The Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre (CPTTM) and the Industrial Association of Macau co-hosted an “M-Mark” certification conference and food innovation exchange seminar at CPTTM headquarters in Zape yesterday, aiming to further quality enhancement and innovation across local industries.
The one-day event, which attracted representatives from more than 20 enterprises that either hold “M-Mark” certification or are looking to apply for it, focused on practical experiences with “M-Mark” quality certification, technological innovation in the food industry, and corporate transformation and upgrading.
Considering that only 208 local enterprises have applied since the “M-Mark” programme was launched in 2018, reporters covering the seminar raised the question whether enthusiasm across the sector remains insufficient. Industrial Association of Macau (AIM) President Lei Si Tai replied that some manufacturers encounter operational hurdles when applying, while a significant number of businesses continue to adopt a wait-and-see approach.
In addition, Lei acknowledged that public outreach remains limited. Existing promotional channels, such as bus advertisements and print media, have restricted coverage, leading to low awareness of the “M-Mark” logo among residents, Lei said, adding that certification organisers aim to scale up promotional campaigns to boost public recognition and acceptance of the mark.
He added that the domestic manufacturing sector requires a long cultivation cycle, making it unrealistic to rapidly expand the number of certified businesses in a short period.
During the session, CPTTM Senior Manager Helena Lei Hoi Lun introduced the scope and application process of the “M-Mark” product quality certification scheme, aiming to provide participating companies with a clearer understanding of eligibility requirements and official support measures.
The seminar featured two main thematic sessions: “Benchmarking Reference” and “Forward-Looking Vision”, focusing on practical experience and industry innovation trends.
In the “Benchmarking Reference” segment, representatives from three certified enterprises shared practical insights from their own growth journeys. They detailed concrete steps in applying for certification, implementing quality control, standardising production, bolstering brand value, and expanding market reach, providing actionable lessons for industry peers.
The “Forward-Looking Vision” session centred on five core concepts, including utilising institutional management to tackle workforce mobility challenges and exploring the complementary positioning between ISO* management systems and “M-Mark” certification.
* Note: ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organisation with a membership of over 170 national standards bodies. It develops and publishes voluntary, consensus-based international standards across technology, manufacturing, business management, and services. – Gemini
Industrial Association of Macau President Lei Si Tai (front, right) Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre (CPTTM) Senior Manager Helena Lei Hoi Lun (second from right, second row), and representatives from participating enterprises pose for a group photo during yesterday’s “M-Mark” certification conference and food innovation exchange seminar at CPTTM headquarters in Zape. – Photo: Ida Cheong
