This year again Hong Kong Electronics Fair (HKEF) and electronicAsia were able to generate good response not only from global exhibitors but also from visitors. Chandragupta Amritkar reports from Hong Kong

With more than 3,500 exhibitors the twin fairs, Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and electronicAsia 2010 gathered record-breaking number of exhibitors. There were group pavilions representing the Chinese mainland cities of Jiangmen and Putian as well as pavilions from South Korea and Taiwan, pavilions at electronicAsia group exhibitors from the mainland as well as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

The visitor numbers grew by four per cent and eight per sent for HK Electronics Fair and the electronicAsia respectively. For the HK Electronics Fair, the number of overseas buyers grew by 10 per cent, as the buyers coming from BRIC increased significantly. Given the demands for consumer electronics continue to increase in the Chinese mainland and other emerging markets, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau said the HK Electronics Fair as a promotion platform for global electronic products will become more important.

Most of the buyers were very happy. "This is my first visit to the show and I am very satisfied with the results. The visitor sponsorship programme was very important in enabling us to come here. I'm looking to source new products and find new suppliers and I used the organiser's Business Matching Service to identify interesting companies. I have already placed an order for laptop stands and photo frames to the value of US$60,000. I've also earmarked about 15 companies that are potential suppliers," says Robert Zurek, President, Impakt Sp. z.o.o., Poland.

Even first time exhibitors were pleased with the show. "We're exhibiting at this fair for the first time, because we are looking for distributors based in Europe and Asia for our licensed brand, HP. We produce a range of products under that name including cameras, camcorders, video systems and DVD players. We've seen a broad spectrum of buyers, from a number of European countries including France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Russia, plus we also seem to be attracting a lot of interest from buyers in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and UAE, as well as South Africa and Australia. We are looking for long-term partners who have the capability and resources to sustain this global brand and we are already seeing some results here," says Freddie Hsieh, Manager, Sales Centre, Lite-On IT Corporation, Taiwan

Going Green

Highlights of this year's electronics fair include the Hall of Fame featuring some 400 brands known for quality design and performance. The 2010 fair also introduced a new Green Electronics Square to showcase environmentally friendly electronics products. Specialised zones, which reflect industry trends, were also been organised. The Technology Exchange Zone spotlights Hong Kong's leading research facilities and companies. Other areas of focus include In-Vehicle Electronics & Navigation Systems, Computer & Peripherals, Digital Imaging, Electronic Gaming, Healthcare Electronics, Office Automation & Equipment, and Testing, Inspection & Certification. Fair zones are also be dedicated to Audio Visual Products, Electronic Accessories, Home Appliances, Personal Electronics, Security Products, Telecommunications Products, and Trade Services.

Innovative Products

Hyundai IT Corp displayed their 3D Monitor Display to match with the upcoming trend of 3D videos. The monitor supports real-time 3D broadcasting and can also convert it to 2D/3D and general broadcasting. X-pol 3D filter is used to offer excellent visual effect. They also displayed their digital signage system that possesses an anti-vandalism and anti-reflection tempered glass. The air-looping ventilation system is designed for direct sunlight readability. The IP65 certified housing ensures that the signage remains in good shape under all weather conditions.

Best-Supplier International Inc from Canada displayed their Wi-Fi Internet TV and Radio Player. The portable multimedia player is professionally engineered to allow reception of over 2,000 TV channels and over 3,000 radio stations and podcasts throughout the world via Wi-Fi connection. The built-in tuner offers superior frequency transmission with minimal interference. Enhance your mobile entertainment with this portable Internet TV and radio player. They also displayed their mobile phone stereo speaker comes in a unique doughnut shape to attract people's attention. The rechargeable lithium battery allows extra-long playtime of up to 6 hours. The USB port allows an immediate charging process for maximum convenience.

Silver Creation International Limited from Hong Kong displayed their HD 720p Non-Vented Helmet Bullet Camcorder 12.0 Mega Pixels Camera. It is the world's first wearable camcorder with 12.0 Mega Pixels camera! It's as light as feather, feeling almost nothing when fitted with your goggles and non-vented or vented helmet. It has an Aluminum Armored Body and is waterproof. The BulletHD Wearable Sports Camcorder with fisheye len strikes the prefect balance in capturing the entire scene without over distorting the video. There are 2 pieces of rechargeable batteries included.

