Ming Pao Weekly: THIS IS NOT A TOY. - It's not a toy! - Hong Kong precision engineering makes its mark on the world stage.

The website "mwctoys.com," founded by American toy collector and critic Michael Crawford, annually selects and invites netizens to vote for several toy awards. Two years ago, he even established "The Poppies Awards," often referred to as the "Oscars of the toy/action figure industry." The judging panel is composed of representatives from manufacturing and retail industries, toy designers, film companies, media, etc., who cast anonymous votes. The 2008 award winners were just announced last month, and in the category of "Best Overall Company," both Michael Crawford's choice, the netizens' choice, and The Poppies' selection unanimously went to the Hong Kong-based company Hot Toys. Other Poppies Awards that Hot Toys received include "Best Toy Line," "Best Male Action Figure (12-18 inches)," and "Best Female Action Figure (under 18 inches)." Despite fierce competition from super corporations like Mattel and Hasbro, the jury of 147 members this year unanimously agreed that over the past two years, the strength of this Hong Kong-based company has grown enough to compete on a world stage.