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 fairs attracted some 900 exhibitors and approximately 13,000 buyers from 114 countries and regions, with notable growth from Asian markets like Malaysia and the Philippines, European markets including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia and Türkiye, and North and South American markets such as Brazil, Canada and the US. The event underscored Hong Kong's role as a key global hub for lighting products and technology exchange.
Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, stated: "This year's two lighting fairs attracted industry-leading enterprises who showcased 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."
An on-site survey of 450 exhibitors and buyers revealed increased overall confidence. Key findings showed that 49.1% of respondents expect overall sales to increase in the next 12 to 24 months, while 47.6% expect stability. Respondents identified India (73.4%), Australia (71%), ASEAN countries (70.4%), and Japan (68.1%) as promising target markets for lighting products over the next two years. In terms of new market development, exhibitors are actively exploring the Middle East (31.8%), Europe (29.5%), ASEAN countries (23.9%), Latin America (17.6%) and North America (14.8%).
In the smart lighting segment, respondents identified home automation and intelligent lighting control systems (48.2%), energy saving lighting control solutions (38.2%), and outdoor smart security lighting systems (31.1%) as having the greatest growth potential. Consumers are willing to pay an average premium of 29% for lighting products equipped with smart functions compared to conventional ones.
The fairs introduced new zones, including the "Light Lab" featuring scenario-based designs. Shanghai Sansi Electronic Engineering showcased products there, and Deputy Chief Engineer Guoli Zhu noted: "The Light Lab has effectively enhanced the presentation of our products, enabling buyers to more intuitively and swiftly grasp product features and their real-world application scenarios. This has successfully attracted buyers from Argentina, Canada, Germany, India, Japan and the US... We expect this to result in orders worth over US$1 million."
The "Smart Display and Stage Lighting & Sound Zone" debuted, drawing first-time exhibitor Absen. Senior Sales Engineer Benjamin Tang said: "The new zone has effectively enhanced product visibility, attracting buyers from Eastern Europe, Oceania, North America, South America, and South Asia... We estimate the value of orders from the expo will amount to US$930,000."
The "Leisure Lighting Zone" also launched. Rebecca Seo, CFO of Korean first-time exhibitor NIZ, commented: "The fair has provided us with an excellent platform to connect with international buyers. We have successfully connected with buyers from Denmark, Germany, Japan, and the US, and a well-known Japanese homeware retailer has already placed an on-site order. Thanks to the strong traffic generated by the new zone, we expect the fair to bring up to US$70 million in orders for our company this year."
Zhongshan served as Special Partner City, featuring the Zhongshan Guzhen Pavilion and Zhongshan Henglan Pavilion. Merry Liu, Manager of Bairan Lighting, said: "The two lighting fairs provide Zhongshan enterprises with an efficient ‘go-global’ gateway... We expect to achieve US$2 million in sales."
For the first time, the HKTDC organized a buying mission to Zhongshan, which facilitated business collaborations. New Zealand buyer Spark100 Ltd established a connection with a Zhongshan lighting supplier, with a potential order value estimated between US$100,000 and US$300,000.
Middle Eastern buyers also attended. Patrick Zhang, VP of sales of Tecnon Lighting Technology, stated: "A buyer from the United Arab Emirates and a US buyer from a leading women’s fashion brand are likely to become our cooperation partners. We expect to generate US$2 million in sales turnover."
As construction in ASEAN accelerates, demand for smart lighting grows. Sambath HK, Manager of RS Decoration from Cambodia, noted: "I will initially purchase US$100,000 worth of smart street lights."
Under the Belt and Road Initiative, demand from countries like Kazakhstan is surging. Aigerim Beisekina, Supply Manager of Karelz.kz, said: "We have identified three potential suppliers from the Chinese Mainland and plan to purchase lighting equipment valued between US$600,000 and US$900,000."
The fairs also hosted the Asian Lighting Conference and Smart Lighting Solutions Forum. The hybrid EXHIBITION+ model, including the Click2Match platform, extends opportunities until April 30. For more information, visit the Smart Lighting Expo and Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition) websites.
