The 3rd Smart Lighting Expo and the 17th Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition), organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The four-day events brought together some 900 exhibitors and attracted approximately 13,000 buyers from 114 countries and regions for on-site visits and sourcing. Buyer numbers grew across key markets, including Asian markets like Malaysia and the Philippines, European markets such as France, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia and Türkiye, and North and South American markets, including Brazil, Canada and the US. This underscores Hong Kong’s role as a vital global hub for lighting products and technology exchange.
Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, highlighted the significance of the fairs: 'This year’s two lighting fairs attracted industry-leading enterprises showcasing cutting-edge high-performance, smart lighting and sustainable products and solutions. The events also attracted quality buyers from global markets. This helps companies diversify supply chains, explore new markets, and underscores Hong Kong’s strength as an “International Exhibition Capital” which boosts efficient business platforms. The fairs are the preferred platform for the industry to showcase innovation, connect with global buyer networks and accelerate business development.'
An on-site survey conducted by the HKTDC interviewed 450 exhibitors and buyers, revealing increased overall confidence. Key findings include: 49.1% of respondents expect overall sales to increase in the next 12 to 24 months, while 47.6% expect sales to remain stable. Respondents identified India (73.4%), Australia (71%), ASEAN countries (70.4%), and Japan (68.1%) as promising markets for lighting products over the next two years. In the smart lighting segment, home automation and intelligent lighting control systems (48.2%), energy-saving lighting control solutions (38.2%), and outdoor smart security lighting systems (31.1%) were seen as having the greatest growth potential. Respondents indicated consumers are willing to pay an average premium of 29% for lighting products with smart functions.
New initiatives at the fairs enhanced sourcing effectiveness. The newly launched 'Light Lab' featured immersive scenario-based displays, integrating lighting into landscape, sports, cultural, and artistic settings. Shanghai Sansi Electronic Engineering showcased plant clamp lights and compact downlights for museums. Guoli Zhu, Deputy Chief Engineer, noted that the Light Lab helped buyers grasp product features and applications, attracting buyers from Argentina, Canada, Germany, India, Japan and the US, with expected orders exceeding US$1 million.
The Smart Lighting Expo debuted the 'Smart Display and Stage Lighting & Sound Zone,' attracting industry leader Absen for the first time. Benjamin Tang, Senior Sales Engineer, reported that the new zone enhanced product visibility, drawing buyers from Eastern Europe, Oceania, North America, South America, and South Asia, with estimated order value of US$930,000. The 'Leisure Lighting Zone' also injected new momentum. Rebecca Seo, CFO of NIZ from Korea, highlighted connecting with buyers from Denmark, Germany, Japan, and the US, including a well-known Japanese homeware retailer that placed an on-site order, projecting up to US$70 million in orders for the company this year.
Supported by Zhongshan as the Special Partner City, the fairs featured the Zhongshan Guzhen Pavilion and Zhongshan Henglan Pavilion. Merry Liu, Manager of Bairan Lighting, stated that the events provide an efficient 'go-global' gateway, connecting with buyers from Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Southeast Asia, with expected sales of US$2 million. The HKTDC also organized a buying mission to Zhongshan, facilitating collaborations such as New Zealand buyer Spark100 Ltd establishing a connection with a Zhongshan supplier, with potential orders estimated between US$100,000 and US$300,000.
Middle Eastern buyers also showed strong interest. Patrick Zhang, VP of Tecnon Lighting Technology, reported that a buyer from the United Arab Emirates and a US buyer from a leading fashion brand are likely cooperation partners, with expected sales turnover of US$2 million. As ASEAN construction projects accelerate, demand for smart lighting grows. Sambath HK, Manager of RS Decoration from Cambodia, sourced lighting for 14 new commercial and luxury residential projects, identifying two potential suppliers and planning an initial purchase of US$100,000 worth of smart street lights.
Driven by the Belt and Road Initiative, urban development fuels demand for efficient lighting. Aigerim Beisekina, Supply Manager of Karelz.kz from Kazakhstan, attended for the first time to find suppliers for solar-powered stadium and sports lighting for three international schools under construction, identifying three potential suppliers and planning purchases valued between US$600,000 and US$900,000.
Professional events including the Asian Lighting Conference and Smart Lighting Solutions Forum provided market insights. Under the hybrid EXHIBITION+ model, the fairs combine in-person sourcing with online meetings via the HKTDC’s Click2Match smart business-matching platform and hktdc.com sourcing platform, available until 30 April to facilitate continued discussions.
Photo download: https://bit.ly/42m6sqD
Websites: Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition), Smart Lighting Expo, HKTDC Mediaroom
