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Grand Opening of the April 2025 Global Sources Hong Kong Shows Phase I: Esports Trend, IP Collaborations, and Blind Box Economy Reshape Future of Electronics Trade

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HONG KONG, April 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The April 2025 Global Sources Hong Kong Shows officially opened today. The first of three phases runs from April 11 to 14 at AsiaWorld-Expo, comprising major international trade shows for gaming, consumer electronics and electronic components. The exhibition continues to strengthen its position as the “Global Electronics Supply Chain Hub and Asia-Pacific Launchpad for Innovation”. It aims to deliver a dynamic, efficient trade platform that seamlessly integrates trend insights, product sourcing, and premium supplier connections.

The inaugural Global Sources Gaming Show debuts as an independent exhibition this year. The first phase features more than 2,000 qualified exhibitors from across Asia, showcasing over 100,000 cutting-edge products and comprehensive peripheral ecosystems that will define electronics industry trends for the coming six months. The show is projected to attract more than 60,000 professional B2B visitors globally.

Mr. Hu Wei, CEO of Global Sources, highlighted the forward-looking vision of the Global Sources Hong Kong Show amidst the rapidly changing global trade landscape. The event is pioneering a new era of trade shows by integrating comprehensive online-to-offline (O2O) solutions. The Global Sources Hong Kong Show is transforming the way exhibitors and buyers connect. Through pre-event precision marketing powered by registration data analytics, real-time digital services, cloud-based live-streamed expo experiences, and post-event promotional optimization, the show is setting a new standard for efficiency and innovation. “This comprehensive digital transformation not only creates an efficient, targeted, and all-encompassing platform for exhibitors and buyers but also champions eco-friendly green procurement,” said Mr. Hu. “It marks a milestone in the 30-year evolution of Global Sources Online (GSOL) and positions the show as an industry trend leader and an incubator for groundbreaking innovations.”

Global Sources Gaming Show Debuts as Standalone Exhibition

In its inaugural year as a standalone exhibition, the Global Sources Gaming Show has established itself as one of Asia’s premier esports peripherals events. The show features over 200 prominent brands including DAREU, AULA, PXN, VGN, FL•ESPORTS, and Morphling, showcasing the latest innovations in gaming technology.

A key highlight is the introduction of the new “KOLs and Buyers’ Favorite Gaming Gear Awards,” which features a dual scoring system: 70% from professional KOL judges and 30% from on-site buyers’ votes. The awards cover six categories—gaming mice, keyboards, chairs, monitors, controllers, and headsets—evaluating each based on design, functionality, user experience, material quality, and innovation. The top 18 products will compete in a special testing zone, where the final “Most Popular Products” will be selected.

John Kao, Vice President of Hong Kong Shows & Overseas Shows at Global Sources, emphasized the unique approach of this selection process. “By combining professional expertise with market feedback, we are breaking away from traditional exhibition models. Beyond providing clear direction for the esports hardware market, it helps buyers precisely identify premium products to gain competitive advantages., It has the potential to revolutionize the industry’s product development ecosystem.”

IP Collaborations and Blind Box Economy Spark New Consumer Electronics Trends

As Generation Z emerges as the dominant market force, their preference for IP collaborations and limited-edition products is reshaping market value propositions. Products are evolving from mere utility items to cultural symbols. In the first phase of this year’s exhibition, numerous exhibitors demonstrated innovative pathways in consumer electronics through IP crossover collaborations:

Leveraging Global IPs to Enhance Product Competitiveness
Exhibitors are harnessing internationally recognized IPs to elevate their product competitiveness. For instance, Qishun Innovation (Shenzhen) collaborates with renowned global IPs to launch a series of co-branded and licensed consumer electronics. These partnerships not only enhance product uniqueness but also increase market appeal.

Building Brand Moats Through Original IP Development
Exhibitors are creating proprietary IPs to establish distinct brand identities and strengthen their competitive edge. Exhibitor etechgroups showcases a range of consumer electronics featuring their original character IP “MEOWZART,” introducing a distinctive brand presence in the international market.

Establishing a Comprehensive IP Ecosystem
Industry leaders are adopting an integrated “IP Incubation–Licensing–Customization” model, combining co-branded partnerships with original IP development to drive global brand expansion. Trendy digital peripheral brand AKKO and its sub-brand MonsGeek demonstrate this approach through their diverse portfolio, which includes keyboards featuring popular IPs such as One Piece, Hatsune Miku, and Joy of Life, alongside their proprietary IP creations. Their “Original IP + Brand” strategy shows significant potential for international market growth.

