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 today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The four-day fairs brought together some 900 exhibitors and attracted approximately 13,000 buyers from 114 countries and regions for on-site visits and sourcing. Buyer numbers recorded growth across Asian markets, including 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 highlights 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 during the fairs, interviewing 450 exhibitors and buyers, revealed 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, exhibitor respondents 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 over the next two years. Compared with conventional lighting products, respondents indicated that consumers are willing to pay an average premium of 29% for lighting products equipped with smart functions.
The fairs introduced new zones and scenario-based displays to enhance sourcing effectiveness. The "Light Lab" featured immersive designs integrating lighting into landscape, sports, and cultural settings. Shanghai Sansi Electronic Engineering showcased plant clamp lights and compact downlights for museums. Guoli Zhu, Deputy Chief Engineer, said: "The Light Lab has effectively enhanced the presentation of our products... 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 at the Smart Lighting Expo, attracting industry leader Absen for the first time. Benjamin Tang, Senior Sales Engineer, stated: "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 injected new momentum. Rebecca Seo, CFO of NIZ, a first-time exhibitor from Korea, noted: "We have successfully connected with buyers from Denmark, Germany, Japan, and the US... 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. 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." The HKTDC also organized a buying mission to Zhongshan, facilitating collaborations such as New Zealand buyer Spark100 Ltd establishing a connection with a Zhongshan lighting supplier, with a potential order value between US$100,000 and US$300,000.
Buyers from the Middle East and ASEAN regions also reported positive outcomes. Patrick Zhang, VP of Tecnon Lighting Technology from the Shenzhen Pavilion, said: "A buyer from the United Arab Emirates and a US buyer... are likely to become our cooperation partners. We expect to generate US$2 million in sales." Sambath HK, Manager of RS Decoration from Cambodia, stated: "I have already met with over 20 new suppliers and identified two potential partners... I will initially purchase US$100,000 worth of smart street lights." Aigerim Beisekina, Supply Manager of Karelz.kz from Kazakhstan, added: "Through the Click2Match business matching platform, we have identified three potential suppliers... and plan to purchase lighting equipment valued between US$600,000 and US$900,000."
The fairs also held professional events including the Asian Lighting Conference and the Smart Lighting Solutions Forum. Under the hybrid EXHIBITION+ model, the Click2Match platform will be available until 30 April to facilitate continued business discussions.
