While 2020 was certainly a year of trying times and challenges, it also provided an opportunity for teams across the HQTS Group network to come together and show real character and determination.
Trade, logistics and supply chains were hit hard for obvious reasons throughout with almost every industry bearing the brunt of Covid-19 and HQTS was no different. However, the strong spirit and commitment of staff never wavered and now is the time to look forward to a fruitful 2021.
But first, let’s look back on some of the company’s top highlights and best moments from an unforgettable 12 months in quality.
JANUARY
HQTS Turns 25!
It’s been almost 26 years since HQTS was founded. The year 2020 was a special one for us. On January 5, 2020, the company celebrated its 25th anniversary of establishment of the Group in The C&D Hotel, Fuzhou with 300 HQTS staff, guests and customers in attendance.
Aligned with the theme of “harness the wind, ride the waves”, the event featured a model sail boat to represent how we have embraced the concept of “never forget why you started” and “be bold in making innovation”. An enterprise history exhibition area was also on show to recall the beautiful memories of HQTS’ development history over the years.
Mr Richard Fan, CEO of HQTS Group, also delivered an important speech. HQTS managers and staff contributed to performances such as live shows, reciting poems, lion dances, Wing Chun Fist and singing and dancing. Overseas staff sent messages and guests were handed out gifts. The event certainly got the year off to a flying start.
FEBRYUARY
HQTS Goes Online
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, HQTS cancelled its physical 2020 management meeting, which was originally scheduled to be held in Jinan, Shandong Province from February 6-11, 2020. Instead, we took it online!
Taking place between February 10 -11, the meeting was held via Zoom with more than 60 participants at home and abroad taking part. Mr. Sam Li, President of HQTS Group, delivered a speech and also talked about the main achievements that HQTS Group had realised in the year 2019. The event marked the first time HQTS had hosted an online management meeting.
Over the years, HQTS has survived the SARS epidemic in the year of 2003 and international financial crisis caused by Wall Street in the year 2008. The company will continue to seize the opportunities and business potential in the Asia Pacific region providing premium quality assurance services.
MARCH
An Open Letter to the World
As the seriousness of the global pandemic continued to increase, HQTS provided customers with QC services for prevention materials such as face masks and goggles and medical protective clothing. We also sent face masks to clients and vowed to take more social responsibility over coronavirus.
We went through difficulties and hardships but we were confident that we’d overcome the pandemic and make HQTS great again. The following is a letter we sent to reassure our partners around the world that we are always here to help:
Dear friends,
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, HQTS has closely paid attention to the updates of pneumonia epidemic. At present, with the measures people taking against coronavirus, new coronavirus cases in China have dramatically gone down, which means COVID-19 could be contained with the right measures. HQTS hopes that our partners across the world could stay positive over epidemic season.
Coronavirus infection prevention and control has now entered the most critical period, HQTS is willing to provide QC service which is related to anti coronavirus to those in need. We will do everything we can to prevent COVID-19 from spreading.
This coronavirus affects all of us, and it is the responsibility of us all to take action. We cannot ignore this challenge, or allow it to continue unmanaged. HQTS partners across the globe, if you need face masks, please tell us, HQTS headquarters will send face masks to you. We believe that the better days are ahead of us and we are full of confidence that coronavirus will be defeated in the end.
Sincerely, yours.
March 25, 2020
APRIL
HQTS at Home
With the rapid rise in Covid-19 cases in India, the government took major steps to prevent the virus from spreading. On April 14, PM Modi announced an extension of lockdown until May 3. The number of positive cases in India had reached 13,430 at that point (based on data from China time April 17, 2020.).
During the time of crisis, to keep HQTS India team motivated, we made sure the they engaged in positive tasks with regular interaction. Everyone was regularly sharing their thoughts and opinions with the team on the situation. The concern for each other in such tough times created a strong team bond.
MAY
HQTS Youth Talent Debate Competition
On May 18, 2020, “HQTS Youth Talent Debate Competition Tutors Selecting Competitors” was officially launching in HQTS Fuzhou Headquarters. Tutors Selecting Competitors is an initial section of “HQTS Youth Talent Debate Competition”, the formal competition was then held on June 13, 2020.
