Speaking at the presentation ceremony of the 2018 Hong Kong Awards for Industries (HKAI) on 

11 December, Chief Executive Carrie Lam remarked that the award-winning companies had never failed to impress her with their smart and creative ideas. 

“Hong Kong’s future will be powered by innovation and technology and the high value-added economy it will give us,” Lam said. She added that her Government is committed to this area, for example by investing $10 billion to establish two research clusters at the Science Park, one in healthcare technology, the other in artificial intelligence and robotics.

The Chief Executive said that it was an honour for her to attend the Awards “to celebrate the innovators who lead our industries and, in so doing, help power Hong Kong’s continuing prosperity.”

HKAI has seven categories, including Innovation and Creativity, which is organized by HKGCC. The Chamber’s Judging Panel and Assessment Team scrutinized 38 entries before selecting a number to be presented to the Final Judging Panel, chaired by Professor Way Kuo, President of the City University of Hong Kong.

The eight companies recognized in the Innovation and Creativity category for 2018 represent a wide spectrum of business backgrounds that include fashion, education, engineering and technology – a testament to the breadth of innovative thinking in Hong Kong. 

In congratulating the winners, Chamber Chairman Aron Harilela said that as markets evolve, so too must businesses. 

“This means owner-operators must constantly monitor, anticipate and take action to ensure that their products or services are relevant, and cater to customer demands and needs,” he said. “This year’s winners have shown how they have been able to transform conceptual designs into solidly successful ventures. I trust their stories will be an inspiration to others.” 

At the event, 84 winners were honoured from a total of 259 entries. Besides Innovation and Creativity, the other categories are: Consumer Product Design, Equipment and Machinery Design, Customer Service, Smart Productivity, Technological Achievement, and Upgrading and Transformation.