The JNA Awards 2018, the 7th edition, has received a record-breaking number of 127 entries across 12 categories and from 16 countries, the organisers, UBM Asia have said in a release. Fifty-six of those submissions were received from companies participating in the Awards for the first time, it added.

The JNA Awards, which recognises, celebrates and encourages best business practices, excellence and innovation in the international jewellery and gemstone industry, are distributed during the Hong Kong show each year. The Honourees or shortlisted entrants will be announced on 21 June 2018 at the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.

The largest number of entries were received in the categories ‘IndustryInnovation of the Year’(34), and ‘Brand of the Year – Retail’(16), UBM said. Entries were received from the following countries and regions: Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Vietnam were received.

Wolfram Diener, Senior Vice President of UBM Asia, said, “We are delighted that the Awards has been drawing the participation of some of the most talented individuals, teams and enterprises within the trade. Our mission has always been to elevate our industry by showcasing companies that have grown their businesses through best practices.”

Letitia Chow, Chairperson of the JNA Awards, Founder of JNA, and Director of Business Development - Jewellery Group at UBM Asia, remarked, “This is yet another record-breaking year for the JNA Awards. This year, impressively, more than 40 percent of the entries were submitted by first-time entrants. We are also glad to see past honourees continue to challenge themselves and participate in the Awards' seventh edition with new ideas and innovations.”

The JNA Awards 2018 is supported by Headline Partners Chow Tai Fook and the Shanghai Diamond Exchange, together with Honoured Partners KGK Group, Guangdong Gems & Jade Exchange, and Guangdong Land Holdings Limited.