A total of 40 young staff – 30 Chinese and 10 foreign from all over the world – gathered to participate in the selecting section. Each competitor had his or her own unique way to arouse interest of tutors. Meanwhile, tutors also made great efforts to attract and persuade competitors to choose them. It was also broadcast online, which allowed competitors to join remotely.
After fierce competition among tutors as well as competitors, each tutor gained five competitors and eight tutors had 40 competitors. All competitors were divided into eight teams. Then a big debate ensued to mark a memorable event and exercise.
JUNE
First Webinar of the Year Hosted
On June 5, 2020, HQTS held an interesting webinar, which attracted more than 120 customers worldwide to participate as viewers. Watch the full session below.
JULY
India Company Joins Webinar Lineup
On July 22, 2020, we hosted another webinar to discuss Iraq COC and COI and their workflows and procedures. Watch the full session below.
AUGUST
HQTS Signs US$50M Deal with CRRC
HQTS and CRRC SIFANG CO., LTD. signed a deal worth US$50m to provide inspection services for the equipment of Iraq Certificate of Inspection (COI) diesel multiple units.
The deal was agreed in the month of August before the contract was signed on the morning of Thursday September 10, 2020 and will see both companies cooperate based on adopting an advanced international standardization system.
SEPTEMBER
Internships for Students in Need
On September 9, 2020, HQTS hosted a job fair for poverty-stricken students from HQTS Study-Aid Class. We seek to ensure that poor students, especially those with the fewest resources, can access the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life and job career.
In 2018, HQTS together with Fujian No.2 Light Industry School officially set up HQTS Study-Aid Class for those students who are from poor families. It’s almost four years since the founding of the venture, which extends hope and vitality to those in need both materially and spiritually.
OCTOBER
HQTS President Mr Sam Li Interview on TV
On October 30, 2020, Fujian Provincial TV station broadcast a special programme called the Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee, focusing on listening to people’s opinions or thoughts or feelings on the meeting.
HQTS President Mr Sam Li was interviewed as part of the show. “During the 13th National Five Year Plan period, thanks to our national government good policy and the stable domestic economic environment, HQTS Group, we have made continuous innovation and our company has achieved nearly 20% growth every year in the past five years,” he said.
“In the main objectives of the 14th National Five Year Plan, it is proposed to building China’s strength in science and technology, product quality and speeding up the pace for the development in modern service industry, which is of great significance for China to upgrading its country’s manufacturing sector and to become a manufacturing power in the future.”
NOVEMBER
Study Aid Class Picnic
From 2018, HQTS Foundation has been offering help, care and fees to help poverty-stricken students to continue their education. We seek to ensure that poor students, especially those with the fewest resources, can access the opportunities they need to succeed in school, life and their careers.
HQTS leaders visited some of those students from the third HQTS Study-Aid Class in association with Fujian No.2 Light Industry School. They were had a picnic together with delicious food in the beautiful surroundings.
HQTS will continue to carry out various forms of charity events and activities in future and we are expected you to join us as well, together we can make this benevolent cause more shining and helpful.
DECEMBER
HQTS Annual Sales and Marketing Meeting
While 2020 has been a year we’ll never forget with the world economy severely affected, HQTS managed to achieve good results and revenue performance. The spirit, hardworking nature and dedication of our sales and marketing staff are testament to how the company has managed to excel in uncertain times which was celebrated at the company’s annual conference in Fuzhou.
On Thursday December 17, HQTS held its annual Sales and Marketing Meeting 2020 with teams from across China joining the gathering in the city of the company’s headquarters. Due to the global pandemic and travel restrictions, international teams including those in Bangladesh, India, Russia, South Korea, the UK and Vietnam joined the event via video conference.
About HQTS
With over 25 years of experience in quality assurance, HQTS is ready to help your import and export business build a robust quality assurance plan. Our many service locations are prepared to be your one-stop-shop for inspection needs. Including, production monitoring, pre-shipment and sorting inspections and everything in between. Contact us today to find out how we can help you navigate your current quality control challenges.
