Secutech International, Asia’s largest security and AIoT exhibition, closed on Apr. 28, concluding a show that in many ways was the most successful in recent years.
Secutech International, Asia’s largest security and AIoT exhibition, closed on Apr. 28, concluding a show that in many ways was the most successful in recent years.
One observation that we, as the organizer, get a lot from exhibitors and visitors alike is that Secutech has “gotten smaller” – which may be true but is rather a simplified way of looking at things. If compared to 10 years ago, yes indeed, the show has gotten smaller. But in all fairness, that has more to do with the industry and geopolitical changes that took place over the past decade. The rise of China – thus squeezing the room for Taiwan manufacturers – and reduced interactions with the other side due to cross-strait tensions all have had an impact for us working in the exhibition business in Taiwan.
Yet, when compared to last year or even in 2019, pre-pandemic (the show was virtual back in 2020 and 2021), Secutech this year drew little complaints, if at all, from exhibitors and attendees. First off, the figures speak for themselves: 260 exhibitors running 511 booths, exhibiting to nearly 14,000 visitors, a significant portion of which are from overseas, including Japan, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore and India, to name a few, thanks to a reopening of Taiwan borders.
Yet figures aside, you can see for yourself what the show was like this year. Foot traffic was strong on all three days, reaching a peak on the second day. Visitations to the International Lounge were non-stop. Crowds of visitors in front of booths were, at least for us the organizer, definitely a comforting sight to see.
So what’s driving all this enthusiasm this year? You can certainly say it’s because of the end of the pandemic, which more or less unleashed the pent-up need for people to visit shows and meet each other face-to-face instead of on computer screen. Yet the high visitor turnout also reflected an important fact, that amid geopolitical tensions, Taiwan’s strategic importance in the global security industry is reassessed, reevaluated and reaffirmed. Just like what was told to us by a Japanese IP camera maker who OEMs for major US brands via their assembly lines in China – with NDAA and a general “loss of desire” to continue dealing with the Chinese, he is in Secutech to find Taiwan strategic partners who can help them fulfill OEM orders.
Indeed, it’s the quality and excellence of Taiwan security/AIoT companies that are the main attraction at the show. Secutech always presents best-of-breed Taiwan security and AIoT manufacturers/solutions providers, and this year is no different. Exhibitors are spread across several major themed pavilions including Mobility, Fire and Safety, AI Clubhouse, Smart Buildings and Living, Smart Factory and Industrial Safety, and 5G. Among the highlights, Moxa exhibited their networking equipment internationally certified for rail and power plant applications. AIRA displayed their facial recognition so optimized it requires no GPU; an Intel CPU will suffice. Finally, Advanced Video System displays their edge AI CCTV camera using coaxial cable, which boasts various advantages compared to IP cameras including constant stable transmission and no frame drops.
All in all, Secutech had a fruitful three-day run. The show has two subsidiary events in Vietnam and Thailand, respectively to be held July and November. The main show in Taipei will be held again in April 2024.
Product Adopted:Other