Mainland Chinese technology vendors are making a strong push to dominate the Hong Kong market at this year’s Computer and Communications Festival, as the city considers shifting away from overseas products due to geopolitical factors. The festival kicked off with a bang, with discounted products like power banks and computer monitors flying off the shelves on the first day.
The Belt and Road Software Pavilion saw many mainland vendors making their debut, eager to showcase their products and services to potential Hong Kong clients. Hailey Long, representing Beijing Vastdata Technology, emphasized the quality and competitiveness of Chinese companies in the tech industry. “We want to show that Chinese companies can set up databases and provide alternative products as good as other overseas competitors,” Long stated. Beijing Vastdata Technology recently established a presence in Hong Kong and has already secured a deal with a local hospital. Long expressed the company’s ambition to expand its client base to include government departments through participation in the festival.
Another vendor, ELM Computer Technologies Limited, highlighted the need for increased communication between Hong Kong entities and mainland providers. Sales manager Katrin Kung stressed the importance of exploring alternatives amidst potential risks like trade wars and security concerns. Kung’s company aims to bridge the gap between the Hong Kong market and mainland companies by offering an integrated platform for collaboration and partnership.
Outside the Belt and Road Software Pavilion, attendees flocked to booths offering discounted products and innovative technologies. The Ego booth, known for its power banks, saw a steady stream of customers eager to snag a deal. Unitree, a popular booth showcasing robot dogs, drew a crowd as spectators marveled at the technological advancements on display. The festival also featured interactive experiences like racing simulators and shooting machines, catering to a diverse audience of tech enthusiasts.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the festival, some attendees noted a decline in overall attendance compared to previous years. Alan Ip, a freelance photographer, remarked on the relatively quiet atmosphere but acknowledged the competitive prices offered by vendors. College graduate Alex Chin, who splurged on a massager instead of gaming products, shared his positive experience at the festival. “I tried it on and it was so comfortable that I couldn’t stop using it,” Chin expressed, highlighting the diverse range of products available.
Longtime attendee Vijay Kumar shared his annual ritual of creating a target list of models to explore at the exhibition. This year, Kumar was on the lookout for small personal computers for his office and home. He emphasized the convenience of having all brands and their latest models on display in one location, facilitating informed purchasing decisions. Kumar’s enthusiasm for technology extended to exploring new sections dedicated to artificial intelligence, despite the quieter reception compared to other areas of the festival.
As the festival progresses, attendees have the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technologies, interact with vendors, and make informed purchasing decisions. The evolving landscape of the tech industry in Hong Kong reflects a growing interest in mainland Chinese vendors and their offerings. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and market competitiveness, these vendors are poised to make a significant impact on the Hong Kong tech market in the coming years.