Q-Mark at 46: Advancing Quality and Innovation in Hong Kong's Industries

 

　　Since its establishment in 1978 under the auspices of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI), the Hong Kong Q-Mark Council has been a steadfast advocate for high standards of quality. The Council has actively encouraged enterprises to prioritise quality in their brand-building endeavours, continually adapting to meet the evolving needs of industries and consumer expectations. Today (17 October), the Council celebrated its “Q-MARK 46th Anniversary cum Licence Presentation Ceremony”. The event was honoured by the presence of the Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, who served as the officiating guest. He awarded licenses to enterprises that have attained Q-Mark and recognised those that have held their Q-Mark certification for 20 and 30 years.

　　In his welcome remarks, FHKI Chairman Steve Chuang observed that over the past 46 years, Q-Mark has become deeply rooted in the community, serving as a pillar of consumer confidence and a vital ally for businesses seeking to enhance the competitiveness of their products and services. Chairman Chuang highlighted the adaptability of the Q-Mark to shifting market opportunities, “Following the pandemic, there has been a marked increase in health consciousness among consumers. This year, approximately 30% of new applications for the Hong Kong Q-Mark Product Scheme (Red Mark) originated from enterprises specialising in health supplements and wellness foods. Moreover, with the keen interest of Hongkongers to consume in mainland China, we have observed a significant 15% increase in the number of mainland enterprises receiving Q-Mark certifications over the past year. The Q-Mark is perfectly positioned to support enterprises in boosting their competitiveness, allowing them to stand out in these highly promising yet fiercely competitive industries.”

　　In his speech, the Secretary for Justice Paul Lam highlighted that the Q-Mark certification scheme has developed in concert with societal advancements, offering professional, stringent, and impartial auditing and certification services across diverse sectors. This scheme has not only strengthened the reputation of local brands and consumer confidence but has also encouraged businesses to strive for excellence, thereby improving the overall standards of the market. With the Q-Mark certification scheme expanding its coverage to encompass more products and services, it has emerged as a pivotal force in driving Hong Kong's economic growth and enhancing consumer trust.

　　FHKI Executive Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Hong Kong Q-Mark Council Anthony Lam highlighted that the Q-Mark continuously adapts to meet market demands. "The Q-Mark has consistently moved forward with Hong Kong, agilely addressing market needs. With STEM education gaining traction, FHKI launched the Q STEM Certification Scheme at the start of this year, enabling consumers to identify authentic STEM products. Given the growing potential of the Muslim consumer market, we are also eager to introduce a certification for Halal-friendly foods. Moreover, we are expanding our environmental efforts, including the introduction of low-carbon certification standards and enhancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) certifications to drive sustainable development in businesses. This year, we have also begun to actively promote the Q-Mark across other cities in the Greater Bay Area, aiming to broaden the reach of Hong Kong's story."

　　Apart from awarding and recognising enterprises that have attained Q-Mark, the event also featured a panel discussion themed "Enhancing Quality Standards: An Innovative Journey from Manufacturing to Catering Services". The panel discussion was moderated by Karen Chan, Deputy Chairman of FHKI and Vice-Chairman of Q-Mark Council. Guest speakers included Bernie Ting, Director & General Manager of Qualidux International Co. Ltd.; Kriston Sun, Director of Operations at Kinox Trading Ltd.; and Agnes Cheung, Marketing Director of Dongguan Tai Chung East Ocean Restaurant Co. Ltd. They shared their insights on key topics, such as establishing and maintaining a brand image and differentiating themselves in a highly competitive market.

　　Over the past 46 years, Q-Mark has adeptly adapted to the evolving economic and industrial needs of Hong Kong by developing various certification schemes. These include the Hong Kong Q-Mark Product Scheme (Red Mark), the Hong Kong Q-Mark Service Scheme (Gold Mark), the Hong Kong Q-Mark Service (Cyan) Scheme (Cyan Mark), the Hong Kong Green Mark Certification Scheme (Green Mark), and Q STEM, which specialises in certifying STEM-related products and services.

　　This year, a total of 238 enterprises were awarded Q-Mark Licenses across these certification schemes: 100 received the Red Mark, 58 the Gold Mark, 64 the Cyan Mark, and 16 the Green Mark. Furthermore, since its inception at the end of last year, 43 products have been certified under the Q STEM Certification Scheme. Moving forward, the Council will continue its commitment to protecting consumer interests and enhancing the quality of products and services. We will also continue to timely update and expand the Q-Mark certification schemes to reflect the changing demands of society.

About the Hong Kong Q-Mark Council The Hong Kong Q-Mark Council was established by the Federation of Hong Kong Industries in 1978 to pioneer quality and best practice in Hong Kong. Its main objective is to enhance the product, service and environmental standards of companies through its Q-Mark schemes. The schemes offer consumers confidence when making purchases. Since all products and services with displayed Q-Mark labels are audited by the Council on a regular basis, the stringent quality and environmental requirements of the Q-Mark schemes are ensured.

 

Picture 1: FHKI Chairman Steve Chuang (left); the Secretary for Justice Paul Lam (middle); and FHKI Executive Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Hong Kong Q-Mark Council Anthony Lam (right) kicked-off the ceremony and dinner.

 

Picture 2: FHKI Chairman Steve Chuang delivered his welcome remark.

 

Picture 3: The Secretary for Justice Paul Lam delivered his speech.

 

Picture 4: FHKI Executive Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Hong Kong Q-Mark Council Anthony Lam delivered his speech.

 

Picture 5: Hosted by Karen Chan, Deputy Chairman of FHKI and Vice-Chairman of Q-Mark Council, Bernie Ting, Director & General Manager of Qualidux International Co Ltd, Kriston Sun, Director of Operation of Kinox Trading Ltd, and Agnes Cheung, Marketing Director of Dongguan Tai Chung East Ocean Restaurant Co Ltd shared their insights on topics, such as how enterprises can establish and maintain brand image, how to stand out in a highly competitive market in a panel discussion.

 

Picture 6: The Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, LegCo President and FHKI Honorary President Hon Andrew Leung took a group photo on stage alongside leadership of FHKI and the Q-Mark Council.

 

Picture 7: A total of 238 companies have been awarded Q-Mark License this year. A group of company representatives took the picture with the Secretary for Justice Paul Lam.

 

Picture 8: The dinner and ceremony were unprecedented in scale, demonstrating the popularity and trust Q-Mark has garnered from both enterprises and consumers.

 

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