SINGAPORE - Standard Chartered Bank announced on Thursday that it is sponsoring a new programme by Big Four professional services firm EY, formerly known as Ernst & Young.

The programme, called the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women Asia-Pacific programme for 2015 to 2016, comes under StanChart's sponsorship of the annual EY Entrepreneur Of The Year awards, which honours top entrepreneurs for their contributions to the economy and society.

StanChart said in a statement that the new scheme is designed for outstanding women entrepreneurs wanting to grow their businesses globally.

It is a customised year-long leadership programme, which includes networking with and learning from senior advisers and seasoned entrepreneurs.

The bank will participate in a two-day conference in Singapore, starting on April 28, which will bring together 14 "high-potential" women entrepreneurs from across the region.

They will meet "a diverse and experienced community of successful entrepreneurs, board executives, industry leaders and professionals who work with entrepreneurs around the world".

Ms Anna Marrs, StanChart's group head of commercial and private banking clients, will moderate the mentors and strategic networking panel.

She said: "Women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs have been on the rise, particularly across our footprint of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

"Their contributions to job creation and economic growth are significant. It is an honour to have the opportunity to interact with this group of dynamic women entrepreneurs in Asia who have founded some of the region's fastest-growing companies."

For more information on the programme, click here.