8 July, 2005

John Tsang and Leo Ku present Asia's outstanding licensing players with awards of
recognition at the 2nd annual Premier Asian Licensing Awards players in Asia

The 2nd annual Premier Asian Licensing Awards, co-organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association (LIMA), took place on 6 July 2005 with the official Presentation Gala Dinner, staged at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, the main attraction of this year's Hong Kong Licensing Show.

56 nominees across numerous categories were in the running for six prestigious Licensing Awards presented to some of the industry's high achievers, following an online voting poll by industry players. The Awards came in six categories: Best License of the Year (primarily featured by entertainment media), Best New Property of the Year, Best Licensing Agency of the Year, Best Licensee of the Year alongside two new categories, Best License of the Year (not primarily featured by entertainment media) and Best Marketing Campaign in Hong Kong.

Presenting the Awards to winners were Mr. John Tsang, Hong Kong's Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology, and well-known pop celebrity Mr. Leo Ku, alongside LIMA's President, Mr. Charles Riotto.

LIMA President, Mr. Charles Riotto, congratulates MediaLink Animation International Ltd. for winning Best Licensing Agency of the Year		Hong Kong celebrity, Mr. Leo Ku and his own character creation Kubi, present Awards to some of Asia's most outstanding licensing players at the Premier Asian Licensing Awards Gala Dinner

The Awards were given in recognition of the outstanding achievements and creativity of key licensing players throughout Asia. Mr. Fred Lam, Executive Director of the HKTDC and host of the Premier Asian Licensing Awards, remarked, "In 2004, retail sales of licensed merchandise in mainland China reached US$1 billion, a 67% increase over those in 2001. No doubt, Hong Kong and regional licensing experts will be actively involved in a high proportion of these licensing activities. We foresee tremendous value and opportunity in creating the Awards, in affiliation with LIMA, as they support the fact that Hong Kong is poised to become a leading licensing hub in Asia and at the same time, spotlight the achievements of Asia's licensing industry."

	LIMA's President, Mr. Charles Riotto, meets with Mr. Norman Janelle, Vice President of Disney Consumer Products and company representatives at the Premier Asian Licensing Awards Gala Dinner

MediaLink Animation International Ltd. CEO, Ms. Lovinia Chiu, winning the title of Best Licensing Agency of the Year commented on receiving the Award. "This is definitely welcomed recognition for our company. We have put a lot of effort into our licensing programmes, and I am very pleased that our hard work and achievements have been noticed. We are delighted to have received this Award."

Another happy winner was Go Licensing International Co. Ltd., taking home the title of Best Marketing Campaign in Hong Kong alongside two tied winners for their promotional campaign of Shrek 2. Go Licensing's Marketing Manager, Mr. Alston Li exclaimed, "This Award proves that our marketing strategies are heading in the right direction and I'm pleased that our successful licensing programme for the property of Shrek 2 has been positively recognised by our fellow industry friends."

Applications for the 2006 Premier Asian Licensing Awards will be welcomed in the early part of 2006. To learn more about the 2005 Premier Asian Licensing Awards, please visit: http://hklicensingshow.com/award

For media enquiries, please contact Ms. Rochelle Lewis, Assistant Marketing Communications Manager, Service Promotion, Hong Kong Trade Development Council on Tel: (852) 2584 4403 or e-mail: rochelle.lewis@tdc.org.hk