SkyworthDigital GM on Innovation and Growth at Intersec

Intersec 2025: A Deep Dive into Chinese Innovation in Security

Intersec, the world’s premier event for security, safety, and fire protection, wrapped up another successful edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from January 14th to 16th, 2025. This year’s show, the 26th in its history, was the biggest yet, drawing a staggering 1,200 exhibitors from 61 countries and over 52,000 visitors from more than 140 nations.

A significant contingent of over 300 Chinese enterprises made their presence felt, showcasing a diverse range of cutting-edge products and technologies spanning security, fire protection, and safety. From AI-powered cameras and solar-powered surveillance to infrared thermal imaging, drones, and smart access control, the exhibits underscored China’s growing influence in the global security landscape. Anti-theft alarms, smart door locks, and advanced fire protection and emergency response systems further highlighted the breadth of innovation on display.

a&s magazine conducted exclusive interviews with key Chinese companies to uncover the highlights of their Intersec showcase, their market strategies for the Middle East, and the emerging trends shaping the region’s security sector. This insight aims to provide valuable information for businesses looking to expand into the Middle East market.

One such interview was with Shenzhen Skyworth Digital Technology Co., Ltd. Skyworth, with its focus on consumer experience and personalized solutions, has carved out a successful “niche and refined” strategy. We spoke with them to learn how they leverage their 15 years of experience in the Middle East to expand their market presence.

Q: a&s (left)
A: Shenzhen Skyworth Digital Technology

Q: When did Skyworth enter the Middle Eastern market? What products are you highlighting this year?

A: Skyworth entered the Middle Eastern market 15 years ago, initially focusing on set-top boxes and networking products. In 2023, we began testing and certifying our security products, debuting them at Intersec in January 2024, which proved very successful. Returning to Intersec 2025, we’re launching a full range of smart home appliances designed to deliver comprehensive in-home intelligence. In security, Skyworth prioritizes the consumer and small-business markets, offering tailored solutions for small-scale deployments. While others pursue large-scale projects, we focus on “niche and refined” product customization, addressing personalized consumer needs and enhancing user experience through innovative service configurations.

Q: What challenges has Skyworth faced in the Middle Eastern market?

A: Our first challenge is cultural adaptation. Despite our 15 years of experience, aligning with local religious and cultural norms is ongoing. We rely on comprehensive market research, collaboration with local branches, and strategic partnerships to accelerate this integration.

The second major challenge is environmental factors. The Middle East has diverse environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, population density variations, and infrastructure limitations like network coverage, electricity, and lighting. These pose unique requirements for our products. For example, extreme temperatures can affect device performance, while infrastructure limitations might hinder functionality. To address these, we conduct thorough on-site research. Our Super-Dark Vision series, engineered to operate reliably in low-light environments, is a solution that emerged from in-depth analysis of local pain points.

Q: At Intersec 2025, which products attracted the most attention from Middle Eastern partners?

A: Our highly promoted Super-Dark Vision series was a major draw. We set up a darkroom at the exhibition to let visitors experience firsthand how these products achieve full-color images in dark environments. These full-color cameras leverage AI technology and a 2T computing power perception chip to deliver full-color effects in extremely dark conditions. Middle Eastern partners were impressed by this technological innovation and its potential to enhance security and surveillance capabilities.

The second category is 4G low-power-consumption products, which we’ve emphasized a great deal this year and which the entire industry is focusing on. We anticipate that this will be the development trend in the next two years and beyond. At this exhibition, Skyworth launched products related to 4G low-power consumption. Moreover, the combination with the Super-Dark Vision series cameras further accentuates Skyworth’s unique selling points. Super-Dark Vision has now become the signature of Skyworth Security. Middle Eastern partners recognized the potential of these energy-efficient products, especially considering the varying power supply situations in the region, and were eager to explore how they could be integrated into their projects.

The third category is the two-way interactive large-screen displays camera A50. Based on their exquisite appearance design and screen interaction functions, this year, more emphasis was placed on personalized and customized interactive features. For example, there is a fall prevention function for children and the elderly. The screen can promptly capture images of people falling and send them to guardians in a timely manner. There are also smoke and open-fire alarms. The display should not merely be a screen but also possess active interactive functions, which has drawn significant attention in the industry. Middle Eastern partners were excited about the practical applications of these interactive features, seeing them as a way to add value to residential and commercial security setups, and many inquired about customization options to meet local market demands.

Q: How is AI evolving in the Middle East? What role does Skyworth see for AI?

A: AI is not new. From the earliest GPT to current large-scale AI models, AI encompasses big data platforms, algorithm training, and deep learning. However, despite its long development, people’s perception of AI remains shallow due to its complexity and slow penetration into daily life.

To address this, Skyworth has established a research institute focused on training AI multimodal large-scale models. By leveraging cameras as a medium, it enables many interesting functions through visual perception. This is being implemented in every aspect of consumers’ lives.

Q: As competition intensifies globally, how does Skyworth navigate this landscape?

A: Skyworth has been in the domestic security market for seven or eight years and has accumulated a fair amount of experience. However, such experience can hardly be considered extensive in the vast Chinese security market. Despite our relatively short presence, we have still managed to develop products and solutions with Skyworth’s unique features through local operation accumulation, research, and internal discussions.

Facing fierce competition, Skyworth has its own “way of survival.” First, on the product side, we need to be highly focused rather than diffusely covering all product categories. Secondly, during customer acquisition, we must conduct market research and zero in on the most suitable customer groups. Take the Middle East as an example. It’s not possible to carry out related businesses in all countries. The most important thing is to be in line with Chinese characteristics. To avoid an imbalance in the input-output ratio of business segments, enterprises should conduct precise research and only target the markets of “target countries,” doing a refined and focused job first before further expansion. Finally, it comes to partner selection. Whether they are national agents or regional agents, for the evaluation and training of multimodal large-scale models, they need to have an in-depth understanding of the industry and the ability to promote product-driven industrial chains in the market. Only when they can match the company’s development under comprehensive evaluation is there a possibility of reaching cooperation and jointly exploring the market?

All in all, although both the domestic and international markets are highly competitive, there will always be segmented, tracks, or segmented-field partners. By exploring suitable paths together, just like the development of a country, enterprises should have their unique characteristics.

Q: What were Skyworth’s key takeaways from Intersec 2025?

A: Building on last year’s success, Intersec 2025 allowed us to strengthen partnerships, enhance brand visibility, and refine our market strategy. As a global brand deeply invested in security innovation, we will continue leveraging this platform to showcase new products, sales strategies, and policy updates. We look forward to returning to Intersec in 2026!

Intersec Shanghai 2025 is coming

Driven by innovation trends, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have opened up promising prospects for security, smart buildings, fire safety and transportation logistics. To capitalise on the opportunities presented by this technological advancement, Messe Frankfurt and Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanghai (CCPIT) will jointly host Intersec Shanghai, a new trade fair for security, fire protection and safety, which will be held for the first time from 13 to 15 May 2025, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai. Intersec Shanghai will connect the Chinese market with international security, fire protection and safety solutions.

Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd
Mr. Jack Ho
Tel: +852 2230 9294
jack.ho@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com

Messe Frankfurt (Shenzhen) Co Ltd
Mr. Luffy Zhong
Tel: +86 755 8299 4989 ext.601
luffy.zhong@china.messefrankfurt.com