The fifth annual JNA Awards was a resounding success. Twenty-eight shortlisted companies were recognised and recipients of eleven award categories were announced at the InterContinental Hong Kong on 14th September 2016. To add to the excitement that evening, internationally acclaimed tenor, Warren Mok, gave an outstanding performance to the audience.

Organised by JNA (Jewellery News Asia), the awards event recognises and celebrates companies and individuals whose passion for excellence, innovation and outstanding business performance has helped shape the growth and development of Asia's jewellery industry.

Shouzui Yasui, Chief Executive Officer of Yasui & Co, was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award -- one of the highest accolades in the global jewellery and gemstone industry and the most esteemed tribute conferred by the JNA Awards. Yasui is a name that has long been associated with casting solutions for the jewellery industry. Yasui's casting solutions, starting from the wax injector, were seen as pivotal in the mass production of jewellery, which consequently made jewellery accessible and affordable to many.

The 14 award recipients across 10 categories are:

• Brand of the Year – Retail

Hiersun Industrial Co Ltd -- I Do – China

• Industry Innovation/Sustainability Initiative of the Year

Shenzhen Batar Investment Holding Group Co Ltd -- China

Shenzhen Foreway Jewellery Group Co Ltd -- China

Shenzhen Ganlu Jewellery Co Ltd -- China

Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd -- China

• Manufacturer of the Year-- Cutting & Polishing

Kiran Gems Pvt Ltd – India

RMC Gems India Ltd – India

• Manufacturer of the Year -- Jewellery

PANDORA Production Co Ltd -- Thailand

• Outstanding Enterprise of the Year -- ASEAN

Soo Kee Group -- Singapore

• Outstanding Enterprise of the Year -- India

Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd – India

• Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Greater China

KGK Jewellery Manufacturing Ltd -- Hong Kong SAR

• Retailer of the Year (450 outlets and below)

Beijing Cai Shi Kou Department Store Co Ltd -- China

• E-tailer of the Year

China Stone Co Ltd -- Thailand

• Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below)

Ms Wang Zhuo, Shenzhen Sunfeel Jewelry Co Ltd -- China

Letitia Chow, Founder of JNA, Director of Business Development -- Jewellery Group at UBM Asia and Chair of the JNA Awards Judging Panel commented, "Great teamwork is always the key to a successful event. Each year, the JNA Awards team work closely with its stakeholders -- our valued Headline and Honoured Partners, the judges, all participants who have submitted entries, and guests attending to make this a more meaningful and worthwhile event in the international jewellery and gemstone scene. I would like to extend, again, my warmest congratulations to all of the recipients and honourees."

In addition to the Headline Partners, Diarough Group, the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies, Shanghai Diamond Exchange, Guangdong Gems & Jade Exchange, and Guangdong Land Holdings Limited supported the JNA Awards 2016 as Honoured Partners.