Shenzhen, China – 10 September 2025 – Informa Markets is pleased to announce the return of the Asia Photonics Expo (APE) 2026 to Singapore, from February 4-6, 2026, at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

The official launch event for APE 2026—the 2nd Global Photonics Industry Development and Application Forum—was successfully held on the opening day of the 26th China International Optoelectronic Expo (CIOE). The well-attended forum brought together over 100 international participants, featuring distinguished experts from the Netherlands, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and China, who engaged in discussions on cutting-edge trends, regional developments, and collaborative opportunities across the photonics and semiconductor industries.

A highlight at the event was the unveiling of the "2025 Global Photonics Industry White Paper," providing comprehensive analysis and forward-looking insights on technological evolution, market dynamics, and emerging applications—establishing itself as an essential reference for industry professionals.

Driving Technological Innovation

Prof L.B. Kong, Fudan University, highlighted the role of optoelectronic technology in driving the next generation of information technology. He emphasized: "Optoelectronic technology is the core support of the new generation of information technology. Deep integration of optoelectronics with industries is driving a new round of technological evolution and industry upgrading. Optical manufacturing and precision instruments are being accelerated with high-end and intelligent transformation. Multi-domain demands drive technological iteration, and ultra-precision machining and micro-nano manufacturing achieve continuous breakthroughs."

Prof L.B. Kong, Fudan University

Netherlands: Integrated Photonics Ecosystem

Building on the Netherlands' robust semiconductor foundation, Florian Federer, Business Development Manager Asia at PhotonDelta, presented the Dutch integrated photonics ecosystem. He showcased the country's comprehensive manufacturing and applications value chain for advanced materials like InP, SiN, and Al2O3. Federer highlighted local innovations and explored international collaboration opportunities. "The global developments in photonics keep accelerating, in 2025 alone we have seen big steps forward towards the commercialisation of newly emerging technologies and applications. PhotonDelta, being at the forefront of integrated photonics developments, is excited to represent the Dutch integrated photonic ecosystem at the Global Photonics Forum during CIOE 2025 and is eager to learn about latest trends in the photonics industry," Federer remarked. His presentation underscored PhotonDelta's key role in driving innovation and strategic partnerships within the integrated photonics sector.

Florian Federer, Business Development Manager Asia at PhotonDelta

Singapore: Advancing Research and Industry

Gary Ng, Director of Singapore’s National Semiconductor Translation and Innovation Centre (NSTIC) outlined how the government-funded platform is advancing photonics research in flat/meta optics and advanced/silicon photonics. He detailed NSTIC's comprehensive semiconductor manufacturing infrastructure—including expert scientists, state-of-the-art cleanrooms, and industry-ready equipment—available to both local and international companies. Mr. Ng said, "NSTIC is a Singapore national platform that conducts R&D to open up new possibilities in advancing the performance efficiency and functionality of semiconductor devices." His presentation underscored Singapore's commitment to semiconductor innovation and its emergence as a key player in the global photonics landscape.

Gary Ng, Director of Singapore’s National Semiconductor Translation and Innovation Centre (NSTIC) 

Laser Industry Insights

Kimon Moratis, Photonics Market Analyst at TEMATYS, traced the evolution of laser technology from its early characterization as "a solution seeking a problem" to becoming essential for industrial production, medical operations, and communications. Drawing from a comprehensive 2024 joint study by TEMATYS and YOLE, Moratis presented an in-depth analysis of global laser technologies, their applications, and market dynamics. His presentation examined key factors influencing the industry and provided market forecasts through 2029. "The laser industry transforms continuously, driven by various challenges and hurdles.  Besides mainstream markets like manufacturing, new opportunities arise from applications in semiconductors, defense and inertial fusion," Moratis noted.  His insights highlighted the strategic importance of laser technology across multiple sectors and its growing significance in emerging fields.

Kimon Moratis, Photonics Market Analyst at TEMATYS

Regional Developments and collaboration

Sim Kim Hai, Industry Development Manager at LUX Photonics Consortium, mapped the organization's ecosystem of stakeholders—including industry partners, government agencies, international clusters, and trade associations—collaborating to advance photonics innovation. "With strong government support, LUX Photonics Consortium work with local and international to bridge innovations with real-world commercialisation of products and services." Mr. Sim noted.

Sim Kim Hai, Industry Development Manager at LUX Photonics Consortium

Chew Choon Sang, Senior Vice President of Inari Amertron Berhad and representative for the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association, outlined Malaysia's transition from semiconductor to photonics technologies. He detailed the country's preparation for the shift from electron-based to photon-based semiconductors through initiatives like the National Semiconductor Strategy, MSIA representation, neutral geopolitical positioning, and international knowledge-transfer partnerships. "With a market value of USD 86 billion, Malaysia’s electronic and semiconductor market is placed 6th in the global export chart. I’m happy to see CIOE and SEMI-E gathered in one place today, demonstrating the potential of protons to electrons." Mr. Chew shared. His sharing also showcased Malaysia's forward-thinking approach while leveraging existing industry strengths.

Chew Choon Sang, Senior Vice President of Inari Amertron Berhad and representative for the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association

Cristjan Bael, External Affairs Lead from the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) discussed the country's five-decade expertise in assembly, testing, and packaging across diverse markets from consumer electronics to emerging AI and IoT applications. Mr Bael said, “With 70% of semiconductor manufacturing services representing approximately 6% of global trade. The photonics industry is an emerging market providing wealth of opportunities in the market.” His presentation demonstrated how the Philippines enhances its competitive edge through talent development, technology adoption, and international partnerships.

Cristjan Bael, External Affairs Lead from the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) 

Tham Sok Yee, Business Development Manager at Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) also introduced SSIA's role in shaping Singapore's semiconductor future. She outlined strategic initiatives in developing future-ready talent, strengthening the semiconductor ecosystem, and advancing industry sustainability. Ms. Tham said, "Photonics and semiconductors are deeply relevant, many semiconductor companies are moving into photonics, highlighting photonics as the next frontier of innovations." Her session illustrated how SSIA supports businesses, fosters collaboration, and drives innovation within Singapore's semiconductor landscape.

Tham Sok Yee, Business Development Manager at Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) 

APE 2026: A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration

Concluding the forum, Sukumar Verma, Managing Director of Informa Markets Singapore, presented the vision for APE 2026. Mr. Verma said, "The Asia Photonics Expo (APE) is the only photonics and semiconductor event in the ASEAN region, providing companies the gateway to Asia’s photonics market.” He highlighted the convergence of photonics and semiconductor, and emphasised APE's role as a comprehensive platform for businesses to showcase innovations and build industry connections. His presentation further reinforced APE's commitment to advancing the photonics industry through collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Sukumar Verma, Managing Director of Informa Markets Singapore

The Asia Photonics Expo will take place at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore from 4 to 6 February 2026. The tradeshow is free to attend and is open to trade professionals. Registration is now open here.

For more information about APE, visit https://www.asiaphotonicsexpo.com