Global Sources' forum to spur technological innovation in Greater China's electronics industry

HONG KONG, April 2, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Global Sources' (NASDAQ: GSOL) "Future of Consumer Electronics" CEO forum is scheduled to be held April 12 at the China Sourcing Fair: Electronics & Components in Hong Kong. Co-organized with the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation and Consumer Electronic Alliances, the Forum aims to inspire further innovation among Greater China's electronics company executives.

The Forum will bring together senior executives from Greater China electronics companies and high-level industry professionals to discuss the latest industry trends and to offer insights into the development of next-generation consumer electronics.

"Consumer electronics have become an integral part of our daily lives," said Global Sources' CEO, Spenser Au. "Industry statistics predict global spending on consumer technology devices will hit US$1 trillion in 2012. To stay ahead of competition and profit from the opportunities that lie ahead, suppliers must keep up with the latest market trends and technologies. Developing innovative products is the best way to stand out in a cluttered consumer marketplace.

"Global Sources' China Sourcing Fair: Electronics & Components has become a 'must attend' event for international buyers during Asia's peak sourcing season. It is the ideal place to hold this type of forum, since key decision-makers from the electronics industry will be gathered under one roof at the AsiaWorld-Expo," added Au.

"This type of event helps us fulfill our mission to drive continuous development within the industry," said Francis Fong, President of Hong Kong Information Technology Federation. "We are delighted to organize this event in conjunction with Global Sources, so as to help our local technology executives network and share ideas with global electronics thought leaders."

Leading authorities scheduled to speak include:

• Alex Chung, Chief Operating Officer, Samsung Electronics Hong Kong, will present "Future Smart Device -- TV/DSC/Tablet/Smartphone/NPC"
• Walter Leung, General Manager, GfK Retail & Technology Hong Kong, will present "Global Outlook for Consumer Electronics"
• Alice Sun, Principal Analyst of Global Sources' joint venture subsidiary eMedia Asia, will present "Business Opportunities in Electronics for 2012 and the hottest technologies that will make them possible"

The highlight of the Forum will be a panel discussion on "The Next Big Thing in Consumer Electronics". The following delegates will join speakers on the panel to share their insights:

• Francis Fong, President, Hong Kong Information Technology Federation
• George Stepancich, member of the Executive Board, Consumer Electronics Association (U.S.)
• Dr. Allen Wong, Senior Vice President of Products, PCCW Consumer Group, Convener of Consumer Electronic Alliances

China Sourcing Fair spring electronics shows open next week

Global Sources will open its spring electronics trade shows in Hong Kong April 12 with more than 3,600 supplier booths. Growing over 10 percent from last year, the shows are the world's leading sourcing event for electronic products made in Greater China. For more information about the shows, please visit http://www.chinasourcingfair.com.

About Global Sources

Global Sources is a leading business-to-business media company and a primary facilitator of trade with Greater China.

The core business facilitates trade between Asia and the world using English-language media such as online marketplaces (http://www.globalsources.com), print and digital magazines, sourcing research reports, private sourcing events, trade shows, and online sourcing fairs.

Over 1.18 million international buyers, including 85 of the world's top 100 retailers, use these services to obtain product and company information to help them source more profitably from overseas supply markets. These services also provide suppliers with integrated marketing solutions to build corporate image, generate sales leads and win orders from buyers in more than 240 countries and territories.

Global Sources' other businesses provides Chinese-language media to companies selling to and within Greater China. These services include online web sites, print and digital magazines, seminars and trade shows. In mainland China, Global Sources has a network of more than 40 office locations and a community of over 4 million registered online users and magazine readers of its Chinese-language media.

Now in its fifth decade, Global Sources has been publicly listed on the NASDAQ since 2000.