Kota Kinabalu: A 10-member delegation from the Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) recently attended The 32nd China International Exhibition on Packaging Machinery & Materials (Sino-Pack 2026) and China (Guangzhou) International Exhibition on Packaging Products 2026 (Packinno 2026) in Guangzhou, China, witnessing first hand China’s packaging and printing industry achieving a leap in automation and moving toward a new era of intelligent manufacturing.
The exhibitions showcased how China’s packaging and printing sector has rapidly embraced automation, with high-speed and automated production lines now widely adopted.
Last year, KKCCCI’s delegation noted significant breakthroughs in digitalisation, which are now evolving into Digital Intelligence. This transformation integrates artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data, enabling production line machinery to self-monitor, adjust and maintain operations — essentially creating smart factories.
Delegation leader Lee Heng Kah said for local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), market size limitations make procurement decisions focus on practicality and efficiency.
“The space occupied by automated equipment and its cost-effectiveness remain core factors in investment and development. The exhibition’s diverse brand offerings matched the needs of industry transformation and upgrading, which greatly inspired us.”
During the exhibition, a sharing session titled “AI in Printing”, organised by the Graphic Arts Association of Hong Kong, highlighted that AI is no longer optional; it will define the next era of the printing industry.
Speakers explained that in the early years, AI in printing was seen as optional, primarily adopted by large companies with the resources to experiment.
Over time, as customer expectations for speed, personalisation and sustainability increased, AI shifted from being optional to mandatory. Today, AI is considered essential for competitiveness and sustainability in the printing industry.
Lee said that Hong Kong’s experience offers a direct reference for Sabah, as both regions share similarities, including cultural diversity, reliance on ports and marine resources, tourism as a key economic pillar and economies dependent on external markets.
“We believe that the widespread adoption of automation in China will significantly reduce transformation and investment costs, enabling Sabah – where MSMEs form the majority – to benefit greatly.”
Sino-Pack and Packinno are part of a 4-in-1 China international fair covering printing, packaging, labelling and packaging products. The events create a one-stop purchasing platform for buyers and provide extensive exposure for enterprises.
Organised by KKCCCI’s overseas partner, Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd, both fairs were held at China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou.
The exhibitions spanned 150,000 square metres across 15 halls with more than 2,200 exhibitors, showcasing digital packaging production lines, robotics applications, packaging machinery, smart packaging, liquid packaging, pet packaging, green label materials, anti-counterfeiting technology, smart labelling solutions and innovative packaging materials.
These developments underscore the rapid pace at which China’s packaging and printing industry is embracing automation and digital intelligence, offering valuable lessons and potential opportunities for Sabah’s MSMEs to upgrade and modernise their operations.
