Tam Jai International Garners “Junzi Corporation Award” from The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong

25 June 2024

(Hong Kong, 25 June 2024) – Tam Jai International Co. Limited (“TJI”, “Tam Jai International”, or the “Company”, and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; HKEX stock code: 2217), one of the leading and renowned restaurant groups in Hong Kong, is pleased to announce that the Group has received the “Junzi Corporation Award” and achieved the highest score in the selection criteria of “BENEVOLENCE” to win the “Junzi Corporation Award for Exemplary Business Practices with BENEVOLENCE” at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (“HSUHK”) 13th Junzi Corporation Award Presentation Ceremony. These awards are a testament to the Group’s relentless pursuit of high standards of business ethics and social responsibility, as well as its outstanding performance in promoting long-term sustainable development.

Mr. Daren Lau, Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of TJI, said, “We feel deeply honoured and encouraged by the recognition these awards represent for our business performances and commitment to upholding business ethics and social responsibility. Guided by our ESG Strategy Framework, which revolves around ‘Nourishing Communities’, ‘Uplifting People’, and ‘Preserving Nature’, we have consistently adhered to the principle of ‘Taken from the Community, Giving Back to the Community’. Through fostering shared value with employees and partners, active engagement in philanthropic endeavours and championing environmental protection, we have achieved remarkable results in both business development and ESG progress. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to making meaningful contributions to society and the environment, collaborating with all stakeholders to realise a sustainable future.”

Building on its solid business foundation in Hong Kong, TJI has been actively expanding its business beyond the city and exploring new approaches for growth. Joint venture and franchising arrangements were announced for the Group’s market entry into Australia, marking its foray into a Western market. The Group’s upcoming expansion into the Philippines will also deploy a franchise model. Additionally, in pursuit of a multi-brand strategy, the Group also strategically embarked on the “Marugame Seimen” franchise business in Hong Kong, injecting new momentum into the overall business.

In terms of the selection criteria of “BENEVOLENCE”, where the Group achieved the highest score, the “TJI Education Support Scheme for Employees’ Children” has awarded a total of over HK$5.8 million in scholarship funds to 182 children of its employees since its official launch in 2015. In addition, the Group has partnered with charities including Food Angel, Foodlink Foundation, and Feeding Hong Kong to donate surplus pork belly from its central kitchen, and transformed it into hot meals for the underprivileged. This, together with the Tamjai SamGor Mixian’s food-giving initiative, “Mixian for the Good”, provided warmth and care to more than 85,000 people in need in FY2024. Meanwhile, the Group’s green initiatives have also achieved remarkable results. In particular, the Group’s new takeaway cutlery policy, launched in October last year, has successfully encouraged up to 70% of its takeaway customers to go without cutlery.

The “HSUHK Junzi Corporation Award” aims to commend outstanding Hong Kong enterprises that exemplify the “Five Virtues” of “Junzi”, namely “Benevolence”, “Righteousness”, “Propriety”, “Wisdom” and “Trustworthiness”. Various aspects of the award applicants are evaluated, covering dedication to stakeholders’ well-being, business ethics, service quality, operational strategies and innovation. The “Junzi Corporation Exemplary Award” recognises companies with the highest score in each of the five virtues. Using “Values – Process – Impact” as the parameters, the judging panel, comprised of experienced academics, industry practitioners and past awardees, evaluates candidate companies’ commitment, practice and effectiveness in their embrace of the five virtues.