Yip Je Choong, senior vice president commercial APAC for Reed Exhibitions (RX), explains how the Asian IR Expo 2026 connects the Integrated Resort ecosystem in Asia.
Asian IR Expo continues to attract international professionals each year. From an organiser’s perspective, how do you evaluate the quality of business engagement taking place at the event?
In 2025, we welcomed 5,851 industry professionals from over 90 countries and regions, reflecting the global reach of our event. While attendance numbers are important, we focus equally on the quality and commercial value of engagement, ensuring that every interaction delivers meaningful business opportunities for exhibitors and a valuable experience for visitors alike.
Our exclusive Privileges Program, invitation-only for senior management and key decision-makers, plays a key role in this. In 2025, 438 members from 25 countries and regions joined the program, enabling high-caliber networking, strategic discussions, and concrete business outcomes – both for buyers seeking new solutions and exhibitors looking to connect with serious buyers.
This combination of top-tier attendees and deep engagement underscores the event’s strong impact across the integrated resort and entertainment industry.
In today’s environment where companies are increasingly focused on return on investment when attending exhibitions, what kind of business opportunities can suppliers expect to generate through Asian IR Expo?
Exhibitors can expect to meet senior decision-makers across the integrated resort, entertainment, hospitality, and technology sectors, generating qualified leads, procurement inquiries, and strategic partnership opportunities.
Some leads may result in immediate purchasing decisions, while others may develop into medium- or long-term collaborations. The event is designed to deliver measurable ROI and is carefully reviewed and enhanced each year to ensure exhibitors can maximize value and make the most of every engagement.
As integrated resorts continue to evolve across Asia, what investment trends are you observing heading into 2026?
Operators across the Asian integrated resort sector are investing heavily in digital innovations and operational technologies, reflecting a focus on efficiency and enhanced guest experiences.
In this fast-moving industry, we ensure that the latest trends are reflected at our events, providing suppliers with a platform to showcase solutions that support smarter operations and new forms of entertainment.
At the upcoming edition, exhibitors will present a range of technologies and solutions that highlight how integrated resorts are evolving through digital transformation and innovative guest experiences.
What types of technologies and solutions are drawing the most attention from resort operators and developers today?
A wide range of solutions across the show floor attracts strong interest from different departments within integrated resort operations. These include technologies related to hospitality management, digital guest services, entertainment infrastructure, security, analytics, and smart facility management.
Our goal is to ensure that every aspect of the integrated resort ecosystem is represented, giving exhibitors the opportunity to showcase innovations while attendees explore the solutions most relevant to their business.
Macau remains one of the most established integrated resort destinations in Asia. How does the city continue to influence the broader development of the regional resort and tourism industry?
Macau has long been recognized as a central hub for integrated resort development in Asia, with a vibrant tourism and entertainment landscape. In recent years, the city has continued to evolve by expanding its range of entertainment, cultural, and lifestyle experiences to attract visitors of all ages.
With Asian IR Expo held alongside G2E Asia, the combined event brings together a diverse range of exhibitors and business functions, creating new opportunities for the broader integrated resort ecosystem while reinforcing Macau’s continuing leadership in tourism, entertainment, and hospitality development.
Diversification has become an important theme for integrated resorts in recent years. How is this trend reflected in the types of exhibitors and solutions showcased at Asian IR Expo?
Yes, many of these expanded segments will be represented at the upcoming edition. Diversification presents an opportunity rather than a pressure, allowing both exhibitors and visitors to explore new solutions and shape the industry in more innovative and meaningful ways.
From hospitality technologies to entertainment infrastructure and lifestyle services, the show floor will reflect the growing diversity of the integrated resort ecosystem.
Asia-Pacific remains a key growth region for tourism and resort development. Are you seeing increasing interest from international suppliers looking to enter or expand in this market?
With so many opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region, it’s no surprise that international manufacturers and solution providers are looking to explore and expand here.
The event provides an ideal platform for them to connect with regional operators, partners, and investors while gaining a deeper understanding of the market dynamics across Asia.
When evaluating the success of an exhibition like Asian IR Expo, what indicators are most important beyond visitor numbers?
While attendance numbers and international participation are important indicators, our primary focus is on the long-term value attendees gain from the event.
We measure success by the connections made, partnerships formed, and business opportunities created for both exhibitors and visitors.
For companies and professionals who may be considering participating for the first time, what opportunities does Asian IR Expo offer them?
Whether you’re considering exhibiting or visiting, Asian IR Expo serves as a one-stop platform to connect with industry leaders, discover the latest innovations, and gain insights that can drive your business forward.
We encourage everyone interested in the future of integrated resorts, tourism, and entertainment development in Asia to join us and experience firsthand the opportunities the event provides.
As preparations for the upcoming edition continue, what message would you like to share with the integrated resort and tourism industry?
As we prepare for the upcoming edition, our focus is on creating an experience that goes beyond simply showcasing new products and technologies.
Our goal has always been to provide a platform where industry leaders can connect, discuss emerging trends, and build lasting partnerships that will shape the future of the integrated resort industry in Asia.
With 28 years of experience in the commercial function, Yip Je Choong (pictured above right) has led numerous transformation projects across Asia Pacific, where he helped organisations achieve higher sustainable growth and profit margins. Je Choong has also drove change within teams, to encourage the adoption of ‘customer value led’ approaches, through his coaching and knowledge sharing techniques.
Je Choong carried with him a vast experience spanning the express logistics, manufacturing, advertising, and education industries before joining RX in 2014 as its APAC Revenue Management Director.
Je Choong is currently the Senior Vice President Commercial APAC where he’s responsible for mergers and acquisitions and commercial excellence programmes. He also oversees the RX business in Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand.
Je Choong’s passion is in data analytics which he frequently uses to tell stories and solve business challenges.
Gaming Intelligence is a media partner for Asian IR Expo 2026, which takes place alongside G2E Asia on 12-14 May at The Venetian Macau