Global Sources launches 'From Design to Sales' CEO Forum to help mainland China electronics suppliers succeed in 2012

SHENZHEN, China, February 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- To help mainland China's electronics industry overcome sluggish global demand and rising production costs, Global Sources (NASDAQ: GSOL) today hosted its first "From Design to Sales" CEO Forum. It is aimed at helping mainland China electronics suppliers focus on their core competitive advantages to survive and thrive in the months ahead.

Held at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, the Forum brought together top industry experts, leading IC vendors, major electronics suppliers and buyers to discuss industry trends and offer insights into successful business strategies for the current market. Over 250 senior managers and decision makers from Pearl River Delta electronics manufacturers participated.

"Mainland China is no longer purely a manufacturing hub for low-cost electronics," said Global Sources' CEO, Spenser Au. "To stay competitive, local suppliers need to focus on quality and innovation to meet consumers' increasing expectations for electronics devices that keep us connected in today's digital world. More and more suppliers are doing this today, as evidenced by the increasing number of mainland China brands that have become household names around the world."

"For decades, Global Sources has facilitated trade between mainland China and the world. Therefore, we are committed to help mainland China's electronics industry reach the next level in its development. Our 'From Design to Sales' Forum, along with our electronics trade shows, technical magazines, trade journals, online marketplaces and industry events give local suppliers the edge they need in today's increasingly competitive market."

Expert panel to scrutinize industry's prospects

The Forum covers a series of topics, including the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, ways to excel in design and manufacturing and how to export products more effectively. One highlight of the Forum is a panel discussion on how to develop a successful business model for mainland China's high-tech sector -- from designing to manufacturing to selling. Expert speakers participating in the Forum include:

• Spenser Au, CEO, Global Sources
• Alice Sun, Principal Analyst, representing eMedia Asia Ltd.
• Howard Chen, Managing Director, Brookstone Asian Division
• Desmond Wong, Business Director - Asia, Texas Instruments DLP®

Global Sources' design-to-export solution for mainland China's electronics industry

Global Sources provides mainland China's electronics industry with end-to-end support -- from product conceptualization to manufacturing right on through to export of finished products.

IIC-China Conference & Exhibition, together with EE Times-China, Electronic Design-China and EDN-China magazines enable mainland China's electronics engineers to stay abreast of cutting-edge technology. With Electronics Supply & Manufacturing-China and China International Optoelectronic Exposition, electronics manufacturers can access to the latest technologies, know-how and solutions for better supply chain management and production process. Global Sources' integrated export marketing solutions, which comprise online marketplaces, trade journals and face-to-face China Sourcing Fairs, offer mainland China suppliers the most effective and direct channels to sell their finished products overseas.

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 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 3 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.