In an insightful interview with TimesTech, Mr. Su Piow Ko, Vice President of AET Displays, discusses groundbreaking advancements in fine-pitch LED technology, strategies for successful expansion in India, and the company’s vision for global leadership. Mr. Ko shares how disciplined personal practices shape his leadership, contributing to AET’s sustained innovation and growth.
Read the full interview here:
TimesTech: Mr. Ko, AET is known for its fine-pitch LED technology, including MiniLED and MicroLED. Can you share the latest innovations and their impact on the industry’s future?
Mr. Ko: At AET Displays, we are continuously pushing the envelope in fine-pitch LED technology, particularly with our advancements in MiniLED and MicroLED. Our latest innovations include the implementation of Chip on Board (COB) technology and Micro LED in Package (MIP) technology, which significantly enhance the performance, durability, and aesthetic quality of our displays. COB technology integrates multiple LED chips directly onto a substrate, improving heat management and allowing for higher pixel density, resulting in sharper images and vibrant colours. MIP technology streamlines production and increases robustness against environmental factors like moisture and shock. Additionally, our self-developed Mass Transfer technology achieves a 99.999% yield rate, enabling mass production of high-quality displays at reduced costs. These breakthroughs are not only reshaping the LED display landscape by making high-resolution, energy-efficient displays more accessible but also paving the way for new applications in diverse fields such as retail, corporate settings, entertainment, and public spaces. As we continue to innovate, we are confident that AET will remain at the forefront of the industry, driving the future of visual communication with superior and sustainable LED display solutions.
TimesTech: AET recently expanded into India. What strategies and initiatives were key to this success, and what are your future plans for growth in India?
Mr. Ko: Since we officially entered the Indian market on October 26, 2023, AET Displays has rapidly gained a strong foothold, driven by strategic investments and customized approaches tailored to local dynamics. We’ve invested heavily in understanding regional market nuances, including consumer preferences and regulatory landscapes, which have guided our product customization efforts effectively. This approach has enabled us to cater comprehensively to diverse sectors such as government institutions, broadcasting, retail, and entertainment, contributing significantly to our revenue streams. Moreover, our focus on building a robust supply chain and support infrastructure ensures seamless operations, timely deliveries, and exceptional customer service across the nation. With over 80 partners and distributors nationwide and a growing deployment of over 25,000 square meters of LED displays across more than 20 sectors, we’ve established a solid foundation for growth. Looking ahead to 2024, we aim to exceed 5,000 deployments, driven by our expanding product lineup of over 50 offerings and strategic presence through one assembly plant, three offices, three customer experience centres, and five service centres strategically positioned across India.
TimesTech: With your extensive experience, what is your five-year vision for AET, and what steps will you take to ensure it remains a global leader in LED technology?
Mr. Ko: As we chart our course for the next five years, my vision for AET Displays is to strengthen our global leadership in LED technology innovation and deployment. Over the years, the response to AET Displays has been remarkably favourable, with a surge in business inquiries originating not only from India but also from thriving APAC markets including Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Thailand. This underscores our growing appeal and readiness to meet diverse market demands with advanced LED solutions. Our strategic focus will be on advancing MiniLED and MicroLED technologies to new heights, pushing the boundaries of display clarity, energy efficiency, and versatility. To achieve this vision, we will continue investing heavily in research and development, driving breakthroughs in fine-pitch LED technology that enhance performance and reduce environmental impact. We are committed to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of innovation within our teams, ensuring we stay ahead of industry trends and customer expectations. Collaboration will be key as we forge deeper partnerships with global stakeholders in various sectors, from entertainment and retail to government and corporate environments. Moreover, maintaining agility and responsiveness in our operations will be crucial, allowing us to adapt swiftly to market demands and regulatory changes worldwide. Strengthening our supply chain resilience and expanding our service infrastructure globally will underpin our commitment to delivering unparalleled customer service and support. Ultimately, our goal is not just to lead in LED technology but to redefine visual experiences globally, offering solutions that integrate seamlessly into diverse environments and empower our customers to create impactful, immersive engagements.
TimesTech: How important are collaborations to AET’s growth strategy, and can you share any upcoming notable partnerships?
Mr. Ko: Given our product portfolio’s applicability across diverse industries such as retail, entertainment, corporate environments, and public sectors like government and transportation, collaborations are integral to AET Displays’ growth strategy. These partnerships allow us to leverage industry-specific expertise, expand our market reach, and enhance our technological capabilities. Currently, we are excited about our recent collaboration with Cavitak as our national distributor partner in India. This alliance harnesses Cavitak’s extensive market knowledge and robust distribution network to strengthen our presence and service offerings across the country. We continue to explore additional partnerships that align with our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, aiming to further propel our leadership in LED display technology globally.
TimesTech: How do AET’s packaging solutions, customer support, and training initiatives contribute to its competitive advantage and customer satisfaction?
Mr. Ko: At AET Displays, we proudly lead with our pioneering packaging solutions, robust customer support framework, and impactful training initiatives, setting the gold standard in the industry. Technologies like Chip on Board (COB) and Micro LED in Package (MIP) not only enhance display durability and reliability but also ensure that our LED displays deliver unparalleled clarity, energy efficiency, and versatility across diverse applications. With COB and MIP, we achieve superior thermal management, reduced power consumption, and enhanced colour accuracy, meeting the stringent demands of various sectors from retail and corporate environments to government institutions and entertainment venues. Our dedicated customer support team ensures seamless installations, efficient maintenance, and rapid issue resolution, enhancing overall client satisfaction and loyalty. Furthermore, our comprehensive training initiatives equip partners and customers with the skills and knowledge to maximize the potential of AET’s cutting-edge LED technologies, enhancing user experience and loyalty. The AET Envision Brilliance Partner Meet 2024 in Bengaluru exemplifies our commitment to knowledge dissemination and collaborative growth, drawing over 150 attendees including distributors, SI partners, and government officials. This event featured comprehensive product introductions and in-depth training sessions, reinforcing our leadership in advancing LED display solutions and empowering partners with the latest insights and capabilities.
TimesTech: Your disciplined fitness regimen and activities like reading and meditation—how do they influence your leadership style and success at AET?
Mr. Ko: Being a seasoned professional, adhering to a disciplined fitness regimen and immersing myself in activities like reading and meditation profoundly shape my leadership style. These practices instil a sense of balance, resilience, and clarity of thought, which are essential for effective decision-making and leadership. Fitness helps me stay physically energized and mentally sharp, enabling me to tackle challenges with vigour and endurance. Reading broadens my perspectives, enriches my knowledge base, and fosters creativity, all of which are crucial in driving innovation and strategic thinking within our dynamic industry. Meditation, on the other hand, enhances my ability to remain calm under pressure, promotes mindfulness, and cultivates empathy—all qualities that contribute to fostering a positive work environment and nurturing strong relationships with colleagues, partners, and clients.