Hong Kong Electronics Fairs Attract 60,000 Global Buyers as AI and Robotics Take Center Stage

The 45th Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and the 28th electronicAsia concluded successfully, attracting approximately 60,000 buyers from 142 countries and regions to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The four-day concurrent events demonstrated Hong Kong's continued importance as a global electronics sourcing platform, with increased buyer participation from Spain, Japan, Brazil, and Australia compared to the previous year.

Aligning with Hong Kong's policy direction to promote artificial intelligence as a core industry, this year's fairs focused on three major areas: AI and Robotics Technology, Digital Entertainment, and the Silver Economy. The events featured multiple themed zones and professional forums that allowed industry players to showcase innovations and exchange ideas on technology applications. Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), emphasized the fairs' role in helping companies navigate the unstable global trade environment while exploring new market opportunities.

An independent survey commissioned by the HKTDC revealed significant industry trends, with 44% of respondents indicating they have ventured into the exploration or integration of Generative AI technology. The survey of 1,092 buyers and exhibitors showed that product design and development (60%), customer service and support (40%), and marketing and advertising (35%) were the most common applications for Generative AI. Additionally, 51% of respondents expect overall sales to increase in the next 12 to 24 months, with particularly optimistic growth outlooks for the Middle East (77%), Korea (70%), India (69%), and ASEAN countries (69%).

The fairs attracted more than 3,200 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions, with the HKTDC organizing 120 buyer delegations from 61 countries and regions. Global corporations including Mondial from Brazil, Reichelt Elektronik GmbH from Germany, and Dewalt Mobile Solutions from the United States participated, highlighting Hong Kong's strong appeal as an international convention and exhibition hub. The events provided a platform for global exhibitors to showcase their latest electronic products, innovation concepts, and applications at https://hkelectronicsfairae.hktdc.com.

Robotics technologies took center stage with demonstrations across various scenarios. Leading mainland tech enterprises such as Deep Robotics and BrainCo from "Hangzhou's Six Little Dragons" participated alongside DIGIT, PaXini and LimX from "Shenzhen's Eight Great Guardians of Embodied Intelligence." Exhibitor Ascentiz launched the world's first modular exoskeleton designed to enhance mobility for the elderly and people with physical impairments. The newly introduced RoboPark activity zone hosted over 30 live robot demonstrations and featured presentations from renowned robotics companies such as Unitree Robotics and Booster Robotics.

Several companies reported significant business outcomes from the fairs. Xiangru Nie, Co-founder of PaXini Technology, noted that through the fair they secured procurement intentions with robotics companies from Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore and the Philippines while attracting attention from high-end manufacturing sectors in Europe and the United States. The total value of intended orders is expected to exceed tens of millions of renminbi. Elijah Yu, International Sales Manager of Shanghai Hi-dolphin Robot Technology Co., Ltd, mentioned meeting a client from Turkey who placed an onsite order for 10 COFE+ Robot Coffee Kiosks totaling US$450,000, while establishing 200 promising leads with buyers from Thailand, the United States, and other regions.

International participants also found value in the events. Michael Obrecht, Director of Siborg Systems Inc from Canada, stated that participating in electronicAsia at http://www.electronicasia.com allowed them to connect with potential buyers from at least eight different countries and regions. Global buyers showed strong interest, with Hanafiah Yussof, Founder & CEO of Robopreneur Sdn. Bhd. from Malaysia, expecting to spend around US$2 million annually after meeting suppliers from the mainland, Europe, and Japan. Neelesh Bhatia, CEO of Alraja Trading FZC LLC from the United Arab Emirates, projected a purchasing budget of around US$300,000 for this cycle, with potential to reach up to US$1.5 million annually.

The organizer hosted more than 100 engaging activities, forums, and robot showcases during the exhibitions, including the 10th Symposium on Innovation and Technology, the Hong Kong Electronic Forum, and the AI-Powered Monitoring and Smart Inspection in Construction seminar. These events featured prominent speakers who shared insights into industry trends and the latest technology applications. A seminar on e-commerce trends in the Eurasian electronics market featured influential platforms including JD.com and Lazada from the mainland and Pepita Group from Hungary, who shared strategies for success in e-commerce. Exhibitors and buyers could continue exploring business opportunities through the Click2Match smart business matching platform until October 23 under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model.