Hong Kong: The JNA Awards, one of the world’s most prestigious awards in the jewellery and gemstone industry, is now calling for entries for its sixth edition.
Organised by JNA, the annual JNA Awards is set to further advance and propel Asia’s jewellery and gemstone sector by recognising and honouring companies and individuals that have exhibited innovation, excellence, best business practices and outstanding business performance.
There is no fee to enter the prestigious international award. Qualified companies and individuals, including past entrants, from around the world are invited to self-nominate or nominate others in the following categories:
- Brand of the Year — Retail
- Industry Innovation of the Year
- Manufacturer of the Year — Jewellery
- Outstanding Enterprise of the Year — ASEAN
- Outstanding Enterprise of the Year — Greater China
- Outstanding Enterprise of the Year — India
- Retailer of the Year (450 outlets and below)
- eSupplier of the Year
- Sustainability Initiative of the Year
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below)
The Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient will be nominated by the Awards organiser and further announcement will be made at a later date.
Entries will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges comprised of five international industry experts, namely Albert Cheng, Advisor to the World Gold Council and former Managing Director, Far East (WGC); 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); Nirupa Bhatt, Managing Director of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in India and the Middle East; and Yasukazu Suwa, Chairman of Suwa & Son, Inc.
Since the Awards is gaining wider recognition and higher participation rate, the organiser said more interviews or site visits will be conducted as part of the judging process. Entrants who submit their nominations or register early would likely increase their chances of being interviewed or visited by members of the judging panel to gain a better understanding of their operations and business models.
Letitia Chow, Founder of JNA, Chairperson of the JNA Awards and Director of Business Development — Jewellery Group at UBM Asia, said, “The JNA Awards is a powerful channel for companies to showcase their businesses. We find it very promising to see past Recipients and Honourees leveraging the value of the Awards to raise their profile among the most respected and admired names in the industry, and gain recognition within the trade.”
The JNA Awards 2017 is supported by Headline Partners Rio Tinto Diamonds and Chow Tai Fook (CTF), together with the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE), Guangdong Gems & Jade Exchange, and Guangdong Land Holdings Limited (GDLAND) serving as Honoured Partners.
Director of Rio Tinto Diamonds for Greater China, said, “The JNA Awards has become an important platform for the gem and jewellery industry to come together, share successes and generate new ideas. Rio Tinto is delighted to have been a supporter of the Awards from the beginning, and to help nurture its growth, together with the organisers and the other awards partners, into one of the most important events in the industry calendar. We look forward to another successful year for the Awards in 2017.”
“Over the last few years, it has been exciting to witness various innovations from our peers to enhance their competitiveness, which have resulted in tremendous advancements in the jewellery industry amid a challenging operating environment. We look forward to having more outstanding participants bringing new insights to the industry and striving together to drive the jewellery industry forward,” said Kent Wong, Managing Director of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group.
To enter the JNA Awards, interested parties must complete and submit the entry form on or no later than midnight (Hong Kong time) of 5 May 2017.
The Honourees or shortlisted entrants will be announced on 22 June 2017 at the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.
