Bangkok, Thailand, 17 July 2024 – Sharp Corporation, a leading innovator in consumer technology and business solutions, has identified the ASEAN region, with a population of 671.7 million, as a key growth area. The company showcased its latest range of home appliances, TVs, and Cocoro Home AIoT solutions at the SHARP SYNC UP 2024 event in Thailand, aligning with its vision for a ‘Simply Better Lifestyle’.
Innovations tailored for evolving consumer needs
During the showcase, Sharp introduced a suite of products designed to cater to the changing needs of the ASEAN market, where the average household size is decreasing. This trend calls for solutions that are affordable, sustainable, and personalised. Tomoki Tamura, Vice President of the Global Business and General Manager at Sharp, emphasised the company’s commitment to the region. “Sharp is invested for future growth in the ASEAN region. Our deep-rooted presence here drives our in-depth understanding of the consumerโs changing needs over the years. The Sharp brand continues to do well in this region thanks to the commitment and support of our partners and subsidiaries. In fact, being recognised as ASEANโs number one brand in the refrigerator and microwave segments is a testament to consumer trust in SHARPโs innovation excellence. We are looking forward to excite the ASEAN region with a host of new products and solutions for new ways of living and working to curate a simply better lifestyle,” Tamura stated.
The event featured five key categories: Smart Home, New Energy Concept, Smart Entertainment, Smart Lifestyle, and Smart Office. Highlights included the Smart Centralised AIoT Management System, which integrates various home devices through the Cocoro Home application, enhancing household connectivity and automation.
Personalised solutions and sustainability at the forefront
Sharp’s new product introductions at the event included a 400 Litre class Two-Door Mega Freezer, designed with increased freezer capacity to reduce food waste, a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, Sharp debuted its unique microwave drawer in the ASEAN market, an innovation designed to save space and enhance kitchen functionality. This product has been popular in the West, with over 1 million units sold in the United States.
Addressing indoor air quality, Sharp showcased its advanced air purification technologies. The company introduced the world’s first 2-in-1 air conditioner with a built-in air purifier, highlighting its commitment to health and wellness in home environments. The showcase also featured the Ractive Air SR-9, a lightweight and powerful vacuum cleaner, and the new Plasmacluster Hair Dryer, equipped with sensing technology for optimal hair care.
Sharp’s strategic focus on audiovisual and business solutions
The ASEAN region’s vibrant economy and its shift towards a digitally integrated economy were also discussed. Sharp is reinforcing its business-to-business (B2B) solutions, focusing on Smart Offices, Smart Retail, and factory automation. Hiroyuki Yoshida, Head of Global TV at Sharp, commented on the continuous investment in the region: “ASEAN continues to be an important market for the SHARP Audio Visual business. Together with our subsidiaries, we are committed to strengthening our presence in the market with continuous investment in research and development for higher value and cutting-edge innovations in the Audio Visual segment. The SHARP SYNC UP event is an example of our effort to strengthen our ASEAN business by encouraging cross-collaboration and harmonising partnerships among our subsidiaries. This in turn elevates the value of SHARP as a brand and our products and services to consumers,” Yoshida explained.
Furthermore, Sharp is advancing its new energy initiatives, spotlighting solar energy innovations. The company has a longstanding history in photovoltaic technology development, with its solar cells used in various applications, including space satellites. “We will expand the introduction of solar power systems to areas beyond Thailand and Vietnam to include the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, among others, contributing to carbon neutrality against the backdrop of the growing trends of ESG investments and SDGs,” stated Hideyuki Inada, CEO of Sharp Solar Solution Asia.
Sharp’s participation in the SHARP SYNC UP 2024 event underscores its strategic initiatives to adapt to and influence lifestyle changes across ASEAN with innovative, sustainable technology solutions.