As IP licensing and collaboration models gain momentum, market opportunities continue to expand. IP owners are increasingly exploring B2B channels and blind box business models to diversify their revenue streams. This innovative approach not only creates new monetization opportunities for IP owners but also offers manufacturers more flexible partnership options. For example, Akko introduced wholesale services for IP keycap blind boxes, pioneering B2B applications in the blind box economy. Similarly, IP Happi Class leveraged the Global Sources HK shows to showcase their Happi Town blind box series, featuring virtual community themes. The brand also organized exclusive blind box lottery events to engage buyers and explore new market possibilities.

John Kao, Vice President of Hong Kong Shows & Overseas Shows at Global Sources, remarked, “IP collaboration has evolved beyond single products into diversified experiential innovations. Pairing electronics with blind boxes not only strengthens ties with core customers but also creates new premium value opportunities. This empowers stakeholders across the value chain to tap deeper into IP’s potential and injects fresh momentum into the B2B market.” He also highlighted that, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the globalsources.com (GSOL), Global Sources has transformed its mascot IP “Show Genie” into a blind box product. These will be distributed in limited quantities through on-site user surveys, enhancing the commercial atmosphere at the exhibition.

Global Sources Innovation Awards: Honoring Excellence

The Global Sources Innovation Awards ceremony kicks off during the first day of the show. It brought together top judges from industry associations, tech media, standards organizations, and buyers to spotlight leaders in electronics innovation. The first phase awards are all about consumer electronics. Global Sources has first partnered with the prestigious European Product Design Award (EPDA)™ to launch the “Best Product Design Award,” honoring products that stand out in creativity and design brilliance.

This dual-award format is all about pushing companies to step up their R&D capabilities, gain a stronger edge in the global market, and build top-tier brand identities. It’s driving the electronics industry toward steady growth.

Mr. Hu Wei, CEO of Global Sources emphasized the importance of the award. “This recognition motivates companies to increase R&D investment and explore innovative pathways. It enables them to establish a distinct competitive advantage in the global marketplace. Moreover, award-winning products achieve enhanced market positioning, thereby expanding their global brand influence. This ceremony sets a new industry benchmark, propelling innovation and growth within the electronics sector.”

Esports Summit: Exploring New Industry Opportunities

The Global Sources Summit features a dedicated esports segment, including a themed summit and workshop. Industry leaders including Vincent Wang, Director of APAC Sports & Entertainment and Global Esports Industry at Unilumin, Jennifer Lim, Personal Project and Service-Learning Coordinator, MYP Design and ESports teacher at XCL World Academy, Doug Konopelko, Senior Manager of Education Impact at CDW, and Gerald Solomon, Founder and CEO of NASEF, will convene to explore emerging trends and opportunities in the field.

Mr. Gerald Solomon, Founder and CEO of NASEF, remarked, “The summit will offer a unique opportunity to share NASEF’s globally recognized esports education and training content, to tens of thousands of technology manufacturers and industry leaders. Esports is a billion-dollar industry with millions of players and followers around the world. Along with AI, the esports industry is the future of technology. We are excited to share what this opportunity is, and how the technology industry can take advantage it.”

The April 12 summit, titled “The Next Tech Opportunity,” will examine the evolution of esports technology, marketing strategies, and global education trends. The April 13 workshop, “The Business of Esports: A Guide to Industry Partnerships and Revenue Growth,” will provide actionable insights through case studies, assisting participants in unlocking market potential and enhancing their commercial competitiveness.

About Global Sources

Global Sources is an internationally recognized multichannel Online-to-Offline (O2O) sourcing platform that has been driving global trade for over 50 years. The company connects authentic buyers and verified suppliers worldwide with tailored solutions and trusted market intelligence through its online platform GlobalSources.com, mobile apps, industry-specific trade shows, and tailored business matching. Global Sources’ unique services have successfully provided efficient and convenient commercial services to over 14 million registered international buyers and users.

