The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) on Feb. 22 unveiled its new logomark at the first "140th Anniversary Distinguished Speakers" luncheon organised to celebrate its birthday this year.

In a simple ceremony, Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa, the first speaker in the series, unveiled HKGCC's new logomark before his address.

"We are honoured to have had the Chief Executive Tung Chung-hwa preside over the unveiling of our new logomark," Chamber Director Dr Eden Woon said.

The new logomark features a bauhinia flower, the icon for the HKSAR, rendered in a dynamic, fluid style and placed within the last letter of the wordmark "HKGCC" in a traditional font.

"The acronym has often been used by the organisation throughout its 140-year history. Now, we have designed it with a more dynamic and modern look but yet in a traditional style, which are the same traits as those of the Chamber today," he said.

Dr Woon said that the old chop logo struck some as being out-dated, and since it stemmed from a design done in 1861, it really did not adequately represent the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce of the 21st century.

"Though steeped in history with a pedigree of sound leadership, the Chamber is as modern and vibrant today as it was considered to be the day it was established," Dr Woon said. "Our new logomark symbolises the dynamism of the Chamber and our member companies today, and projects an up-to-date image that will allow the HKGCC to continue to take a leading role in business in Hong Kong."

Being a world-class organisation, Dr Woon said it was also felt that the Chamber needed a logomark that could stand shoulder to shoulder with other logos of the world's leading organisations, easily recognised internationally, and reflecting the Chamber's -- and Hong Kong's -- role in the global village.