Hong Kong's COTCO Holdings has brought joy to millions around the world with its LED (Light Emitting Diode) components and integrated technologies. LED is the secret behind the giant full-colour video screens used to such great effect in performances by such megastars as Michael Jackson and Madonna.
The technology is also used in outdoor information displays, traffic signage, vehicle signal lights and some mobile phone displays.
This year the company's effort has been recognised with the award of an HKITCC Certificate of Merit in Technological Achievement.
LED provides a way of generating light without much heat, which makes it ideal for outdoor displays.
Between 1988 and 1991, COTCO manufactured simple LED bar signs often used as welcoming or information displays at banks and department stores.
Two years later, it moved into the manufacture of red/green outdoor information screens. But it was the development of blue LED in the mid-1990s that gave COTCO its biggest opportunity and led to the development of Hong Kong's first full-colour LED screen that could be viewed from many angles.