This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Profiles of Local Companies in the Asia Pacific Smart Card Value Chain provides a snapshot of key participants based out of and originating from the Asia Pacific region. This research service looks at four main segments of the value chain: silicon vendors, smart card manufacturers, system integrators, and reader/terminal vendors. The companies’ recent developments, new technologies, notable projects, SWOT analysis, and brief financial highlights are also included.
Market Overview
Emerging Security-related Applications and Growth in Banking Segment Profit Local Smart Card Manufacturers
Rapidly rising security-related applications are driving the Asian smart cards market and nurturing a strong pool of local vendors operating in various segments of the smart card value chain, from manufacturers to system integrators. Local smart card manufacturers have the advantage of being well established with an excellent reputation in the local market, adding credibility to their new products. "These domestic companies claim to have strong ties with the local government, which further strengthens their position." says the analyst. With the local governments’ support and escalating demand for security-related applications like government and banking, smart card vendors and system integrators are likely to notch up higher profits in the next few years.
The growth in banking segment spurs demand for high-end security features, enhancing the development of smart card manufacturers. These companies provide a number of software solutions for financial, healthcare, and government applications to name a few, accelerating market progress. With the smart card market witnessing sustained expansion in places such as Malaysia, China, India, and Thailand, manufacturers are hoping to explore new horizons and exploit the booming banking market in emerging Asian countries. In addition, growth of the Europay, MasterCard, Visa (EMV) market in Asia Pacific widens the scope of smart card services in the banking segment and helps manufacturers garner significant revenues.
New Developments in Mobile Communication and Low Labor Cost Helps Key Silicon and Smart Card Vendors to Stay Afloat in Asian Market
With the increasing adoption of 3G usage in the mobile communication market, silicon vendors and smart card manufacturers are developing a wider range of products for SIM and USIM cards. "Increasing mobile applications in Asia Pacific prompt vendors in the telecom application to explore ways of incorporating Near Field Communication (NFC) technology into the SIM or mobile devices, converting them into contactless devices," notes the analyst. This is a much anticipated development both in Asia and abroad, as contactless transactions using NFC devices are expected to take off in the next few years.
Apart from technological improvements, smart card and silicon vendors are capitalizing also because of relatively low labor and material cost in the Asia Pacific region. However, major local participants are expected to enhance product quality and R&D facilities further, in order to compete effectively with top global vendors in the smart card market.
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