Survey: over 80% of respondents optimistic about ASEAN and Middle East markets; AI emerges as a key growth driver
An independent research agency commissioned by the organisers interviewed over 1,150 buyers and exhibitors during the fairs. The survey found that 96% of respondents expected overall sales to increase or remain stable over the next 12 to 24 months, reflecting cautious optimism about the industry's medium-term market outlook.
Respondents were particularly positive about future sales prospects in several areas, with the most promising growth opportunities identified in ASEAN (83%), the Middle East (83%) and Chinese Mainland (81%). The findings suggest that companies are actively diversifying their business footprint and exploring new growth markets.
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to accelerate in the electronics industry, with 74% of surveyed companies already applying or planning to apply generative AI technologies. The main areas of application include product design and development, data analysis and reporting, sales and customer engagement, as well as marketing and content creation. Meanwhile, nearly 60% of respondents identified AI as the technology expected to have the greatest impact on the industry over the next two years.
The two fairs featured more than 3,200 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions. The HKTDC organised 130 buying missions involving buyers from 65 countries and regions, including companies such as Samsung Electronics and SSG.com from Korea, Karimex, Stetsom and Mondial from Brazil; Mercado Libre from Argentina; Garni Technology, Varitec Corp and Pan Pacific International from Czechia; Reichelt Elektronik from Germany; Taç Elektronik from Turkey; and Pixel Electric Ltd from Kenya, further reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a platform connecting international markets with innovative supply chains.
RoboPark and Future Industries Zone take centre stage
RoboPark and the Future Industries Zone were among the major highlights of this year's fairs, showcasing the latest advancements in AI, robotics, and other frontier technologies. This year's fairs featured more than 120 robots, primarily showcased at RoboPark at the Electronics Fair, demonstrating practical applications across four key areas: commercial and service industries, industrial and logistics operations, entertainment and social interaction, and healthcare and rehabilitation. Leading robotics companies from the Chinese Mainland took part, including UBTECH, AgiBot and DEEP Robotics, showcasing the latest achievements in bringing robotics technologies from R&D to commercial deployment and real-world applications.
The newly launched Future Industries Zone spotlighted five key themes: Future Computing, Future Manufacturing, Future Marine & Quantum Technologies, Future Microelectronics, and Future Wellness. The zone brought together over 100 companies to showcase cutting-edge technologies and solutions. Among them was Hong Kong company Xeroptix Technology Limited, which presented core technologies serving as the "AI brain" for robots, offering integrated solutions spanning algorithms, software, hardware and chip design. Dr Steve Kong, Chief Technology Officer of Xeroptix Technology Limited, said the Future Industries Zone enabled innovation and technology companies to connect more effectively with industry partners while reaching investors, corporate users and international markets. During the exhibition, the company engaged with more than 50 potential clients from markets including Australia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe, many of whom expressed strong interest in its embodied AI technologies for robotics. “The exhibition has delivered encouraging results and is expected to generate potential orders worth over US$1 million,” Dr Kong said.
Overseas exhibitors also leveraged the Autumn Electronics Fair to explore global business opportunities. First-time exhibitor Clevetura from Cyprus showcased its innovative input device that combines keyboard and touchpad functionalities, aiming to identify distribution partners and expand its international network. Co-founder Mike Krupenkov said: “Hong Kong serves as an important gateway to international markets. Through the fairs, we connected with a number of promising buyers from around the world, and the results have been highly encouraging.”
The fairs brought together more than 120 young companies and start-ups, primarily located in the Startup Zone. Among them were numerous Hong Kong start-ups presenting their home-grown innovations to global markets. Hong Kong-based AI-powered news verification app developer Fliq achieved encouraging results in its debut participation. Its CEO and Co-founder Victor Nesteruk said: "Through the fairs, we connected with around 30 potential investors and business partners from markets including the Chinese Mainland, Brazil and Cyprus. We also arranged around 20 business meetings and secured two strategic cooperation opportunities. The fairs provide start-ups with an efficient platform to connect with international markets, and we will definitely participate again."
In addition to business matching, the exhibition also helped start-ups explore business and fundraising opportunities through its Investment Matchmaking programme. Korea's Posco Investment attended the fair to explore strategic investment opportunities. The company's typical investment size for each project is around US$750,000. Olivia Park, Venture Capital Manager of Posco Investment, said: "We met with three to five high-potential technology companies and are currently conducting further due diligence and follow-up discussions with one start-up developing smart audio glasses for runners."
