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 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, underscoring Hong Kong’s role as a 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."
An on-site survey conducted by the HKTDC among 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 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.
The fairs introduced new zones to enhance sourcing effectiveness. The "Light Lab" featured scenario-based and immersive designs. Shanghai Sansi Electronic Engineering showcased 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, 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 to visit our booth for in-depth discussions. We expect this to result in orders worth over US$1 million."
The Smart Lighting Expo debuted the "Smart Display and Stage Lighting & Sound Zone." Industry leader Absen participated for the first time. Benjamin Tang, Senior Sales Engineer, said: "The new zone has effectively enhanced product visibility, attracting buyers from Eastern Europe, Oceania, North America, South America, and South Asia to our booth. We estimate the value of orders from the expo will amount to US$930,000. Riding on this momentum, we have decided to join the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) this year."
The newly launched "Leisure Lighting Zone" also generated momentum. Rebecca Seo, CFO of NIZ from Korea, said: "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."
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, enabling us to connect directly with buyers from Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Southeast Asia. We expect to achieve US$2 million in sales."
International buyers reported significant sourcing outcomes. Sambath HK, Manager of RS Decoration from Cambodia, said: "I travelled here specifically to source lighting products for 14 new commercial building and luxury residential projects. I will initially purchase US$100,000 worth of smart street lights." Aigerim Beisekina, Supply Manager of Karelz.kz from Kazakhstan, said: "Through the Click2Match business matching platform, 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, providing market insights. Under the hybrid EXHIBITION+ model, the twin lighting fairs combined in-person sourcing with online meetings via the HKTDC’s Smart Lighting Expo and HKTDC Mediaroom platforms.
