The recognition that comes with the Hong Kong Awards for Industry helped Spectra Technologies to raise its profile in overseas markets.

Mark Mak, marketing manager, Spectra Technologies Co, Asia-Pacific, said the award was valuable as winners could display the official logo for three years which helped enhance a product's credibility.

"Success in Hong Kong means a lot," Mr Mak said. "It gives us a better chance elsewhere in the world. The export market is important but Hong Kong is the showcase - it is always important to be a success in Hong Kong first."

Winning the Consumer Product Design Award had helped boost sales of Spectra's cordless transaction terminal S9000I in China.

The fact that Spectra competed with multinationals such as Motorola for the award was an added incentive, he said.

"There are a lot of hi-tech companies involved - winning really means something."

He said the terminal was aimed at the banking sector. "Banks are conservative structures by nature. You need to gain their trust. Winning a prestigious award goes a long way in achieving this."

The terminal integrates debit card, credit card and VisaMasterEuropay (VME) standard IC card capability in a small casing. It also boasts a larger monitor than most.

Mr Mak said the award was also recognition for Spectra's employees.

"We have an innovative team with a flexible philosophy. Our customer service is excellent with support until after 10 pm. Winning is just one more thing that makes our efforts worthwhile - it makes members of the team realise that their hard work is being noticed ¡K and appreciated."

The three-year-old company spent a year developing the cordless transaction terminal.

The team comprised 10 people who identified the need for such a machine and created it while considering all aspects of its marketing and design.

Mr Mak said despite the existence of clones, the award-winning terminal had the trust of customers.