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 from Asian markets such as Malaysia and the Philippines; European markets including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia and Türkiye; and North and South American markets, including Brazil, Canada and the US, underscoring Hong Kong's role as a key global hub for lighting products and technology exchange.
Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: "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. 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 among 450 exhibitors and buyers revealed that overall confidence in future business development has increased. Key findings showed that 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 or very promising target sales 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 with conventional lighting products.
The fairs featured new zones to enhance sourcing effectiveness. The newly launched "Light Lab" showcased scenario-based and immersive designs, integrating lighting products into landscape, sports, cultural and artistic settings. Shanghai Sansi Electronic Engineering exhibited plant clamp lights and compact downlights suitable for museums. Guoli Zhu, Deputy Chief Engineer, said: "The Light Lab has effectively enhanced the presentation of our products... We expect this to result in orders worth over US$1 million." The Smart Lighting Expo also debuted the "Smart Display and Stage Lighting & Sound Zone," attracting industry leader Absen for the first time. Benjamin Tang, Senior Sales Engineer, noted that the zone enhanced product visibility and attracted buyers from various regions, leading to estimated orders of US$930,000. The company has decided to join the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) this year.
The newly launched "Leisure Lighting Zone" injected new momentum into the Spring Lighting Fair. Rebecca Seo, CFO of NIZ, a first-time exhibitor from Korea, said: "The fair has provided us with an excellent platform to connect with international buyers... a well-known Japanese homeware retailer has already placed an on-site order. We expect the fair to bring up to US$70 million in orders for our company this year." Supported by Zhongshan as the Special Partner City, the fairs featured the Zhongshan Guzhen Pavilion and Zhongshan Henglan Pavilion under the Zhongshan Smart Home Zone, presenting the region's manufacturing strength. Merry Liu, Manager of Bairan Lighting, said the fairs provide an efficient 'go-global' gateway, expecting US$2 million in sales.
During the fair, the HKTDC organized a buying mission to Zhongshan for the first time, visiting lighting factories and participating in business matching meetings. New Zealand buyer Spark100 Ltd established a connection with a Zhongshan supplier, with a potential order value estimated between US$100,000 and US$300,000. The exhibition also attracted buyers from the Middle East. Patrick Zhang, VP of sales of Tecnon Lighting Technology, stated that a buyer from the UAE and a US buyer are likely to become cooperation partners, expecting US$2 million in sales turnover. As construction projects in the ASEAN region accelerate, demand for smart lighting solutions expands. Sambath HK, Manager of RS Decoration from Cambodia, sourced lighting for 14 new projects and will initially purchase US$100,000 worth of smart street lights. Driven by the Belt and Road Initiative, Aigerim Beisekina, Supply Manager of Karelz.kz from Kazakhstan, found suppliers for solar-powered stadium lighting and plans to purchase lighting equipment valued between US$600,000 and US$900,000.
Multiple professional events were held, including the Asian Lighting Conference and the Smart Lighting Solutions Forum, providing forward-looking market insight. Under the hybrid EXHIBITION+ model, the twin lighting fairs combined in-person sourcing with online meetings via the HKTDC's Click2Match smart business-matching platform, available until 30 April.
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