The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) hosted the Asian Network for Quality (ANQ) Congress 2012 under the theme of 'Striving for Excellence through Product and Service Quality'. 400 leading experts on quality management converged on campus to shine light on the dynamic outlook of quality management in Asia and explore the opportunities in industry.

In early years, tools for quality management have been primarily developed in the US and Japan. Following the rise of Asian economies, its center of gravity has gradually shifted East. Since 2003, ANQ has hosted annual large-scale congresses in major Asian countries and cities including Beijing, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam. For a decade, the ANQ Congress has promoted lively exchanges amongst distinguished scholars, professionals and managers on quality management insights and strategies by encouraging academic research in the field, enhancing communications within industry and raising the profile of Asia in quality management.

Coinciding with its 10th anniversary, the ANQ Congress was proudly hosted by HKUST in conjunction with the China Association for Quality and Hong Kong Society for Quality. Prof Fugee Tsung, Congress Co-chair, Professor and Head of the HKUST Department of Industrial Engineering and Logistics Management was delighted that Hong Kong was chosen to play host to this important event. Not only is Hong Kong an international financial center, it is also an established hub for professional services. He identified the heightening of services quality as key to the continuing growth of our local economy. Moreover, it is imperative for the Mainland to boost competitiveness through bringing up its product and service quality. Hong Kong has a significant role to play in introducing the tools for quality assurance and expanding the capabilities of the Mainland industries.

Taking place on HKUST campus between 1 and 2 August, the ANQ Congress was well attended by 400 leading experts and representatives from government, academia and industry, including Mr John Hung, Secretary-General of the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification, Mr Qi Weiming, Chairperson of Asian Network for Quality cum Vice-President and Secretary General of China Association for Quality and Mr Lotto Lai, Chairman of the Hong Kong Society for Quality. Revolving around the theme of 'Striving for Excellence through Product and Service Quality', the delegates were earnestly engaged in discussing ways to extend quality concepts from product manufacturing to healthcare, education and other services in hopes of achieving enhanced work and life quality.

The ANQ Congress featured keynote speeches by Mr Masahiro Sakane, Chairman of Komatsu Ltd, Mr Gregory H Watson, Immediate Past Chairman of the International Academy for Quality and Mr Janak Mahta, President of the International Academy for Quality. They passionately shared with the audience the latest developments of quality management and the application of quality assurance concepts in corporate environment.