30 | JNA January/February 2024 PERSPECTIVE 精辟视野 DFHK “We regularly have meetings with various Chinese and international associations to stay abreast of developments and challenges within the diamond industry. We share useful information with our members to help them make the right business decisions,” he added. Rejuvenating the diamond sector Engaging younger diamantaires – the future of the diamond industry – is pivotal to ensure sustainable growth in the natural diamond trade, according to Yiu, himself a second-generation diamantaire still in his 40s. “My goal is to organise a wider range of activities for young diamantaires of DFHK – many of whom are second- or third-generation owners of diamond companies,” he noted. These initiatives can function as platforms to facilitate meaningful discussions, engage them in formulating growth strategies and foster a sense of unity within the industry. Under Yiu’s leadership, DFHK has already taken steps in this direction by organising networking events in Hong Kong to bring together young international and local diamond industry players. Furthermore, DFHK actively seeks the input of young leaders by inviting them to contribute creative ideas and opinions to marketing campaigns and initiatives of the federation. This inclusive approach gives way to fresh perspectives and ensures that the voice of the next generation is heard and valued, the new chairman explained. Confidence-building measures Yiu also believes that prospects remain bright in the natural diamond trade amid the challenge of declining consumer confidence. Citing results of De Beers’ 2023 Diamond Insight Report, he remarked that natural diamonds rank among the top three luxury goods desired by women in both the US and China. However, there is a significant gap In August 2023, Hong Kong’s diamond industry saw a changing of the guards. Lawrence Ma, who founded and then led the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China (DFHK) for over two decades, handed over the association’s reins to Zuri Jewellery Director Victor Yiu, who had served as vice chairman for more than 10 years. Ma continues as DFHK founding president. As DFHK Chairman, Yiu is now spearheading more consumer-facing and trade-focused initiatives to drive solid growth in the natural diamond trade. DFHK will also foster collaborations between Hong Kong diamantaires and international industry players, underlining the important role of DFHK in shaping the future of the trade, he revealed. Concerted efforts Representing Hong Kong’s diamond industry, DFHK plays a crucial role in bridging communication between its members, industry associations, the government and consumers to support the positive development of the diamond business, Yiu noted. With this mission in mind, he is working closely with global stakeholders, including the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), Natural Diamond Council (NDC) and De Beers Group to highlight the allure and intrinsic value of natural diamonds. In September 2023, Yiu brought together top NDC and De Beers executives to brainstorm on commercial and promotional possibilities in the diamond sector. To help bring its message to the media, stakeholders and trade, DFHK held a press luncheon and a seminar on the sidelines of Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong 2023, which provided natural diamond players with a platform to highlight the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives of the sector. These were among Yiu’s first initiatives as DFHK chairman. | Sharon Kwok 郭芷雯 | Picking up from where his predecessor left off, Victor Yiu, the new chairman of the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China (DFHK), is spearheading fresh programmes to further promote natural diamonds in the city. 中国香港钻石总会(DFHK)新任主席姚蔚然 ， 接棒带领協会举办一系列新活动，以进一步在香港地区推广天然钻石。 香港钻石总会 推广天然钻石不遗余力 bolsters natural diamond initiatives Natural Diamond Quality Assurance Mark 天然钻石品质保证标志
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