Designers showcase local creativity @ lighting design competition

HONG KONG: The Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition), organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), is currently underway at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. On April 6 , the results of the 6th Hong Kong Lighting Design Competition were announced, and an award presentation ceremony was held. The winning works are now exhibited at Hall 1C.

This year’s competition featured the theme: Symphony of Light. It received a total of 210 entries for the Open and Student Group categories. A judging panel comprising of industry experts and local designers was formed, and included Antony Chan, vice chairman of the Hong Kong Interior Design Association; Ir Daniel Chan, ex-chairman of the Electronic Division, The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers; Howard Hsu, assistant GM of LED Lighting Expert Ltd(Optiled); Dennis Lau, JP, chairman of The Association of Architectural Practices; Brian Lee, VP of the Industrial Designers Society of Hong Kong; Lee Wing Tak, CEO of Neonlite Electronic & Lighting (HK) Ltd; and Eugene Sze, executive committee member of the Hong Kong Designers Association.

The winners of the 6th Hong Kong Lighting Design Competition were:

Champion, Open Group
Designer: Wong Man Hon Entry: Ordinary.

1st Runner-up, Open Group
Designer: Katrina (Boris Design Studio Ltd) Entry: Rosary Lamp.

2nd Runner-up, Open Group
Designer: Ng Chun Kit (PSL Ltd) Entry: Vitality Lamp.

Champion, Student Group
Designer: Nip Fu Yuk (Hong Kong Design Institute) Entry: Luo.

1st Runner-up, Student Group; and winner of ECO Design Award 
Designer: Law Tsz Wang (Hong Kong Polytechnic University) Entry: Old Folk.

2nd Runner-up, Student Group
Designer: Hung Ying Nga (Hong Kong Design Institute) Entry: Light Up The Green.

Asian Lighting Forum – exploring market’s latest developments and technologies
In addition to the Hong Kong Lighting Design Competition, the HKTDC also hosts a number of fair seminars during the Lighting Fair (Spring Edition) to facilitate exchange among industry professionals. The Asian Lighting Forum, also held yesterday (6 April), looked into the lighting industry’s latest developments and relevant regulatory updates.

Heavyweight speakers included Dr Mark Chang, global senior product line manager of Philips Lumileds; Dr Stuart Mucklejohn, technical operations manager of Ceravision; C.Y. Mok, senior technical manager (China and Hong Kong), Electrical and Electronics Consumer, Consumer Testing Services, SGS Hong Kong; Dr Roland W Koch, segment manager Asia of Tridonic GmbH & Co.; Eric Chan, GM of ConTech Global Co. Ltd; Johnny P.K. Tam, acting senior building services engineer of Housing Authority; and Daniel Yau, executive member of The Hong Kong Electronic Industries Association.

The Asian Lighting Forum was kick started by a session titled "Marking a Milestone – Forecast for Lighting Development". It explored some of the hottest topics in the industry, offering perspectives on the lighting market, discussing the latest technology development of high power lighting, and examining regulatory updates for lighting products.

Dr Mark Chang of Philips Lumileds explained that the first generation of practically useful LED, a light-emitting semiconductor, was developed by General Electric's Nick Holonyak in 1962. "Today, LEDs are being used in an increasing number of ways, from the traditional use of illuminating homes to being used outdoors for industrial, retail, and even entertainment purposes."

Dr Chang pointed out that as LED technology matures and production costs lower, the market potentials of LED are enormous. He anticipated global revenue generated from LED to grow from 2012's $2.2 billion to 2016's $4.5 billion, a 19 percent increase. "The world is actively engaging in the R&D of LED technologies, and LED will soon be entering its digital era. Take our Hue LED illumination system; one can adjust the bulb's colour and brightness with a smartphone. This increases the LED's eco-friendliness and range of application."

Dr Stuart Mucklejohn of Ceravision noted that with LED's durability, low power consumption, easy maintenance, quick heating and high stability, its superiority is evident. He added that LED makes an eco-friendly product as well, as the majority of High Bay luminary in LED are recyclable and the electronic components can be easily taken apart. As the market demand for LED rises, industry giants are joining in the R&D of high power LED technologies; and business opportunities are bound to increase. This is not to be missed.

As for the latest regulations governing LED, C.Y. Mok of SGS Hong Kong explained that different countries impose different regulations and import standards to the sale and use of LED; such as the EU’s LVD and EMC directives under the CE certification. He reminded industry professionals that, "Apart from focusing on design and appearance, manufacturers should also pay attention to the products' internal designs, so as to prevent the products from being barred from sale."

Mok added that with incandescent light bulbs being banned in more countries, LEDs are taking up a more prominent role. Countries like those in Europe, the US and Japan are constantly updating their mandatory regulations governing LED to enhance consumer protection. The EU ErP directive is among the most concerned by the industry.

Mok said: "The EU issued the (EU) No 1194/2012 directive last 14 December to govern the eco-design requirements of directional lamps, LED lamps and related equipment. The first phase of the ErP directive will enter into force this 1 September, in parallel with the energy labelling directive (874/2012)." He suggested industry professionals to leave a month’s time for compliance verification procedures, which may take time to go through.

The four-day Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition) welcomes over 1,000 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions around the world; setting a new record. Two zones – Hall of Display World and World of Chandeliers – have been added this year to facilitate buyers to find products and distributors.

Other exhibit areas include Hall of LED and Green Lighting; Hall of Aurora; Commercial Lighting; Decorative Lighting; Lighting Accessories, Parts & Components; Technical & Outdoor Lighting; and Business of IP Zone, etc. The fair showcases all kinds of energy-saving, multi-featured and brilliantly designed lighting products.