The fairs featured numerous product debuts, with many companies choosing the platform to unveil their latest technologies and solutions to international buyers. Shenzhen-based VIGX Technology Co., Ltd. showcased the world's first pocket-sized AI-powered exoskeleton robot, overcoming the traditional limitations of bulky and cumbersome industrial exoskeletons. The product attracted strong interest from buyers, with nearly 1,000 visitors recorded during the first two days of the fair alone, including quality buyers from Europe, North America, and South American markets such as Argentina, Brazil and Chile. Wang Han, Overseas Sales Manager of VIGX, said: "The fair provides an ideal platform for us to showcase our latest innovations, accelerating the commercialisation of new technologies and their expansion into overseas markets. If market testing generates positive feedback, it could lead to volume purchases and potential orders worth around RMB1 million."
Supporting Chinese Mainland enterprises in going global
The HKTDC is one of the core members of the government-led GoGlobal Task Force. This year, the fairs featured the dedicated GoGlobal Connect Zone, offering support on financing, intellectual property, compliance, logistics and risk management to help Chinese Mainland enterprises leverage Hong Kong's international platform and professional services to connect with global markets. The zone received an enthusiastic response, attracting a large number of enquiries and registrations from businesses and professionals interested in expanding their overseas presence. At the same time, many Chinese Mainland technology companies actively used the fair as a springboard for global expansion.
Global buyers actively source innovative products
The fair attracted buyers from around the world to Hong Kong to source innovative technologies and advanced electronic products, with vibrant business discussions taking place throughout the exhibition. Cizar Abughazaleh, CEO of Dubai-based Action to Action, a company specialising in robot procurement and integration solutions for a wide range of service projects, visited the fair to source robots designed for interactive learning and educational applications. He said: "The fair brings together robots for a wide range of applications in a designated showcase area, enabling buyers to efficiently connect with and compare suppliers. We have purchased a dancing robot and a larger humanoid robot designed for testing and evaluation, helping us explore further collaboration opportunities for future projects."
In addition to buyers from the Middle East, the fair attracted buyers from emerging markets such as Africa and South America, who travelled to Hong Kong to source innovative products and technologies. Masibo Levy Wafula, Managing Director of Kenya-based robotics and intelligent systems supplier Pixel Electric, successfully identified manufacturers from the Chinese Mainland at the fair and plans to procure smart metering and automation solutions worth around US$100,000 to support the upgrading of his business. Meanwhile, Fabio Marqui, Foreign Trade Manager of Hayamax, a major electronics wholesaler and distributor in Brazil as well as Toshiba's distributor in the country, said that in addition to finalising a US$200,000 order with an existing business partner during the visit, he had also held discussions with a number of new suppliers from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and Taiwan, and expects to establish around four new business collaborations. His experience highlights the fair's strong appeal in bringing together global buyers and quality suppliers, while underscoring Hong Kong's unique role as a vital gateway connecting the Chinese Mainland with international markets.
Over 100 events and 180+ international experts drive industry exchange
More than 100 events were organised during the fairs, including forums, robotics demonstrations and performances. Over 180 industry leaders, experts and business representatives from around the world shared their insights. Among the highlights was a series of well-attended sessions focusing on GoGlobal activities with representatives from Hang Seng Bank, the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation and other financial and professional service organisations examining key considerations for overseas expansion, including financing, risk management and business planning. Meanwhile, speakers from OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) shared the latest developments in ASEAN’s manufacturing ecosystem and corporate expansion strategies, providing practical insights for businesses seeking opportunities in the region.
In addition, a wide range of forum sessions explored topics such as AI applications, digital transformation, industrial upgrading and cross-border business opportunities, attracting strong participation from industry professionals and reflecting keen market interest in innovation and emerging business opportunities. The RoboPark also featured exciting robot football matches, robot street dance performances and other live demonstrations, vividly showcasing the latest developments in real-world robotics applications. These activities added energy and a vibrant technology atmosphere to the fair, drawing large crowds of buyers and visitors.
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Websites
- Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition): https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkelectronicsfairae/en
- electronicAsia: https://www.hktdc.com/event/electronicasia/en
Media enquiries
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HKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enAbout HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The HKTDC is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
