Thailand leads ASEAN in JNA Awards 2015

Mr. Witt Maneenetr, Trade Commissioner and Consul of the Office of the Thai Trade Commissioner in Hong Kong, said: “Thailand has been recognised as a trading and design centre for its large-scale gems and jewellery industry. We are one of the world’s largest traders in coloured stones as well as silver jewellery, in which we are renowned for our cutting, polishing skills and design. It’s encouraging for an international event like the JNA Awards to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work and accomplishment of these Thai jewellery companies.”

“It is indeed very heartening to see the strong participation and achievements of Thai companies this year. I find it very admirable that three of these companies have won at previous JNA Awards, but they return  to take on a bigger challenge to enter categories that they have not yet been recognised before,” added Letitia Chow, Chair of the  JNA Awards 2015 Judging Panel.

Three-time JNA Awards Recipient, China Stone, is a top producer and supplier of machine-cut, high-precision coloured gemstones known for its digitally calibrated array of colours, proportions and sizes. The company embraces technology as its best friend, applying innovative solutions to its entire operation.  “Winning a JNA Award provides the means to compare the company’s progress against other businesses. The Awards also boosts the morale of staff and recognises the hard work and contribution they have made,” said Li Chongjie, Founder and Managing Director of China Stone Co Ltd.

One of Thailand’s oldest coloured gemstone jewellery manufacturers, MKS Jewelry International Co Ltd is known for its mastery of the invisible setting technique and signature collections that have raised the bar for fine jewellery production across the region. “The JNA Awards is shining the spotlight on outstanding enterprises and individuals in the industry. By recognising and celebrating our industry’s most dynamic and forward-looking companies, many benefits are gained,” remarked Majid Algouneh, Chairman of MKS Jewelry International Co Ltd.

Acclaimed as one of the top three jewellery companies in the world by retail value, PANDORA has set up its manufacturing arm, PANDORA Production Co Ltd, in Bangkok. It employs more than 10,000 skilled craftspeople and is committed to being the Fastest to Market (F2M) and most cost-efficient manufacturer of affordable luxury jewellery in the world. The company said, “The JNA Awards provides an important benchmark for companies in the industry to aspire to and, in turn, serves as a stimulus to further enhance the industry’s competitiveness and professionalism in a rapidly changing landscape.”

Pranda Group is Thailand’s leading fine jewellery manufacturer, renowned worldwide for top-quality jewellery craftsmanship that has won it multiple global accolades. The company has three distinct core businesses – jewellery production, distribution and retail. Its strong corporate philosophy, focus on employee well-being, efficient manufacturing facilities, and commitment to social responsibility have won them the JNA Awards in Manufacturer of the Year (2012) and Sustainability Initiative of the Year (2013) categories.

The JNA Awards judging panel is comprised of five industry experts namely Albert Cheng, Advisor to the World Gold Council, Far East; James Courage, Chairman of the Responsible Jewellery Council; Lin Qiang, President and Managing Director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange; Nirupa Bhatt, Managing Director of GIA India and the Middle East; and Yasukazu Suwa, Chairman of Suwa & Son, Inc.  

The Award Honourees and Recipients will be feted at the JNA Awards 2015 Ceremony and Gala Dinner, which will be held on Sunday, September 20 at the Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong. It is a ticketed event by application only. Interested parties can submit their request by logging on to http://www.jnaawards.com/

JNA Awards 2015 is led by Rio Tinto Diamonds and Chow Tai Fook as Headline Partners, with Diarough Group, Gübelin Group, Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies, Shanghai Diamond Exchange, and Guangdong Land Holdings Ltd as Honoured Partners.

For more information on the event, please visit http://www.jnaawards.com/ or contact:
JNA Awards Marketing
UBM Asia (Hong Kong)
+852 2516-2184
[email protected]