From Monica Lee-Mˆ¢ller, Director of Business Development, HKCEC:

With the year drawing to a close, here at the HKCEC we've been looking back on our achievements over the last 12 months, and reflecting on the factors that were most significant in what was overall a highly successful year. Of course, the single most important element in our success was the continued loyal support of our hundreds of customers. I'd like to express our collective thanks to each one of you, and reassure you that achieving total customer satisfaction will remain our number one priority as we head into Christmas and the New Year.

The year 2004 marked the Centre's 16th anniversary, and another milestone in our growth. A lot has happened since the Centre was first established and the Hong Kong scene has changed immensely, but all along the HKCEC has remained committed to unwavering standards of excellence in the exhibition industry. That commitment has been one of the key factors behind the Centre establishing itself as the number one event venue in the Asia Pacific region. We have a tremendous 16-year track record of which we are extremely proud, and that motivates us to put every effort into maintaining our hard-earned reputation.

This year, we've spent a lot of effort in tailoring new packages to attract new event and exhibition customers to the HKCEC. We're pleased with the results, having successfully staged a number of new events over the summer and seen satisfied clients coming back for more. We'll be continuing our drive in 2005 to make sure the HKCEC is fully represented by outstanding world-class events, sending out a strong message that the Centre is a proven choice destination in the Asia Pacific region.

The mission statement that sums up our aspirations here at the HKCEC states that we're "committed to continue to enable the HKCEC's customers to consistently experience value and levels of service beyond their expectations through individual and team commitment to quality using innovative and creative operating techniques". This is no empty corporate-speak, but outlines a set of very clear goals and the methods we are using to achieve them. You can judge for yourself how well we are accomplishing this mission by glancing at some of the letters and emails we've received recently (see the 'Appreciations' section in this issue of Headline).

Finally, I'd like to wish all Headline readers the very best for their personal and professional lives for 2005. This is the last issue of Headline before the New Year, and it's an appropriate opportunity for me to thank you all once again for your contribution to a year of success and strength here at the HKCEC.