A new chapter in ASEAN’s events and professional audiovisual & lighting equipment industries have begun with the official formation of the Asia Events and Equipment Federation (AEEF).
The formation was spearheaded by key industry stakeholders and players from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand.
This collaboration aims to foster stronger alliances across borders, promote education and talent development, and set new standards for the region’s rapidly growing events and professional AVL equipment sector.
With its foundation, the Asia Events and Equipment Federation will serve as a collective voice for professionals in the events, audiovisual, lighting, staging, and equipment industries. It seeks to address shared challenges, leverage opportunities, and create a network that strengthens business growth and development across Southeast Asia.
According to AEEF, the federation was born out of the shared vision of the participating countries to build a platform that encourages knowledge exchange, business opportunities, and unified strategies for sustainable growth.
Below are the key objectives of the AEEF, according to the organisation:
1. Industry Standardisation: Establishing best practices and unified standards that will enhance the quality and safety of events throughout the region.
2. Cross-Border Collaboration: Fostering business opportunities and partnerships between members to explore new markets and expand their reach across Southeast Asia.
3. Education and Knowledge Sharing: Creating an accessible education platform for sharing the latest trends, innovations, and technological advancements in event production and AVL technologies.
4. Talent Development: Addressing the ongoing challenges of manpower shortages by investing in training programs and promoting better career opportunities within the industry.
The AEEF will also work closely with their respective government bodies, associations, and other stakeholders to drive policy improvements and support initiatives that benefit the industry.
Rizal Kamal, chairman at the Association of Arts, Live Events, Concerts and Festivals (ALIFE), Malaysia, commented: “The formation of the Asia Events and Equipment Federation marks a significant milestone for our industry. It is a bold step forward in fostering regional collaboration, empowering local businesses, and elevating our collective capabilities to meet the evolving demands of the global market. Together, we will create a stronger, more innovative future for the events and equipment sectors across ASEAN."
Jackson Yeoh, executive director of Pro Audiovisual & Lighting Integration Association (AVLIAS), Singapore, added: "Through the Asia Events and Equipment Federation, we are creating a unified platform where ideas, innovation, and opportunities flow across borders, driving ASEAN’s event industry to new heights."
Moreover, Thanatron Khamsamrit, vice president, Thailand Professional Lighting Audiovisual Systems Association, said: “AEEF is a significant step towards regional collaboration. By uniting the strengths of our respective partners, we can foster education, improve standards, and open new avenues for growth across Southeast Asia markets. Together, we will amplify our collective voice and create a stronger future for the events and audiovisual sectors.”
Thomas Fondevilla, chairman, Pro AVL Association of the Philippines, remarked: “The establishment of the AEEF is a pivotal moment for the entire region. This alliance brings together the best minds and resources from across Southeast Asia, enabling us to set new standards of excellence in the events and AVL sectors. By working collectively, we will strengthen our industry’s impact and create new opportunities for growth and collaboration.”
Finally, Rudi Hidayat, executive director, Association of Indonesian Audio Video Music Equipment Activists (APAVMI), Indonesia, concluded: "This AAEF represents our shared commitment to elevating standards and ensuring that the region's events and AVL industry continues to be competitive on the global stage."