As financial controller for Epson Precision, Kiyotaka Hirai manages the purse strings and is quite comfortable putting his money where his mouth is.
'The industry awards are an opportunity to give something back to society. We all benefit from the recognition of high standards,' Mr Hirai said. 'Because of this, we decided to help sponsor the awards to the tune of $200,000.' He said this was money well spent, an investment that allowed industry to show itself in the best possible light, to show off its wares and ask potential international customers to have a look at the goods. The awards were not just a recognition of excellence, but a shop window to the world.
Epson has been based in Hong Kong since 1986 but this is the first time it has been a sponsor.
While the favourable judgment of peers was vital in any field of endeavour, Mr Hirai said the awards would boost the SAR's industrial reputation and be beneficial to all.
There was also the new political reality to keep in mind.
'The market geography has changed since the handover. Before, Hong Kong manufacturing was at a disadvantage compared to, say, Indonesia or the Philippines, with their large populations,' he said.
