The Asian security market has witnessed significant growth and transformation in the years 2022-23, driven by technological advancements, government initiatives, and evolving market demands.
The Asian security market has witnessed significant growth and transformation in the years 2022-23, driven by technological advancements, government initiatives, and evolving market demands. With the region's diverse landscape, encompassing both developed and developing economies, the security industry has had to adapt and innovate to meet the unique needs of each market.
From high-definition video surveillance systems to AI-powered analytics and facial recognition, the Asian security market is now at the forefront of embracing cutting-edge technologies to ensure the safety and security of its people, assets, and infrastructure.
This article delves into the current market conditions, key trends, and comments from some of the major players shaping the Asian security market in 2022-23, providing a comprehensive overview of this dynamic and rapidly evolving industry.
Trends shaping the industry’s future
The Asian security market is evolving rapidly, with several key trends shaping its future. Adoption of newer technology is at the forefront, followed by policy changes and socio-economic factors.
Integration of AI and edge computing
Some of the major companies are leading the way in integrating AI and edge computing into their security solutions, creating smarter and more efficient systems that are user-centric and aimed at improving living environments.
“We are experiencing double digit growth in physical security market, especially market acceptance of new technologies i.e., biometric and AI-based face authentication and analytics is leading growth of the market,” said Hanchul Kim, CEO of Suprema.
Vivianna Wang, GM of Marketing & Channel Development at Hikvision said that looking forward, in the next five years, this landscape could be profoundly influenced by a few key trends.
“Digitization will spearhead this change, followed by the integration of innovative technologies like artificial intelligence and IoT,” said Wang. “Additionally, we anticipate a more significant role for sustainable and eco-friendly security solutions, adapting to global green and low-carbon initiatives.”
High-definition video surveillance
There is a growing demand for high-definition video surveillance systems, with a shift from 2MP to 5MP resolution in IP cameras becoming the new norm. These systems provide clearer and more detailed images, essential for effective monitoring and security.
“Currently, the market trend for IP cameras has shifted from 2MP to 5MP resolution, making it the mainstream,” explained Alex Kuo, APAC regional business head at Vivotek. Hardware specifications among various brands have also become quite similar. Therefore, product added value is crucial. This is an important factor contributing to Vivotek's continuous growth in the Asia-Pacific region. For example, through Vivotek's smart stream 3 feature, not only is image quality and resolution maintained at a high level, but it also effectively conserves bandwidth. Additionally, the AI analysis and VCA capabilities allow for quicker resolution of customer pain points, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.”
AI-Powered analytics and facial recognition
AI-powered analytics and facial recognition technologies are becoming more sophisticated and accurate, revolutionizing the way surveillance is used. These technologies enable real-time monitoring and provide operators with highly accurate alerts, enhancing overall security capabilities.
“In technologically advanced countries and those investing in large-scale projects, we’re already seeing rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI),” said Alex Lee, Senior Sales Manager for MEA & Asia at IDIS. “It is revolutionizing the way surveillance is used by enabling more accurate and efficient monitoring of large-scale environments, such as transportation hubs, hospitals, government facilities, shopping malls, and public spaces.”
AI-powered functionality such as facial recognition and object detection has become increasingly sophisticated and accurate with more companies able to justify adoption. AI technologies enable video surveillance systems to not only capture and record footage but also analyze it in real-time, providing operators with highly accurate alerts and enhancing the overall security capabilities. Metadata search functions also speed up investigations from days to hours or even minutes, and Asian companies are looking for the operational efficiencies AI can deliver.
“The same is true when it comes to business intelligence, particularly in retail where we’re seeing high-demand for AI-powered and highly accurate people counting, heat maps, occupancy monitoring, and queue management to boost profits with actionable insights,” Lee added. “There’s also a lot of demand for high-definition and high-performance cameras supporting loss prevention strategies.”
Increased interest in cloud solutions and mobile credentials
Cloud solutions are gaining popularity, providing more flexibility and scalability for security systems. Mobile credentials are also becoming more common, offering a convenient and contactless solution for access control.
Government Initiatives and Investments
Governments across Asia are investing heavily in security infrastructure, driving significant growth in the market. Large infrastructure projects, such as the security and safety upgrade of India's rail network, are examples of how government initiatives are shaping the industry's future.
