Foreword

Celebrations have been in full swing in Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers' Association (HKJMA) as we mark the 20th Anniversary this year. The remarkable achievements throughout the years were accomplished by dedication of all members, lighting up our directions as a beacon.

The first year of my chairman position had been filled with excitements and challenges. I am pleased to report that the achievements and plans during the first year of my term, thanks not the least, to the guidance and advice of the general committee, and the support of the dedicated staff team.

A number of factors have over the years shaped the development of HKJMA, among which are international jewelry shows, innovative system developments and professional trainings. The entire number of members has reached the peak of 401 in 2008, counting the largest number of members of local jewelry manufacturers among others. It is my belief that HKJMA would keep on strengthening its services as the leading jewelry association in Hong Kong. I am gratified to conclude my past year of services as follows:


Report

1. Exploring worldwide markets

Exhibitions provide platforms for maintaining and establishing relationships between our members and international business partners in the field. HKJMA has actively participated in organizing exhibitions and shows around the globe.

1.1. JMA Hong Kong
Raising the jewelry industry status and striving for a higher social recognition are major goals of HKJMA. Since 1995, HKJMA has been organizing the "Hong Kong International Jewelry Manufacturers' Show" (also known as "JMA Hong Kong") which provides a platform for jewelers to expand their customers' bases. The annual exhibitions are supported by hundreds of jewelers from local and the Mainland of China. This remarkable result shows HKJMA's core position in building the industry's image and maintaining relationships between jewelers and worldwide buyers.

1.2 JMA Macau
Exploring new markets is crucial for jewelry industry to gain recognition, thus HKJMA signed an agreement with Venetian Macau Limited for holding the "JMA Macau 2008" at the Cotai Strip™ Convention and Exhibition Centre at the Venetian® Macao from June 14 to 17, 2008. HKJMA was delighted that the exhibition was supported by the governments, jewelry associations and jewelers from Hong Kong, China and Macau. The strengthened liaison between jewelers from different places not only improved jewelry industry status, but also exploited the Pearl River Delta's regional advantage for future market expansion.

1.3 JCK Las Vegas Show (USA)
In order to explore business opportunities overseas, HKJMA has been helping local jewelers to participate in various exhibitions around the world since its establishment. One of the most famous shows is the "JCK Las Vegas Show". The show was a triumph this year, as Hong Kong was the largest overseas exhibitor. Due to the limited space for "Hong Kong Pavilion", the organizer of JCK Las Vegas Show granted extra spaces for the Hong Kong jewelers, by relocating them to the meeting room at the same floor of the Main Hall (Sands Expo). This arrangement was definitely a respect and encouragement to the local exhibitors.


2. Cooperating with the Mainland China

The local office of HKJMA has been working tightly with the Shenzhen office. Close relationships have been keeping with the mainland government high officials and related departments as well. In the past year, I am glad to participate in various meetings, seminars and visits with the assembly members. We exchanged views with other parties regarding the improvement of business environment in Hong Kong and accommodated the trade and industry policies of the Mainland government. HKJMA was also glad to invite government officials and specialists from banking and accounting sectors, to explain the PRC Labor Contract Law and other related business issues to members of HKJMA. The feedbacks were positive that the information were useful for members to know more about the business environment, rules and cultures in the Mainland China.


3. Interacting with local parties

Branding is one of the crucial factors for an industry to gain recognition and to establish a leading position in the market. As an energetic initiator of local jewelry industry, HKJMA was delighted to dedicate ourselves into meetings and promotional events organized by the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council, Metal training Broad of the Vocational Training Council, “Skills Upgrading Scheme” under the Education Bureau. The interactions with industry-related bodies helped closer communications and deeper understandings.


4. Researching and developing new technology

4.1 e-ID
To integrate the many ever-expanding jewelry services and enhance jewelers' efficiency, HKJMA has applied the "Innovation and Technology Fund" under the HKSAR Government and developed a "Jewelry e-ID System" jointly with the Hong Kong Productivity Council. It is excited that the system is now running smoothly, and it is also convinced that more than 1 million was allocated for further development of the system in April 2008.

4.2 RFID
To take an initiative of making innovations for the jewelry industry, HKJMA has been developing the RFID technology, which is a prototype system, to improve the operation flows and logistic management. In December 2007, the J-Info RFID system reader has been registered as a trademark in both Mainland China and Hong Kong. In April 2008, a more handy and tiny version has been developed and received lots of business orders. This scientific research tailored the needs of the jewelers.

4.3 Human Resources Survey
Human Resources Survey on Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturing Industry 2007-2008 was carried out by Management and Executive Centre of Institute for Enterprise of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The area of research this year was further deepened and explored in the areas of local and mainland labor skills, knowledge level and human resources etc. A copy of report had been sent by HKJMA to members, government departments, tertiary institutions and trade bodies.


5. Training future professionals

To cultivate entire and future jewelry talents, HKJMA co-organized several days to years training courses with prestige institutions and experts. Apart from jewelry training courses, seminars and workshops, HKJMA jointly opened a course of Executive Diploma in Management (Jewelry) with Polytechnic University SPEED (School of Professional Education and Executive Development). This showed HKJMA enthusiasm in servicing fellow jewelers to seek professional advancement.


6. Caring the society

In the afternoon of May 12, 2008, an earthquake measuring 8 on the Richter scale hit Sichuan Province in Western China. The death toll stood at 70,000. HKJMA with the Hong Kong Jewelry and Jade Manufacturers Association jointly took an immediate action and raised 1.3 million from members. The collected money went to the special account set up by the Liaison Office of the Central People's Republic in the HKSAR to support the victims to rebuild their lives.


7. Uniting members

By organizing an open day and numbers of activities, HKJMA is committed to maintain close relationships with members and is aimed to build up a better communication in the future years.


Way forward

Looking back, path has not been always easy and smooth. I would like to thank all our Committee members, past Chairmen, members, fellow jewelers and friends for their participations and continuous supports, which all contributed to the smooth and effective functioning of HKJMA during the past years. I am looking forward to widening external cooperation and promoting more educational trainings in the coming year.

Mr. Addy Wong
Chairman of HKJMA 2007-2009