Wong Tat Wah has dedicated himself to the service and advancement of the jewellery industry, particularly in the Greater China region, throughout his decades-long career. 

He founded Hong Kong Yee On (Group) Co Ltd in the early 1980s. As chairman of the group, Wong used his business expertise to establish Yee On as one of the city’s premier gemstone and jewellery manufacturers.

Yee On soon expanded to mainland China where it established a jewellery manufacturing facility in Dongguan, Guangdong Province. The group now focuses on gemstone and pearl processing, polishing and jewellery production.

Wong is considered a pioneer in direct gemstone sourcing, importing raw materials directly from mines around the world. He was also among the first to use coloured gemstones in commercial jewellery. 

Owing to his extensive industry experience, Wong has held prestigious positions in various trade associations across China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. He has been named Life Honorary President and Honorary Fellow at The Professional Validation Centre of Hong Kong Business Sector, a testament to his significant impact in the industry.

Wong was instrumental in establishing the Hong Kong Gemstone Manufacturers' Association (HKGMA) in 2005, Hong Kong's only gemstone trade association to date. HKGMA members unanimously elected him as the First Honorary Life Founding President.

He is also Honorary Life President of the Hong Kong Pearl Association, Lifetime Honorary President of the Hong Kong Gold & Silver Ornaments Workers & Merchants General Union and Honorary President of the Guangdong Golden Jewellery and Jade Industry’s Association, among other roles.

For more information about the “Extraordinary 40” Awards, visit jwawards.com.

As part of its 40th anniversary content programme, JNA is casting the spotlight on the “Extraordinary 40” Awardees with special online features covering the highlights of their careers and the valuable lessons they have learned along the way. Click here to view the “Meet the Extraordinary 40” series from May to September, with new profiles published every week.