HK 4As bows to pressure and makes apology

<p>The Hong Kong 4As has issued a public apology over a controversial </p><p>entry kit for the Creative Awards, that triggered a storm of protest and </p><p>charges of racism (media July 20). </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The move, in a letter to members, appears to have appeased critics </p><p>including DDB - the second-largest agency in Hong Kong which had </p><p>threatened to quit the association unless an apology was made. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>DDB Greater China president and CEO, Aaron Lau, said: "This incident is </p><p>a wake-up call for the association to rethink its mission and to uphold </p><p>like-minded values." </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The decision to issue the apology comes as Bates Asia president Jeffrey </p><p>Yu was re-elected to a third term as chairman of the 4As. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"We have always positioned ourselves as an association that promotes </p><p>equal opportunity employment, but this situation has caused us to </p><p>re-examine our systems and processes," Yu said. </p><p><BR><BR> </p>