An abridged version of this article first appeared in the JNA July/August 2023 issue.  

Lawrence Ma, CEO of Lee Heng Diamond Group and founding president and chairman of the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China (DFHK), is recognised for his business acuity and forward-looking mindset.

He helped reframe the fine jewellery narrative by making diamonds trendier and more accessible to a larger market. Alongside his brother Max, he established MaBelle Jewelry in 1993 to democratise luxury by offering stylish and competitively priced diamond jewellery. Over the years, MaBelle has delivered on the “diamond dream” among a broad range of buyers.

According to Ma, having an open mind and being receptive to unconventional ideas are indispensable characteristics of an effective leader.

Ma’s influence goes beyond MaBelle. He was instrumental in the merger of the Diamond Importers Association and the Hong Kong Diamond Bourse, where he simultaneously served as chairman and vice chairman, respectively, and the establishment of DFHK in 2000.

At the DFHK, Ma brought structure and integrity to the city’s diamond industry and formulated operating rules and regulations for its retailer-members. The federation helped bolster Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s diamond and jewellery trading centre.

Apart from this, Ma actively campaigned to make Hong Kong’s jewellery exhibitions and trade market shine globally through his work at various jewellery advisory committees.

He is a director of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, counselor of the Gem and Jewelry Trade Association of China, vice president of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange Council, a member of the board of governors of the Gemological Institute of America and an executive committee member of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses.

 

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