Industry experts lead JNA Awards 2013 Judging Panel
Albert Cheng, James Courage and Lin Qiang to serve as judges again
HONG KONG, 21 May 2013 – The organiser of the JNA Awards, the most prestigious awards event in the jewellery and gemstone industry, is delighted to announce that three of the industry’s most recognised names will sit on the judging panel for the second time. They are Albert Cheng, Managing Director of World Gold Council – Far East (WGC); James Courage, Chief Executive of Platinum Guild International (PGI); and Lin Qiang, President and Managing Director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE).
The judging of the JNA Awards is an independent, transparent and rigorous process. An international group of prominent industry experts will form the judging panel and judges will be representing the various sectors and regions that are key to the jewellery trade.
The JNA Awards 2013 is led by Rio Tinto Diamonds and Chow Tai Fook as Headline Partners, with Gubelin, Israel Diamond Institute, KARP Group, Robert Wan Tahiti and the Shanghai Diamond Exchange as Honoured Partners.
“We are very proud that these three industry leaders have, once again, accepted our invitation to be part of our esteemed panel of judges for the second edition of the JNA Awards,” said Letitia Chow, founder of Jewellery News Asia (JNA) and Director of Business Development – Jewellery Group at UBM Asia. “They are among the world’s most recognised experts representing key sectors of the jewellery industry and bringing insight into specific areas of the business.”
Albert Cheng, Managing Director of WGC – Far East, commented, “I am delighted to join the judging panel again for the second edition of the JNA Awards. The inaugural event was a success, and I am looking forward to seeing high-quality applications this year.” Cheng joined the WGC regional office in Singapore in March 1993 as Regional Manager for Planning and Business Development – Far East. In 2003, he was appointed Managing Director of WGC – Far East, responsible for the council’s entire operations in the region.
James Courage, Chief Executive of Platinum Guild International, added, “It is an honour to be invited again as a judge of the JNA Awards. The Awards are now seen as an industry-wide platform for excellence and I am proud to be associated with it.” Courage’s association with the jewellery business goes back almost 40 years when he started at De Beers and joined PGI as Chief Executive in September 1996, responsible for its global jewellery development programmes. He has also recently taken up the role of Chairman of the Responsible Jewellery Council.
Lin Qiang, President and Managing Director of SDE, said, “The JNA Awards 2013 promises to be another ground-breaking event. I am delighted to offer my expertise once again to recognise and honour outstanding organisations and individuals.” Lin has been the bourse’s President and Managing Director since 2000. He has devoted his career to the management of SDE, the only official diamond trading platform in Mainland China, and the implementation of effective governmental policies for the country’s diamond industry.
The JNA Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner will be held on 12 September 2013, Thursday, at The Grand Hyatt, Hong Kong. Tickets to the ceremony and gala dinner are now on sale. For ticket sales, please visit http://www.jnaawards.com/