“The physical security market is booming in Asia with many greenfield construction projects and infrastructure investments happening, especially in the developing markets in Southeast Asia,” David Thean, GM for Asia at Gallagher Security said. “As many of these developing economies in Asia expand, demand for top tier security solutions is growing as well.”
Wang too pointed out that, considering the vast number of countries in Asia, there is some differentiation.
“There’s a considerable surge in developing markets, like Southeast Asian region, showcasing great potential and growth, while for some developed countries which are relatively saturated markets, gaining modest growth,” Wang said.
Government investment is driving significant growth in developing countries, including Bangladesh, India, Thailand, and Vietnam. India’s economy remains bullish with large infrastructure projects. One example is the security and safety upgrade across its rail network, the largest in Asia.
“To date, IDIS India has upgraded close to 3,700 Railtel railway stations,” explained IDIS. “Hardware is seamlessly monitored and managed by IDIS Solution Suite VMS with Railtel adopting service modules including IDIS Critical Failover and IDIS Deep Learning Analytics as well as integration with third-party facial recognition.”
Ahead of the Olympics in Tokyo, IDIS saw significant demand in Japan for surveillance upgrades following a partnership agreement signed in 2019 with JVC to sell IDIS branded products across its distribution network. It’s a winning strategy, particularly since Japan is known to prefer its own tech after decades-long global prowess of its electronics brands.
“We’re more realistic in terms of the wider region and expecting a CAGR over the next five years of 10 to 15 percent,” IDIS said. “Yet Asia is dynamic with varying factors impacting the economic landscape in each of our focus countries and core markets. Like many other parts of the world, we’re seeing sustained demand for end-to-end solutions in the retail, banking, healthcare, hotels and hospitality, logistics, and manufacturing sectors across the region.”
There are some common factors shaping each of these markets such as the rising need for enhanced security and safety measures combined with a drive to increase operational efficiency. With increasing incidents of crime, terrorism, and public safety concerns, governments and organizations are investing heavily in high-definition video surveillance systems as well as analytics to monitor and protect their facilities, people, and assets and address specific operational challenges. It’s a trend that is accelerating as the demand for real-time monitoring and proactive security and safety measures grows.
Cybersecurity concerns and efforts
With the increasing importance of cybersecurity in physical security products, companies are implementing various cybersecurity techniques to protect privacy and data. This trend is particularly evident in societies where privacy is paramount, such as South Korea.
“A significant trend is the need for high security to protect the growing infrastructures and modern buildings in the region,” Thean added. “Cybersecurity requirements are also increasing for physical security products, and smarter access controls – like facial recognition and iris scanners – and contactless solutions such as mobile credentials are other trends in the region’s market. I’d also say cloud solutions are gaining popularity.”
Demand for end-to-end solutions
There is a sustained demand for end-to-end solutions across various sectors, including retail, banking, healthcare, hotels, and hospitality. These solutions provide enhanced security and safety measures while also increasing operational efficiency.
“Asia is dynamic with varying factors impacting the economic landscape in each of our focus countries and core markets,” IDIS’ Lee said. “Like many other parts of the world, we’re seeing sustained demand for end-to-end solutions in the retail, banking, healthcare, hotels and hospitality, logistics, and manufacturing sectors across the region.”
Adoption of contactless and biometric solutions
Contactless solutions and biometric authentication, such as facial recognition and iris scanners, are also gaining some traction according to some of the interviewers. These technologies provide a secure and convenient way to control access and are particularly relevant in the current global health landscape.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Asian security market has undergone significant transformation, adapting to the evolving demands of a diverse landscape that encompasses both developed and developing economies. The integration of cutting-edge technologies such as AI, edge computing, and high-definition video surveillance has revolutionized the industry, providing more sophisticated and efficient security solutions.
These advancements, coupled with government initiatives and investments in infrastructure, have propelled the market to new heights. The increasing importance of cybersecurity in physical security products, along with the adoption of contactless and biometric solutions, reflects the industry's commitment to addressing the modern challenges of safety and security.
As the market continues to grow and evolve, we can expect to see further innovation and development of comprehensive end-to-end solutions that cater to the specific needs of the Asian region, ultimately leading to safer and more secure environments for all.
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