I, on behalf of the 19th Executive Director Committees of the Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers' Association (HKJMA), extend my heartfelt gratitude to all former Chairpersons, members, and industry partners for their steadfast support for not only chronicling our collective achievements but also charting a course for our future endeavors.

Carrying Forward Our Mission, Building an Innovative Future

Founded in 1988, HKJMA has consistently pursued the vision of enhancing the global prominence of Hong Kong jewelry, guided by our core values: member-oriented service, sustainable development, excellence in operations, and social responsibilities. Over more than three decades, the vision and commitment of previous Chairpersons and Executive Director Committees have established a strong foundation for our Association. In taking up this role, I am acutely aware of the responsibilities involved, but I remain optimistic about what lies ahead.

Over the past year, we successfully hosted the JMA Hong Kong International Jewelry Show right here in Hong Kong, the number of visitors reached a new high since pandemic. We also organized the "Hong Kong Pavilion" to showcase local brands at major international venues, including Las Vegas and Miami in the US, as well as Kuwait and Sharjah in the Middle East. These initiatives connected our brands with buyers from Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Asia. Exhibitors reported a significant rise in orders, highlighting the enduring strength and adaptability of Hong Kong jewelry on the world stage.

Moving forward, the Executive Director Committees will focus on three strategic priorities: First, building on the association's J-HUB jewelry workshop initiative launched in 2020, we will provide jewelry-making facilities, design mentorship, and creative collaboration spaces to bolster its role as an industry incubator; at the same time, we will continue promoting the JMA International Jewelry Design Competition, encouraging local and global designers to engage in innovative contests and offering a platform for jewelry designers to showcase their creativity; Second, introducing an Artificial Intelligence application support program that covers design and marketing areas, with training courses provided through professional partners to help members gradually integrate the technology. Third, boosting our brand's Global Reach by enhancing digital content and promotional channels to share the unique story of Hong Kong jewelry more widely. We will also deepen engagement with members, gathering input and resources to position HKJMA as the go-to hub for information and collaboration.

In today's dynamic environment, shaped by geopolitical shifts, supply chain changes, and technological advances, we will advance with careful foresight and determination. Together with our members, we aim to expand into new markets and leverage innovation to strengthen the competitive edge of Hong Kong's jewelry industry worldwide. I wish you all good health and continued success in your businesses. In this time of both challenges and opportunities, I look forward to uniting our efforts to reach even greater heights.