Hungarian Audiovisual Company Leverages Hong Kong’s Advantages to Tap the Mainland Market
Interview with Sam Ng, Regional Director of Lightware Visual Engineering Greater China
Lightware Visual Engineering, a Hungary‑based company, specialises in the design, manufacture and distribution of audiovisual automation and integration equipment. Founded more than two decades ago by a Hungarian engineer, Lightware has supplied EU‑designed and manufactured audiovisual products worldwide. By delivering reliable, high‑quality solutions, Lightware ensures seamless integration and superior performance, establishing it as a trusted partner for clients globally.
Sam Ng, Regional Director ‑ Lightware Greater China Office.
Lightware established its Hong Kong subsidiary as the regional headquarters for the Greater China region in 2023, aiming to expand its presence there. Outlining Lightware’s evolution over recent years, Greater China Regional Director Sam Ng said: “We have been very successful in Europe, North America and Australia, where the markets are more mature. We have distributors in Greater China region, but the market dynamic differs significantly from that in Western countries. The Hong Kong subsidiary aims to leverage the city’s unique advantages to expand the market presence in the region.”
Hong Kong’s unique position
When asked why the new regional headquarters was established in Hong Kong, Ng answered: “Hong Kong offers simple, straightforward tax policies making it easier for businesses to operate and thrive.” Additionally, the efficient, hassle‑free process of establishing a company in Hong Kong allows businesses to prioritise growth over bureaucratic obstacles.
The city’s robust regulatory and legal framework also played a key role in Lightware’s decision. As a global business, the company values the transparency and strong rule of law Hong Kong provides. Furthermore, Hong Kong’s financial infrastructure supports swift, efficient fund transfers, delivering liquidity and flexibility essential for international operations.
Ng views Hong Kong as a unique bridge between the East and the West, adding: “Hong Kong seamlessly blends both Western and Eastern cultures. This duality allows us to connect with our clients and partners across regions more effectively.” Hong Kong’s international outlook and deep ties with Mainland China make it the perfect gateway to tap into the Greater China market.
As an international business hub, Hong Kong attracts reputed companies and professionals from all over the world, not only providing access to a diverse talent pool but also the opportunities to build strong partnerships within a thriving international business community.
Innovation and collaboration
To better serve Lightware’s regional partners, clients and consultants in Asia, the Hong Kong Experience Centre was set up in March 2025, providing a dedicated space where industry professionals can engage with the latest AV solutions in a real‑world setting. By offering hands‑on demonstrations and encouraging knowledge exchange, the facility aims to drive innovation and strengthen industry connections across the region. The Experience Centre showcases a variety of cutting‑edge solutions tailored to multiple industries including corporate and education. A dedicated boardroom setup demonstrates a seamless one‑cable solution and room automation powered by Lightware Advanced Room Automation (LARA).
Interior of Lightware’s Hong Kong Experience Centre features a full auto control meeting room as well as a showroom with multiple demo stations.
Ng notes that Hong Kong’s concentration of foreign investment and multinational corporations perfectly matches Lightware’s client base, which includes prestigious international firms headquartered in the city. These globally recognised clients – many among the Fortune 500 – not only adopt Lightware’s advanced AV solutions but also boost the company’s marketing impact through a strong referral effect, as their endorsements enhance credibility and draw new business across the region. Ng is optimistic that Hong Kong can serve as a reference model for potential regional customers, showcasing how its solutions can be implemented to benefit daily business operations.
Rethinking the workspace
The pandemic has reshaped how enterprises conduct meetings, leading to significant shifts in personal workspaces and meeting‑room setups. Although some companies have scaled back budgets for office spaces to cut costs, demand for meeting‑room and workstation equipment and solutions remains robust, creating substantial market opportunities.
Notably, huddle rooms – compact, tech‑enabled spaces designed for small, collaborative teams – are gaining popularity. Lightware’s innovative products are ideally suited to this shift, addressing the needs of hybrid work environments and the growing emphasis on flexible, efficient collaboration. Years ago, the company turned its focus to high‑quality USB‑C one‑stop connectivity solutions for audio, video, control, data and charging. The company also provides firmware and software in connectivity products that deliver seamless room automation solutions. By aligning with these evolving trends, Lightware is poised to thrive in a market that values adaptability and advanced solutions over traditional office expansion.
In addition to cultural experience sectors such as live pop concerts, immersive visual art projection has been booming post‑pandemic. These events rely heavily on the use of audiovisual technologies, further amplifying the need for cutting‑edge equipment and expertise that companies like Lightware can provide.
Lightware’s manufacturing site in Budapest, Hungary.
Looking forward, the new Experience Centre in Hong Kong is the evidence to Lightware’s long‑term investment and commitment in the Greater China market. Ng said the company may further expand with direct branch offices in the Greater China market if the current plan progresses successfully, signalling confidence in the region’s growth potential.
Original article published in https://hkmb.hktdc.com