For Media Enquiry,

Market Hubs Holdings Limited

Lierence Li

Debbie So

+852 3998-4900

+852 3998-4900

lierence@markethubsgroup.com

debbie@markethubsgroup.com

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SOURCE Global Sources

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TiTE x IHT 2026: The Definitive Hub for Taiwan’s Hardware Manufacturing Excellence

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TAICHUNG, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — When sourcing from Taiwan, location is the ultimate strategic advantage. Don’t be misled by smaller, general trade shows held in city centers like Taipei. To truly connect with the source, you must go where the products are born. TiTE x IHT (Oct 20-22, 2026) in Taichung is the undisputed largest and most vital hardware industrial expo on the island. Hosted directly in the heart of Taiwan’s precision manufacturing cluster, this event features 1,000+ booths and 500+ top-tier manufacturers, offering a scale and industrial depth that no other exhibition can replicate.

Why Global Buyers Choose the Taichung Source Over Urban Trade Shows:

The Revolutionary “Exhibition as Factory” Model: Taichung is the global epicenter for hardware, home to 70% of Taiwan’s industry output. Our unique location enables the “30-Minute Sourcing Circle.” This allows you to verify high-end samples on the show floor in the morning and audit world-class production lines by the afternoon. By eliminating the travel gap between the booth and the factory, we reduce traditional procurement cycles from weeks to hours, providing unmatched transparency for R&D, capacity assessment, and quality control.ESG & CBAM Compliance for Western Markets: As the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and global ESG mandates reshape trade, our exhibitors are already ahead of the curve. Discover CBAM-ready solutions and green manufacturing processes specifically designed to meet the strict sustainability requirements of the European and American markets. We provide more than just tools; we provide carbon-footprint-managed resilience for your brand.AI-Driven Smart Manufacturing: Address global labor shortages and rising costs with Taiwan’s latest innovations. The 2026 expo focuses on “AI Empowerment,” showcasing collaborative robotics, automated digital inspection, and data-driven supply chain management. These technologies ensure lead-time stability and high-precision consistency for premium global brand owners.Direct Sourcing & Global Matchmaking: Skip the middlemen and trading agencies. Our “Global Buyer Day” offers exclusive, pre-arranged matchmaking with the actual OEMs/ODMs. This is the primary decision-making platform for major distributors seeking resilient, direct-to-factory partnerships that guarantee the best pricing and priority production slots.

Experience the synergy of smart manufacturing and global trade. Stop at the source—where the world’s hardware is actually built. Secure your competitive edge in the true heart of the industry.

【TiTE x IHT】

Date: October 20-22, 2026Venue: TICEC, Taichung, TaiwanRegister Now: https://accu.ps/g8MZ1SHousing Subsidy: https://forms.gle/34VHVxSrEw7g8GxDAOfficial Website: https://www.hardwareexpotw.com

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SOURCE TiTE x IHT

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KIST Accelerates U.S. Expansion of Quantum Deep-Tech Startups Through SelectUSA 2026

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SEOUL, South Korea, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) President Oh Sang-rok announced that it will participate in the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026 as part of a Korean delegation, together with quantum technology startups supported by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups under the Deeptech Project (DIPS).

The initiative, supported by South Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), is part of the government’s “Deeptech Incubator Project for Startups” (DIPS) initiative, which aims to nurture globally competitive deep-tech ventures.

KIST, which serves as the lead institution for the quantum technology sector under the program, said it will oversee the global commercialization efforts of participating firms. In particular, the “Global Bridge Program,” jointly developed with the U.S. Embassy in Korea in September 2025, is an official program designed to generate tangible overseas expansion outcomes by linking investment attraction with local market entry through diplomatic channels.

Organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the SelectUSA Investment Summit is the largest investment promotion event in the US, connecting international startups with venture capital firms, corporate investors and state-level economic development agencies.

It serves as an execution-oriented platform that extends to investment, corporate establishment, site selection, and tax incentives, and is considered a key entry gateway for deep-tech companies, including those in quantum technology.

KIST said participation in the summit is particularly significant for deep-tech sectors such as quantum technology, where access to the US innovation ecosystem is seen as key to growth.

The program is conducted in two stages. From April 30 to May 1, companies took part in a spin-off program hosted by the State of Maryland, which included visits to research institutions and tours of the regional quantum technology ecosystem.

During this period, the delegation also conducted localized activities with the Maryland state government and its economic development agencies, focusing on investment attraction, corporate collaboration, and joint R&D. In addition, on May 5, the delegation held discussions with U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary William Kimmitt on potential areas of cooperation.

The delegation will also meet officials from Fairfax County Government to explore collaboration and investment opportunities.

The main summit, currently ongoing from May 3 to May 6, features exhibitions, pitching sessions and meetings with US state representatives, with participating firms expected to engage in discussions on investment and market entry.

