Kavin Intertrade Launches the First Licensing Show in Thailand and ASEAN

Mr. Tehchad Kittiboonya, Director of Kavin Intertrade Co., Ltd., said Licensing Show ASEAN 2025 will be a leading international platform, connecting exhibitors from Thailand, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and beyond. This event will bring together brand owners, intellectual property (IP) developers, and entrepreneurs seeking to expand their businesses through licensing—a model rapidly gaining traction, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Thailand's licensing industry is experiencing a significant growth, especially in books, e-books, art toys, films, and animation. The show will help Thai content creators and these businesses gain international exposure, promote the licensing industry, and enable ASEAN-based companies to export their IP products globally," Mr. Tehchad added.

Ms. Nusara Kanjanakul, Director General of the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) efforts to support the commercialization of Thai intellectual property. He emphasized that these initiatives—spanning cutting-edge innovations, technologies, and copyrighted works such as literature, art toys, and music—not only generate income for IP owners but also create economic value for related industries, stimulating the broader economy. He believes Licensing Show ASEAN 2025 will be pivotal in elevating the capabilities of Thai creators on the international stage, marking a key step in promoting Thailand's Soft Power globally.

The global licensing market is projected to reach US$27.65 billion in 2024, with growth accelerating to US$37.62 billion by 2031. Asia-Pacific is expected to hold 32.5% of the market share. Growth drivers include rising incomes, urbanization, and an expanding middle class in China, India, and Southeast Asia.

Mr. Tehchad further emphasized Thailand's thriving digital content industry, particularly in art toys, animation, books, e-books, series, and games. Thailand leads ASEAN in book licensing sales and ranks fourth in Asia. Both books and e-books offer significant value, especially when adapted into series. Over the past decade, Thailand has produced nearly 200 popular series, gaining local and international recognition, especially those focused on LGBTQ+ themes. This success has contributed to the Thai entertainment industry's market value exceeding 500 billion baht, with the film industry alone representing an annual opportunity worth over a billion baht.

"Another emerging trend is art toys, driving a pop culture phenomenon. The global art toy market is valued at US$8.52 billion and is projected to grow at an average rate of 4.26%, reaching US$10.94 billion by 2030. With Asia home to the largest art toy market, Thai artists and designers have a valuable opportunity to tap into this growing sector," Mr. Tehchad continued.

In animation, the industry saw a 15% growth last year, reaching a market value of 3,936 million baht. Thailand is a key outsourcing hub for animation and CG/VFX, thanks to its skilled talent pool. However, awareness of intellectual property and copyright remains a gap. Licensing Show ASEAN 2025 will serve as a vital platform for copyright holders to showcase their work, engage in business negotiations, and share knowledge on best practices in licensing.

Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), said Thailand has significant potential to become an international hub for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). Licensing Show ASEAN 2025 will help enhance business opportunities and boost global competitiveness. TCEB will actively support this event to attract global exhibitors and attendees, creating new opportunities for Thai and ASEAN entrepreneurs."

Mr. Chakrit Pichyangkul, Executive Director of the Creative Economy Agency (CEA), emphasized the importance of connecting various sectors to drive economic growth. CEA is committed to supporting entrepreneurs in the creative industry while protecting intellectual property to unlock global business opportunities. Licensing Show ASEAN 2025 will provide a platform for Thai entrepreneurs to showcase their potential, exchange knowledge, and network with industry professionals worldwide, fostering business development and expansion into international markets.

Mr. Sumit Srimakul, President of the Digital Content Association of Thailand (DCAT), said the Licensing Show ASEAN 2025 will offer both established and emerging Thai content creators a chance to expand their markets domestically and internationally. It will also create opportunities for aspiring artists to enter the industry, positively impacting the content licensing sector.

Licensing Show ASEAN 2025 is supported by various organizations, including the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), the Creative Economy Agency (CEA), the Digital Content Association of Thailand (DCAT), the Thailand Esports Federation (TESF), and more.

Mr. Tehchad added that Kavin Intertrade has established a strong reputation over 25 years of organizing trade shows and business negotiations, with prominent events such as Thailand Franchise Business Opportunities 2025 (TFBO), Thailand Retail, Food & Hospitality Services (TRAFS), ASEAN Retail, Pub Bar Asia, and ASEAN Cafe Show.

"I am confident that Licensing Show ASEAN 2025, the first trade show in Southeast Asia focused on licensing and intellectual property, will make a profound impact on the industry," Mr. Tehchad concluded.

In addition to product showcases, the event will feature upskilling activities for entrepreneurs, including seminars and workshops on over 30 topics such as Trends of the Day, Food & Non-Food Products, and the Entertainment Business. These sessions will be led by industry experts from both the public and private sectors. Registration for the seminars is available free of charge.

For those interested in participating as an exhibitor or seeking more information, visit www.aseanlicensingshow.com or the www.facebook.com/licensingshowasean, or contact Ms. Maylinya Bupphasiri (Maylin), Project Manager, at 065-638-5326 or via email at [email protected].