AsiaWorld-Expo's HK$600million upgrade

Expect robot cleaners, the first Wi-Fi 6 in Hong Kong's MICE sector, modular hybrid equipment and more.

AsiaWorld will be the city's first MICE venue to use the Wi-Fi 6 network.
AsiaWorld will be the city's first MICE venue to use the Wi-Fi 6 network. Photo Credit: AsiaWorld-Expo

AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), a major events venue in Hong Kong, has launched a venue-wide renovation project to the tune of HK$600 million (US$77.2 million) to mark its 15th year anniversary.

Spanning more than 70,000 sqm, the upgrades will be rolled out in phases over the next five years, covering hardware, technology and network, and smart sanitisation solutions.

Going online with Wi-Fi 6, modular hybrid studio

To meet hybrid event needs, AWE is implementing a full-scale upgrade of its ICT network to Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax).

The use of Wi-Fi 6 is believed to be a first for Hong Kong’s MICE industry. Offering four-times better performance in device-dense environments, the upgraded connections will be able to support bandwidth-intensive streaming video and intelligent applications like Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

With the rise of industry-leading 5G mobile network technology, AWE has likewise upgraded its respective facilities to support higher signal stability.

AWE is also introducing a hybrid meeting facility, Mobile Studio. The "studio" is a portable booth with standalone lighting and power, allowing it to be installed inside an exhibition area or moved to any other place to meet flexible hybrid needs.

High-tech cleaning

Since the outbreak of Covid-19, sanitisation and safety have become a priority for event venues worldwide.

At AWE, the washrooms in public circulation areas and halls are being renovated in phases. All handwashing devices in washrooms and kitchens will be integrated with an ozone disinfection system.

Also part of its extensive upgrades, AWE will harness new technology to make sanitisation more efficient.

A first in the global MICE industry, AWE is introducing the three-in-one CLeanTech device, which helps to sanitise visitors and their items in just 12 seconds. This has already been adapted to a tunnel setting for large-scale crowd admissions.

Yet more smart solutions have been implemented throughout the year. For instance, all escalators at AWE now feature built-in UV devices to constantly sanitise handrails. All lifts have further been upgraded with touchless buttons, while automatic doors are in place to minimise contact with surfaces.

What's more, AWE is automating cleaning processes by deploying cleaning robots for venue changeover between events.

Retractable seat riser and other hardware upgrades

Aimed at improving operational efficiency and turnaround capacity, a variety of upgrades are being carried out in all ten halls, organiser rooms, backstage, in dining outlets as well as in common areas.

The upgrades cover interior design, lighting and AV systems, ventilation, drainage and new equipment such as a Retractable Seat Riser System.

“After operating for 15 years, this is a milestone year for us,” remarked Irene Chan, CEO of AWE. “This is the perfect time to launch a large-scale renovation project, one which will position AWE for the many opportunities that lay ahead. Our extensive facility upgrade programme is an ongoing project bringing new value to organisers, while also engaging patrons with new experiences."

Now fully ready for the return of events, AWE already has a line-up of public shows planned in the months ahead, including the 2021 Hong Kong Brands & Products Shopping Festival, and the Puppy Summer Fun Expo, both of which are debuting at AWE, as well as the long-awaited Music Is Live 2021.