LPKF Laser & Electronics AG from Germany displayed their Circuit Board Plotter. The precise circuit board plotter boasts a pneumatic working depth limiter for surface-sensitive substrates. It comes with a high spindle speed for outstanding performance. This circuit board plotter is a great choice for various prototyping applications.

Rolite Industries Co Ltd from China displayed their solar mobile phone charger that comes with a top-quality plastic housing for the longest serving time. The 15 cm-long cable allows you to connect this to the mobile phone conveniently. This charger set also includes 5 connectors for the highest flexibility during use. Rating power: 0.5W. Battery: 1,000mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery.

GEM International (Hong Kong) Limited from Hong Kong displayed their iPhone 4G Lens Kit. It includes a fisheye lens and a wide-angle lens to create a special close-up effect. They are ready to use by simply attaching them to the lens of an iPhone 4. Eston Technology Limited also from Hong Kong displayed their Tablet Computer. This tablet computer comes with a high-resolution 7-inch touch-screen display and a stylus. The control buttons and joystick are neatly arranged at the bottom for maximum convenience. This computer supports Wi-Fi 802.11b/g. Image resolution: 800 x 480 pixels.CUP: Intel Xscale PXA303 CPU 624MHz. operation system: Android or Microsoft Windows CE 6.0.

Egoman Technology Corp. from Taiwan displayed their portable television that comes with a high-performance antenna to offer reliable signal reception. The built-in speakers are well engineered to give excellent sound quality. It supports DVB-T, ISDB-T, ATSC and analog and is powered by a Li-polymer battery.

Egoman also presented its new 4 processor-based MID Rockchip RK2808, with Android operating system. The model MI751RRWF, with 5-inch resistive touch screen, measuring 153 x 84 x 15 mm and has a 2 megapixel camera can record AVI video to 30 fps at 640 x 320 pixels and a 2200 mAh battery. The model MI770-RRWF with resistive touch screen 7-inch, measuring 208 x 114 x 12.5 mm and has a 3 megapixel camera can record AVI video at 30 fps at 640 x 320 pixels and a battery of 3000 mAh. All have a screen resolution of 800 x 480 pixel display, WiFi 802.11b / g, up to 16 GB of memory expandable via microSD cards, FM radio and TV out to play HD video at 720p.

electronicAsia

electronicAsia, once again, surpassed expectations, creating an unrivalled marketplace for the technologies, components & equipment which underpin the world's electronics manufacturing industry. In the 14th edition, the fair drew over 32,000 buyers from 132 countries and regions and 606 exhibitors from 11 countries and regions to gather under one roof. Many exhibitors, among them You-Eal Corp of Korea, are entrenched participants, returning year after year for a decade or more. Richard Kim, the company's president, describes electronicAsia as "the only trade fair we invest in every year".

Among the 606 exhibitors from 11 countries and regions were some making their debut appearance. Joanna Liao, Office Manager, Taoglas Limited, Ireland, said, "The fair is very well-organised and filled with quality buyers from all over the world. Undoubtedly, we will be at electronicAsia next year."

In 2010, over 32,000 buyers came from 132 countries and regions, with the top ten countries represented being the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, the USA, Korea, Japan, Brazil, Russia, Australia, India and Germany. They came to source from an impressive range of products, covering semi-conductors, embedded systems, PCBs, assembles and sub-systems, sensors, MEMs, cables, switches, keyboards, motors and drivers, just to give a cross-section. Buyers could also see for themselves the new technologies and innovative products, which are driving the electronics manufacturing industry today.

electronicAsia has responded to important industry trends over the years by creating 'fairs within the fair' to give buyers a coherent overview of such specific developments. The World of Display Technology was launched a number of years ago and has now grown. The 2009 fair saw the inaugural World of Solar - Photovoltaic Energy. This zone was a magnet for the many buyers who are concerned with the commercial possibilities of renewable energy. The zone was complemented by the World of Solar Conference - Smart Grid. Other events at electronicAsia 2010 included seminars and networking reception. The next Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) 2010 and electronicAsia will be held from 13-16 October 2011 at the HKCEC.

(The writer is with Global Features and can be contacted at chandraguptaa@hotmail.com)