clear, innovative, and actionable plan to create long-term impact
Leadership: Shows proven leadership potential through influential positions in profession/education and community, recognized as a rising talent in their field or peer group
Engagement: Demonstrates active commitment to empowering others through community building, or collaborative initiatives
Experience: Illustrates a clear trajectory and growth in career/education