ICMA’s Élan Awards of Excellence celebrate the innovation, craftsmanship and technical excellence shaping the global card manufacturing and personalization industry. Each year, ICMA members from around the world submit entries into a variety of categories, with most awards selected by a panel of judges. The People’s Choice Award, however, holds a special distinction: It is chosen directly by ICMA EXPO attendees, who view the cards on-site and vote for their favorite.
This year’s People’s Choice Award winner was Hengbao Co., Ltd. for the Zheshang Bank “Zhefu” Card, created for Zheshang Bank Co., Ltd. and submitted in the secure payment category. The winning card, selected from a record-breaking number of award entries, stood out for its refined integration of Eastern aesthetics, Zhejiang cultural symbolism and advanced production techniques.
Set against a deep blue background, the “Zhefu” Card features iconic Chinese architecture, auspicious clouds, mountain and sea patterns and graceful cranes. Together, these elements symbolize favorable weather, prosperity and good fortune. The result is a card that functions as a secure financial tool while also serving as a collectible work of art rooted in cultural meaning.
According to Hengbao, “The design of Zheshang Bank ‘Zhefu’ Card is deeply inspired by Zhejiang regional culture and Oriental aesthetics. Our design and craft team integrated traditional auspicious symbols—including Chinese architecture, auspicious clouds, mountain-sea patterns and red-crowned cranes—with contemporary visual language, conveying sincere wishes for favorable weather and enduring prosperity.”
The card’s visual impact is further enhanced by a dynamic laser finish that creates flowing light and shadow across the background. Cranes, buildings, mountains and other design elements are rendered through a multi-layered, three-dimensional gilding process, producing colorful metallic luster and a rich sense of depth. This combination gives the card the appearance of a miniature three-dimensional painting, with each design element carefully layered to create movement, harmony and sophistication.
“We adopted dynamic laser craft for the card background to create flowing light and shadow, and applied multi-layered 3D gilding craft to cranes, architectures and landscape elements, delivering rich metallic luster and distinct three-dimensional layers,” Hengbao shared. “Its uniqueness lies in the perfect integration of cultural warmth, artistic collectibility and financial practicality. It is not only a secure payment instrument but also a miniature artwork that carries traditional Chinese culture and exclusive blessings for cardholders.”
For Hengbao and Zheshang Bank, the People’s Choice Award represents more than recognition for a single card design. Because the award is voted on by EXPO attendees and industry peers, it reflects the card’s ability to resonate with professionals across the global card community.
“This honor represents high recognition from global industry peers and professional audiences,” Hengbao said. “For our design and craft team, it validates our persistent pursuit of cultural innovation and craftsmanship excellence. For our client Zheshang Bank, it proves the success of its brand strategy rooted in cultural confidence and user-centric design. This award strengthens our confidence in integrating tradition and modernity, and helps our client further enhance its brand image and global competitiveness.”
The 2026 People’s Choice category also recognized two finalists.
Chutian Dragon Co., Ltd. for the Fine Trail Navigator Card, a concept loyalty/promotional card featuring koi imagery, gold ink, shell-like materials and an interactive scratch-off design.
EastCompeace Technology Co. for the CIB Silk Road Themed Debit Card for Industrial Bank Co., Ltd., a secure payment card combining Silk Road imagery, desert textures, transparent materials and side-glow LED technology.
For other card manufacturers, issuers and personalization/fulfillment partners, Hengbao emphasized that participation in the Élan Awards offers meaningful opportunities for learning, differentiation and global exchange.
“Participating in the Elan Awards has brought us three key insights,” Hengbao said. “Cultural innovation creates differentiation: Integrating regional and traditional culture into card design helps build irreplaceable brand characteristics. Craftsmanship upgrades product value: Continuous investment in new materials and technologies elevates visual and tactile experiences beyond basic functions. User-centric design wins recognition: Focusing on emotional resonance and aesthetic experience is the key to gaining market and industry approval.”
As the global card industry continues to advance, the People’s Choice Award highlights the growing importance of cards that do more than perform a function. The Zheshang Bank “Zhefu” Card demonstrates how secure payment products can also communicate heritage, artistry, innovation and brand value.
“The Elan Awards are more than a competition; they are a platform for global exchange,” Hengbao said. “We will keep exploring the fusion of culture, art and payment cards to promote the high-quality development of the industry.”
The ICMA Élan Awards of Excellence are open to members only. The 2027 Élan Awards will be presented at the ICMA Card Manufacturing and Personalization EXPO in Tampa, Florida next May.
To learn more about submitting an entry into next year’s competition, visit icma.com.
Why ICMA Membership Matters
ICMA remains committed to empowering the global card manufacturing community by helping members lead, innovate and grow. Through a strategic combination of industry marketing support and professional development, ICMA equips organizations and individuals with the tools they need to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
ICMA’s professional development programs are designed to strengthen both technical expertise and leadership capability. Offerings such as on-demand Advanced Card Education (ACE) and the Card Industry Training & Education (CITE) initiative help professionals deepen their knowledge, while flagship events like the EXPO and CardTREX bring together industry leaders to learn, connect and explore emerging innovations.
Members who engage in ICMA’s education programs and events don’t just keep pace with change—they help shape it. From contributing thought leadership to Card Manufacturing magazine to earning industry recognition through the Élan Awards of Excellence, ICMA provides meaningful opportunities for members to elevate their visibility and influence.
For card industry professionals seeking to stay informed, connected and future-ready, ICMA offers a clear path forward through education, exposure and community.
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