Widely regarded as the most prestigious event for the business community in Hong Kong, the DHL/SCMP Hong Kong Business Awards, now in its 14th year, has become a benchmark of success for companies and corporations.
'Many people in Hong Kong are unaware of just how, or even when, presentation of these awards commenced,' says DHL regional director for Greater China and Korea, Jerry Hsu.
'Interestingly enough, the idea of the awards came about at the end of 1989, at the end of a year that was not dissimilar to what Hong Kong has experienced during 2003.
'In 1989, Hong Kong was going through an economic downturn, and it was felt that an awards programme which recognised, stimulated and rewarded entrepreneurial flair and business excellence would contribute to Hong Kong's continued business growth,' he says.
'That is why we came up with the idea for the awards, which I am proud to say have become the most prestigious business awards in our city.'
Expanding on the reasons DHL decided to co-sponsor the awards, Mr Hsu says that as a global facilitator, DHL is dedicated to the strengthening of Hong Kong's position as the region's leading business hub.
'Through the awards, we encourage and sustain Hong Kong's entrepreneurial spirit and exceptional standards of corporate management,' he says. 'The awards were established in 1990 with this objective in mind, and 14 years of sponsorship demonstrates DHL's commitment to Hong Kong.