Recently, Jacob Kong , the head of the Organizing Committee for VEND ASEAN, led a delegation to Thailand to engage in comprehensive cooperation discussions with SUN VENDING, the largest local operator. The two parties officially signed an agreement, and SUN VENDING will once again participate in VEND ASEAN, scheduled to take place in Bangkok from September 2 to 4, 2025. This collaboration aims to jointly promote innovation and advancements in the fields of smart retail and unattended services throughout Southeast Asia.
According to Mr. Kanet, the Vice President of Sun Vending, the participation at the Vend ASEAN 2024 Vending Expo was highly successful. Consequently, the company will continue to support the 2025 exhibition and will host a series of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the group’s establishment at the exhibition site.
The Strong Alliance for Exploring the New Blue Ocean of Smart Retail in ASEAN
With the rapid development of the digital economy in Southeast Asia, the demand for vending machines and intelligent service devices has surged. According to statistics, the market size of self-service devices in the ASEAN region increased by 28% year-on-year in 2023, making it one of the fastest-growing markets in the world. “We are witnessing the explosive growth of smart retail in Southeast Asia. By collaborating closely with leading local enterprises like SUN VENDING, VEND ASEAN aims to become a premier interface for the integration of technological innovation and business practices, continuously enhancing the development of the industry ecosystem,” said Kong Xiangfei.
In this collaboration, the Organizing Committee of VEND ASEAN will leverage its extensive experience in exhibition operations and international resource integration, while SUN VENDING will utilize its local channel advantages and industry influence to jointly facilitate the execution of the exhibition in Thailand. Reports indicate that this expo is anticipated to attract over 200 exhibitors from 20 countries worldwide, along with buyers from more than 70 countries and regions. The exhibition will encompass areas such as intelligent retail terminals, unattended service technologies, payment systems, and Internet of Things solutions.
Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Exploring the Future of the Industry
During the visit, the delegation from the Organizing Committee and the senior management of SUN VENDING engaged in in-depth discussions on various topics, including market trends in Southeast Asia and the localization of technology adaptations. SUN VENDING has achieved remarkable success in the vending machine sector in Thailand, operating over 18,000 vending machines. Given SUN VENDING’s development trajectory and its ongoing expansion strategy within the industry, the number of vending machines in operation is likely to continue to grow steadily.
These vending machines are widely distributed throughout Thailand. From the bustling commercial centers in Bangkok to densely populated areas such as office buildings, schools, shopping malls, and transportation hubs in 26 other provinces, Sun Vending’s machines are prominently visible. With such an extensive vending machine network, Sun Vending holds a significant market share in Thailand, consistently leading the development trends of the self-service industry and providing the public with a new and convenient shopping experience.
Empower Industrial Upgrading and Establish a Regional Benchmark
The self-service device market in Southeast Asia is experiencing an average annual growth rate of 18.7%. According to data from Frost & Sullivan, the number of intelligent terminals in this region is expected to exceed 6.5 million by 2025. Leveraging its geographical advantages, VEND ASEAN 2025 will extend its influence to emerging markets such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. By serving as a pivotal link, the expo will facilitate the establishment of an industry cooperation network between China and Thailand, as well as between China and ASEAN, effectively pressing the “acceleration button” for regional economic integration and technological innovation.
With the participation of leading companies such as SUN VENDING, Bostech, and HI TOP, the expo will further solidify its position as the “barometer of smart retail in Southeast Asia” and serve as a crucial platform for global enterprises to explore the ASEAN market.
