The Hong Kong Awards for Services scheme provides an effective way to recognise high standards and encourage excellence among Hong Kong's service providers.

As chairman of the central judging panel for a second year, I am delighted to witness again the prominent achievements of our service industries.

At a time when the economy is suffering from a downturn, it is quality service providers such as the participating companies in this competition that are taking the lead in reviving our economy.

Prize-winners this year or not, they all deserve our recognition and compliments for their unfailing efforts to sharpen Hong Kong's competitive edge.