Bangkok, December 12, 2025 – The "2nd CFCF Asia-Pacific Optical Connectivity Forum," organized by CFOL, successfully concluded at the Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok. Under the theme "Building and Integrating into Thailand's Photonics Industry Ecosystem," the forum attracted over 200 representatives and experts from the optical communication industry across China, Thailand, and the Asia-Pacific region.
01 Event Highlights
The forum was held in a vibrant atmosphere, reflecting the industry's high interest in the opportunities within the Southeast Asian market. Attendees included industry giants such as Lumentum, Fabrinet, and Raisecom, as well as local Thai telecom operators like AIS.
In the opening address, a representative from CFOL welcomed participants, stating, "Thailand is emerging as a new global hub for the optical communication industry." With the continuous growth in AI computing demand accelerating the iteration of optical communication technologies, the Southeast Asian region, particularly Thailand, has entered a golden window for industrial development.
A dedicated exhibition area featured 13 exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies, products, and solutions. The exhibits spanned multiple segments of the optical communication industry chain, from precision instruments and intelligent devices to new materials and testing technologies.
02 Core Discussions
The forum's core discussions revolved around the theme "How to Build and Integrate into Thailand's Photonics Industry Ecosystem." Guests engaged in in-depth discussions on the current status, challenges, and opportunities for the development of Thailand's photonics industry.
Several speakers highlighted Thailand's solid foundation for developing a photonics industry. Supply chain localization became a focal point. Participants unanimously agreed that building a complete local supply chain is crucial for the sustainable development of Thailand's photonics sector. This requires not only attracting foreign investment to establish manufacturing facilities but also nurturing local supporting enterprises to create industrial synergy.
The talent issue also received significant attention. The concurrently held "Sino-Thai Photonics Academic Youth Forum" provided a platform for young scholars from both countries to exchange ideas, also bridging collaboration between industry and academia.
03 Outcomes and Consensus
Through a day of intensive discussions and exchanges, the forum reached important consensus on several fronts. Building the industry ecosystem was identified as the core task for Thailand's photonics development. This encompasses not only hardware infrastructure but also standards development, talent cultivation, and policy support.
Corporate representatives shared experiences and challenges regarding investment and operations in Thailand. Infrastructure, talent supply, and the policy environment were hot topics. Thai local companies expressed strong willingness to cooperate with international firms, hoping to enhance their competitiveness by leveraging external technology and management expertise.
The forum facilitated several potential cooperative intentions. Many Chinese companies engaged in in-depth discussions with local Thai operators and manufacturers, exchanging views on technology cooperation, market expansion, and joint R&D. Collaboration models between international and local companies were a key focus of exploration.
04 Future Prospects
During the closing session, the organizer summarized the event, noting that the forum was "not only an exchange of information but also the building of relationships and fostering of trust." They emphasized that constructing Thailand's photonics industry ecosystem requires sustained effort and close cooperation from all parties.
Participants agreed that while challenges remain for Thailand's photonics industry, the opportunities outweigh the difficulties. Policy support, infrastructure, and talent reserves are key factors determining the pace of development. Collaborative synergy between multinational and local enterprises will accelerate the maturation of the industry ecosystem.
The forum injected new momentum into cooperation and development within the Asia-Pacific optical communication industry. As the global manufacturing landscape undergoes restructuring and optimization, Thailand is poised to become a significant hub for the optical communication industry in Southeast Asia, connecting markets across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
As evening fell and the final session concluded, attendees lingered, gathering in small groups throughout the hotel lobby to continue their conversations. Business cards were exchanged, and cooperative intentions quietly took shape over coffee.
Under the Bangkok night sky, an in-depth dialogue on the photonics industry had just concluded. Yet, the practical chapter of building Thailand's photonics industry ecosystem is quietly beginning as these participants return to their respective roles. They carry away not just conference materials and contacts, but a shared vision for the future of the optical communication market in Southeast Asia.