HONG KONG, June 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Organised by the
JNA Awards, the ninth edition of the prestigious JNA Awards
announced its highly anticipated list of Honourees across seven
award categories at a webcast yesterday, followed by an online
panel discussion featuring industry thought leaders. The Awards'
first-ever virtual event was well-attended by international
jewellers.
In the last few weeks, the judges diligently assessed entries
from 11 countries and regions across five continents, selecting 32
shortlisted Honourees out of a highly qualified pool of
nominees.
Letitia Chow, Chairperson of the
JNA Awards, and Director of Business Development - Jewellery Group
at Informa Markets, commented, "This year has indeed been unusual,
pushing us to be more adaptable, flexible and creative. This
impressive show of business agility has clearly been demonstrated
by our roster of Honourees for 2020, which consists of start-ups
and well-established companies. They have achieved incredible feats
in the past 18 months, irrespective of their size, location or
business nature. I am also delighted to see first-time Honourees
from Africa and the Americas this
year, further underscoring the JNA Awards' unique role in the
jewellery industry."
The independent judging panel consists of industry experts,
namely, Albert Cheng, CEO, Singapore
Bullion Market Association and International Advisor, Shanghai Gold
Exchange; James Courage, former
Chief Executive of Platinum Guild International (PGI) and former
Chairman of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC); Lin Qiang,
President and Managing Director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange
(SDE); Mark Lee, Research Director
of Asia Pacific Institute for Strategy (APIFS), and Nirupa Bhatt, Senior Advisor to the Gemological
Institute of America (GIA) India.
On the number of entries received this year, Cheng shared, "I am
happy to see a substantial number of participants this year despite
the pandemic. We were able to identify outstanding enterprises and
individuals who excel in their fields in the past 18 months. Their
level of success and achievements are testaments to the high esteem
that has been associated with the Awards in the industry
globally."
Courage added, "Despite the challenging circumstances, there is
a strong and varied range of entries from 11 countries and regions.
These reinforce the jewellery industry's success in innovation and
adaptation to change, and evolving consumer and market needs. There
is a noticeable focus on social and environmental improvements and
responding to the effects of COVID-19."
"This year is extremely challenging for jewellery companies,
whose survival and development are more than difficult. In this
context, however, the JNA Awards still received entries from around
the world with more than half of the entrants being first-timers.
Apart from being amazed by the influence and credibility of the JNA
Awards, I feel fully confident in our future," Lin remarked.
Lee noted, "The JNA Awards continues to play an important role
in the industry's development and success. This platform attracts
many new enterprises to join and innovate business models, product
development and marketing. I am exceptionally impressed to see
these new entrants with great passion for and commitment to the
industry. I am sure, with the JNA Awards, the industry will be
shining brightly."
Bhatt concluded, "We look for news to brighten up our day during
these stressful times. The JNA Awards provides industry members an
opportunity to share stories about the progress they have made,
their future plans and the innovations they bring to businesses and
the industry for the greater good. It was a delight to read and
learn about all the entries and be inspired by the efforts of our
colleagues in the industry."
For the complete Honouree list, view it here.
Contact:
+852-2516-2184
marketing@jnaawards.com
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