To commend 79 local companies for their outstanding achievements, the 2023-24 Hong Kong Awards for Industries (HKAI) Presentation Ceremony was held today (December 16) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, addressed the ceremony in a video message. The officiating guests at the ceremony included the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Ms Maggie Wong; and the Director-General of Trade and Industry, Mr Aaron Liu.
In his video speech, Mr Lee said that the award-winning enterprises and products come from various industries and sectors, and they all demonstrate one thing in common – the spirit of Hong Kong enterprises to strive and persevere. The enterprises have been pursuing breakthroughs in improving the level of design of products and equipment, unleashing creativity, engaging in upgrading and transformation, applying innovation and technology, and enhancing service experiences, thereby achieving high value-added development and promoting Hong Kong's quality brands.
Mr Lee added that, with rapidly evolving geopolitics, the many uncertainties in the external economy, and prevailing trade protectionism, unprecedented global changes of a century have been accelerating. Further, Hong Kong is currently undergoing economic restructuring. Many enterprises, in particular small and medium enterprises (SMEs), are facing various forms of challenges. The Government has been sparing no effort in helping SMEs accelerate the process of upgrading and transformation, digitalisation and green transformation, and explore new markets. He encouraged the awardees, as well as other enterprises, to take the initiative to embrace changes, relentlessly motivate innovation and creativity, and fully capitalise on the city's distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, thereby driving Hong Kong to achieve high-quality development.
A total of 167 entries were received in the 2023-24 HKAI. The winners were determined by the final judging panels chaired by Professor Alexander Wai Ping-kong. The Grand Award winners were Dunwell Engineering Company Limited (upgrading and transformation), Techtronic Industries Company Limited (consumer product design), Emerging Viral Diagnostics (HK) Limited (equipment and machinery design), Watsons Hong Kong (customer service), and Logital Co. Limited (innovation and creativity).
The HKAI aims to recognise the outstanding achievements of Hong Kong enterprises in the manufacturing and services industries in enhancing their competitiveness in various aspects and in their endeavours towards high value-added activities. The HKAI also helps promote Hong Kong brands.
The 2023-24 HKAI covers five categories, namely the upgrading and transformation category organised by the Hong Kong Young Industrialists Council, the consumer product design category organised by the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the equipment and machinery design category organised by the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the customer service category organised by the Hong Kong Retail Management Association, as well as the innovation and creativity category organised by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. The Trade and Industry Department serves as the Secretariat of the Organising Committee of the HKAI.
The detailed list of winners of the HKAI is available on the thematic website www.hkindustryaward.org.
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