The winners of the eighth annual JNA Awards were felicitated at a special event on September 17 held along with the ongoing Hong Kong show. A total of 45 Honourees were feted at the event for their notable accomplishments in the past year. Among them, 16 were honoured as Recipients across 11 award categories by a highly-respected and experienced panel of judges, the organisers of the event, Informa Markets said in an announcement this week.

Three outstanding leaders from the retail sector, Cao Thi Ngoc Dung, Hung Ming Li and Wang Chun Li were recipients of this year’s highest accolade, the Lifetime Achievement Award, the organisers said, adding that they are exceptional leaders well-known for their instrumental roles in transforming and shaping the retail landscape in their respective field and region.

Among the winners were two companies from India – H.K. Designs and Sahajanand Technologies Pvt Ltd. – and Abhay Chordia of Ashok Jewels who was honoured as one of the Young Entrepreneur of the Year awardees.

A number of industry leaders from all over the globe were present on the occasion.

The 16 Award Recipients across 11 categories are:

1. Brand of the Year – Retail

Shenzhen Sunfeel Jewelry Co Ltd – China

1. eSupplier of the Year

Kapu Gems – India

1. Industry Innovation of the Year

3a. Diamond Identification
Diamond Services Ltd – Hong Kong

3b. Jewellery Manufacturing Technology
3D Kaiente Jewellery Co Ltd – China

3c. Production Technology
Sahajanand Technologies Pvt Ltd – India / Shenzhen Future Wisdom Jewelry Co Ltd – China

1. Manufacturer of the Year – Cutting & Polishing – Creativity & Innovation

China Stone Co Ltd – Thailand

1. Manufacturer of the Year – Jewellery

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd – Hong Kong

1. Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – China

DECENT Gold Group Co Ltd – China
 

1. Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Countries/Regions outside of China and India FRANK & co – Indonesia

1. Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India
   H.K. Designs – India

1. Retailer of the Year
   Luk Fook Holdings (International) Limited – Hong Kong / Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company – Vietnam

1. Sustainability Initiative of the Year
   Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd – China

1. Young Entrepreneur of the Year (age 40 and below)
   Abhay Chordia, Ashok Jewels – India  / Angelina Lau, SK Jewellery Group – Singapore

Letitia Chow, Chairperson of the JNA Awards, and Director of Business Development – Jewellery Group at Informa Markets, said, “These companies have demonstrated that with perseverance and forward-thinking, even in times of challenges, our industry can adapt, transform and continue to make positive impacts to the growth of the business.”

Commenting on the 2019 JNA Awards, James Courage, one of the principal judges of the Awards remarked, “With increased interest in the Awards, the quality and scope of the entries have increased; hence the judges endeavour to follow up with submissions and clarify, where appropriate, on paper and in-person to ensure comprehension and understanding of the joint judging process and a clear insight into each entry.”

Albert Cheng, one of the principal judges of the Awards shared, “It was proven to me, during this year’s due diligence visits to the Awards’ entrants, that the passion of the founders and the way they communicate their visions to their customers via their staff and products or services determine the successes of the brands and companies.”

Kent Wong, Managing Director of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group remarked, “This year marks the 90th anniversary of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, as well as our eighth consecutive year as a Headline Partner of the JNA Awards. Throughout these years, we are honoured to have grown with the JNA Awards and witnessed the continuous breakthroughs in the industry.”

Lin Qiang, President & Managing Director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange and one of the Awards judges shared, “With the JNA Awards gaining increasing recognition and influence since its inception, the 2019 JNA Awards has reached an unprecedented high. To be able to stand out as an Honouree among the entrants is no easy feat, and to eventually become a Recipient shows that one is indeed the cream of the crop. All of them have achieved great accomplishments and I am sincerely happy for them.”

Kenneth Scarratt, CEO of DANAT concluded, “It is a tremendous honour for DANAT to be involved with the JNA Awards once again in 2019; a celebration of all that is great with our amazing gem and jewellery industry. Indeed, we are at awe, once again, with the organisation that goes into the preparations, the determination that goes into the judging, and the extraordinary quality of the Recipients.”

In addition to Headline Partners Chow Tai Fook, Shanghai Diamond Exchange and DANAT, the JNA Awards is supported by Honoured Partners KGK Group, China Gems & Jade Exchange, and Guangdong Land Holdings Limited.

Pic caption: Winners of the JNA Awards with industry leaders

Pic courtesy: Informa Markets

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