The delegation is structured to encompass the entire quantum industry rather than a single technology domain.

The Korean delegation comprises five startups, alongside Kyung Hee University Department of Future Science & Technology Commercialization Policy and Entrepreneurship, with approximately 20 participants forming an integrated ecosystem that combines research institutes, academia, and startups, enabling a full-cycle support system from technology validation to commercialization and global expansion.

One of the firms, OptiQ-Labs, was selected for an official pitching session on May 4, where it presented its laser-based optical modules designed for ion-trap quantum computing systems.

This highly competitive program selects only around 100 companies from more than 20,000 applicants worldwide. If selected as the winner of the pitching session, the company will receive follow-up meetings with U.S. state governments and economic development agencies, access to global investor networks, support for local entity establishment, and connections to site selection and tax incentive programs.

Other participating companies include QUAD, which develops single-photon detection technology; SLEEX, focused on underwater sensing; Elixir (StatUp AI), which works on quantum-classical hybrid algorithms for healthcare; and SQK (QMEDIC), specializing in physics-based imaging solutions.

KIST Project Director, Kang Sunjoon, said, “This program represents a critical milestone for Korean quantum startups to directly connect with global investors and industry ecosystems. Via the DIPS program, we are actively promoting the global commercialization of quantum technologies.”

Through its participation in SelectUSA, KIST has established a package-type global expansion model that integrates technology validation, investment attraction, and U.S. market entry.

The summit serves as a turning point for South Korea’s quantum sector, enabling startups to move into the next phase of validation, investment, and overseas expansion.

For more information, visit https://eng.kist.re.kr/.

About KIST 

KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in South Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research.

About Participating Quantum Startups

QUAD, led by Chief Executive Officer, Oh Byung-doo, develops quantum sensing technologies based on superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs), offering high sensitivity and precision with applications spanning quantum communication, quantum computing, semiconductor inspection, and defense.

SLEEX is developing an advanced perception technology that combines quantum LiDAR and electric field sensing to overcome limitations of existing underwater sensors, particularly by eliminating blind zones within the 0–2 meter range, with strong potential in autonomous navigation, maritime security, and defense, with Lee Jeho at the helm as Chief Executive Officer.  (https://www.thesleex.com)

Elixir, headed by Chief Executive Officer Jang Jung-kwon, develops a drug discovery and biomarker analysis platform based on quantum-classical hybrid algorithms, targeting the precision medicine market through the integration of bioinformatics and quantum machine learning. (statupai.com)

SQK develops medical imaging AI based on quantum-physics constraints, addressing the hallucination issues of conventional AI by ensuring physical consistency in CT and MRI reconstruction. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Kim Yoon-hak, SQK is improving reliability and reducing the need for re-scans in clinical settings. (www.sqkcloud.com)

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SOURCE The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)

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Former Visa Asia Pacific Executive David Tay Joins YeahPay as Global Vice President

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SINGAPORE, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — YeahPay, the international payment brand under YEAHKA (9923.HK), has appointed David Tay, a former senior executive at Visa Asia Pacific, as Global Vice President, tasking him with overseeing the strategic direction and product ecosystem development of YEAHKA’s overseas payment business. The appointment comes as global digital trade enters a new phase defined by ecosystem integration, with payment infrastructure undergoing a generational shift in acceleration.

David Tay, a Singaporean national, is a rising leader in the payments industry. During his career at Visa, David played a key role in driving business growth across multiple Southeast Asian markets, demonstrating early promise in commercial insight and innovation. He subsequently moved into Visa’s Innovation division, where he rose to serve as Head of Innovation, leading Visa Pacific’s product innovation and new business.

In that capacity, David led the commercialization of cutting-edge payment paradigms including Visa Flex Credential and Pay by Palm. He was also involved in the evaluation and governance of strategic partners across the region, accumulating deep expertise in collaborating with banks, fintechs, and large-scale enterprise merchants.

David’s track record spans the full go-to-market lifecycle, from concept to pilot to scale, as well as deep capabilities in cross-institutional partnerships and ecosystem development. His appointment comes at an inflection point for YEAHKA’s international expansion. According to YEAHKA’s 2025 annual report, its overseas business delivered full-year Gross Payment Volume (GPV) surpassing RMB 5 billion, representing a 323.3% year-on-year surge from RMB 1.1 billion in 2024.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/former-visa-asia-pacific-executive-david-tay-joins-yeahpay-as-global-vice-president-302763652.html

SOURCE Yeahka

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