CIO Review APAC

Asia Photonics Expo 2026 Opens in Singapore, Cementing Its Position as Asia's Leading Photonics platform

CIO Review APAC | Friday, February 06, 2026

Singapore – The 3rd edition of the Asia Photonics Expo (APE) officially opened today at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, convening the global photonics and semiconductor ecosystem for three days of networking, conferences, and industry collaboration from 4-6 February 2026.

Recognised as Asia’s leading platform for photonics innovation, APE 2026 will host 353 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions and more than 6,000 industry professionals from 50 countries, positioning the event as a key marketplace for sourcing, business exchange and cross-sector collaboration across the photonics and semiconductor value chain.

The event was launched by Mr. Ang Wee Seng, Executive Director, Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA), Mr. Steven Toy, Chairman, Singapore Precision Engineering and Technology Association (SPETA), Mr. Eric Yang, Executive General Manager, Informa Markets, China, and Mr. Sukumar Verma, Managing Director, Informa Markets, Singapore.

Strengthening the Photonics and Semiconductor Ecosystem

A key highlight of the event was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Informa Markets and the Singapore Tourism Board, and Informa Markets and the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA).

The MoUs establish Asia Photonics Expo as Singapore’s anchor event for the photonics industry, with an expanded semiconductor component that builds on existing partnerships and reflects the growing convergence of technologies across the two sectors.

Mr Poh Chi Chuan, Executive Director, Exhibitions & Conferences, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “We are delighted to host Asia Photonics Expo, the world’s leading photonics event, in Singapore. As the World’s Best MICE City, Singapore provides the perfect stage for trade exhibitions like the Asia Photonics Expo to serve as catalysts for industry collaboration, business development and global partnerships. Supporting Informa Markets in expanding this event reinforces its position as the premier platform that unites the photonics ecosystem with its interconnected industries.”

Mr Ang Wee Seng, Executive Director, Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association, said: “The convergence of photonics and semiconductors is becoming a defining shift for the industry, particularly as AI and high-performance computing place new demands on data movement, energy efficiency and system integration. As photonics moves from research into industrial deployment, the ability to build strong partnerships across technology, manufacturing and talent will be critical. SSIA looks forward to working closely with Informa Markets and industry partners, through Asia Photonics Expo, to strengthen ecosystem capabilities, accelerate knowledge exchange, and support scalable, real-world applications at the intersection of photonics and semiconductors.”

Driving Thought Leadership & Knowledge Exchange

The opening day also featured a keynote address by Dr. Patrick Lo Guo-Qiang, Senior Fellow, Technology Development, GlobalFoundries (former Chief Technology Officer, Advanced Micro Foundry, a part of GlobalFoundries), titled “Integrated Photonics as Singapore’s Next Engine of Semiconductor Innovation”. The keynote highlighted the role of photonics in enabling next-generation semiconductor technologies.

Over the next three days, APE 2026 will host a series of industry-led conferences and forums, organised in collaboration with SSIA, the LUX Photonics Consortium, and other partners, covering topics across photonics, semiconductors, quantum technology, machine vision, and more.

A Vibrant Marketplace with Featured Zones

APE 2026 also features dedicated zones spotlighting technologies and solutions in quantum technologies, vacuum coating, infrared night vision devices, optical components and lenses, enabling attendee to efficiently source for the latest innovations.

Introduced for the first time at APE, the Photonics x Semiconductor Innovation Zone is supported by Enterprise Singapore, LUX Photonics Consortium, and SSIA – bringing together companies and technologies at the intersection of photonics and semiconductor innovation, providing visitors with a focused platform to explore cross- sector emerging applications and collaboration opportunities.

Mr Sukumar Verma, Managing Director, Informa Markets said: “With a strong commitment to advancing the photonics ecosystem in Singapore and the region, we are pleased to welcome photonics professionals, innovators and buyers to Asia Photonics Expo 2026. Against a backdrop of rapidly evolving market trends and demands, APE provides a platform for the industry to connect, source solutions and do business through a comprehensive line-up of leading companies, enriched content, dedicated zones and tailored business-matching programmes.”

Asia Photonics Expo 2026 runs until 6 February at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore. Industry professionals and trade visitors are welcome to attend the event.

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

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