The Institute in 1986 introduced the IKM Laboratory Accreditation Award for chemical laboratories and later in 1994 changed this to the IKM Quality Award to accord recognition to laboratories that have achieved competency in the practice of analytical work. This award was renamed as IKM Laboratory Excellence Award in 2001.

This award was designed to ensure the laboratory’s commitment to achieve excellence in providing quality and competent testing services pertaining to local legislation especially in the fields of health, safety and the environment.

REQUIREMENTS

The award is to recognize any laboratory which operates a quality management system that meets the standard of ISO/IEC 17025:2017, as well as laboratory safety and health standards in accordance with ISO 45001:2018.

Quality Management System

  • Reinforces the laboratory’s commitment to providing high-quality and competent testing services in line with local regulations.
  • Requires implementation of a quality management system compliant with ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
  • Laboratories must have:
    • A structured management system with clearly defined responsibilities.
    • Competent, trained personnel for accurate testing and quality monitoring.
    • Suitable, well-maintained, and calibrated equipment for reliable results.
    • Standardized and validated procedures to ensure consistency and accuracy.
    • Proper control over test samples and necessary resources aligned with the scope of work.
  • A robust quality assurance/control program must be in place to monitor performance and ensure the validity of test results.

Safety & Health Practices

  • Highlights the importance of safety and health practices in laboratory operations in accordance with ISO 45001:2018.
  • Laboratories must ensure:
    • All staff are trained and responsible for safety procedures and emergency response.
    • Laboratory layout and design support safe and efficient workflows.
    • Equipment is used safely, with routine checks and maintenance to prevent hazards.
    • Clear procedures are in place for hazard communication and chemical safety.
    • Safe handling, labelling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals and waste.
    • Full compliance with local health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Details of the requirements are given in the Self-Declaration and Verification Form (Form A).

AWARDS

Laboratories meeting the criteria will be awarded a certificate. In addition, a plaque will be awarded to laboratories which have in the past been continuously awarded the IKM Laboratory Excellence Award or the IKM Quality Award for a certain number of years. The plaque will be awarded for the following 4 categories: :

IKM Laboratory Excellence Silver Award: 10 years

IKM Laboratory Excellence Gold Award: 15 years

IKM Laboratory Excellence Platinum Award: 20 years

IKM Laboratory Excellence Diamond Award: 25 years

Application for the Award is on a voluntary basis. The Award exercise is carried out annually and is on a calendar year basis. All applications must reach the IKM Secretariat latest by 5.00 pm on 20th June every year. Participating laboratories will be assessed by assessors appointed by the IKM Laboratory Excellence Award Committee. Assessment is expected to be carried out in months of July – September.

IKM PRESIDENT LABORATORY AWARD

The IKM President Laboratory Award is granted once every 3 years to laboratories that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in advancing professionalism and practices in chemistry. The first IKM President Laboratory Award was presented in 2014, followed by the second in 2017, the third in 2020, and the fourth in 2023. The fifth IKM President Laboratory Award will be presented in 2026.

To be eligible for the IKM President Laboratory Award, laboratories must meet the criteria outlined in the IKM President Award Criteria. Specifically, laboratories that have been awarded the IKM Laboratory Excellence Award for three consecutive years and have demonstrated significant improvements and achievements will be nominated by the assessors for the IKM President Award in 2026.

                                 Category 1: Government Laboratories / Statutory bodies
                                 Category 2: Quality Assurance / Quality Control Laboratories from Industries
                                 Category 3: Commercial Testing Laboratories
                                 Category 4: Research Institute / University Laboratory

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