Lawrence Ma and Kent Wong will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, at JNA Awards 2020.
They are recognized for helping shape and transform not only Hong Kong’s jewelry industry but that of the global jewelry community. Ma and Wong dedicated their lives to finding new ways to create a richer, more sustainable, and forward-thinking jewelry sector. Their bold ambitions and vision went beyond simple profit-making; they endeavored to affect positive change within their organizations and the communities they serve through leadership and action.
Lawrence Ma and Kent Wong – recipients of JNA Awards 2020
The JNA Awards’ spotlight will shine on Ma, Chief Executive Officer of Lee Heng Diamond Group, and Wong, Managing Director of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, during the much-anticipated virtual awards ceremony, which will be broadcast live at 8 pm (Hong Kong time) on 27 October – the first day of the first edition of the three-day B2B virtual event, Jewellery & Gem Digital World (J&G Digital World).
Letitia Chow, Chairperson & Founder of JNA Awards, Informa Markets – Jewellery
Letitia Chow, Chairperson & Founder of JNA Awards, Informa Markets – Jewellery commented “Lawrence and Kent are both legendary figures who have thrived through the many ups and downs of the jewelry industry in the last four decades. They have undoubtedly achieved commercial success for their respective organizations, but what makes them truly stand out are their tremendous contributions to the growth and prosperity of Hong Kong’s jewelry industry, all of which have had a massive impact and influence on jewelry hubs around the world. It is indeed a great honor and privilege to celebrate their lifetime achievements by conferring them the highest accolade of the JNA Awards.”
About Lawrence Ma
Starting his career in the jewelry industry four decades ago, Ma founded MaBelle Jewelry in the early 1990s, a diamond jewelry brand that speaks to a broader market comprising largely of aspirational consumers. This initiative also marked a turning point in the long-term vibrancy of Hong Kong’s diamond jewelry retailing industry.
A founding president and current chairman of the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong (DFHK), Ma was instrumental in the promotion and implementation of ground-breaking initiatives that fortified Hong Kong’s unique position as a global diamond and jewelry trading center. He also led the charge in creating a culture of integrity and excellence in the city’s jewelry market, which to this day, remains the operational guidepost for every jewelry retailer in Hong Kong.
About Kent Wong
Wong has devoted himself to the industry and company for over four decades, joined Chow Tai Fook in 1977 as an apprentice, and promoted to Managing Director in 2011. As the key advocator, he drives the evolution into an exciting, innovative, diversified, and trend-setting Group. Under his leadership, Chow Tai Fook being the first Hong Kong-based Jewellery group to open the first store in Mainland China in 1998 and further expanded its global presence, he successfully turned the business from a homegrown brand to a modern and progressive enterprise, now, with over 4,000 points of sale around the world
Commenting on the award, Ma said, “I am overwhelmed and excited to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the JNA Awards this year. I have been very blessed and privileged to be surrounded by loving family members, brilliant mentors, capable and loyal colleagues, and partners, as well as genuine and caring friends. I appreciate the great contributions and achievements of all previous recipients of this honor and I am delighted to be one of them. I promise to keep on doing what I believe is vital in my life journey: To bring the best out of myself and all the incredible people around me.”
Wong said “I am very honored and grateful to be the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Thank you JNA Awards for this prestigious tribute. Having spent 43 years in an industry that I love, I am immensely proud and humbled to have not only witnessed the incredible developments within our industry but also to have worked alongside so many
inspiring individuals in our community. Let us all continue to shine on and share the exquisite beauty and joy of jewelry to the world.”
JNA Awards 2020 is supported by Headline Partners Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, Shanghai Diamond Exchange, and DANAT, alongside Honoured Partners KGK Group and Guangdong Land (Shenzhen) Limited.
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