• Malaysia’s leading ICT distributor to market Apple Watch, Motorola’s Moto 360 and ASUS ZenWatch 2
• Worldwide wearable device market expected to grow by 44% to 111 million units in 2016, from 80 million units shipped in 2015

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 26 January 2016 – Malaysia’s leading ICT distributor ECS ICT Berhad (ECS, 佳杰科技; Bloomberg: ECS MK; Reuters: ECSI.KL) is entering the wearable technologies market after securing the rights to distribute several smartwatches from renowned global brands. 

From hereon, ECS Astar Sdn. Bhd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ECS, will distribute three latest smartwatches, namely Apple Watch, Motorola Moto 360 and ASUS ZenWatch 2. These wearable devices will be made available through ECS’ network of more than 5,000-strong resellers nationwide, consisting of IT and mobile retailers, Consumer Electronic Chain Stores, E-commerce sites and the Group’s newly-established watch channel. 

“Our foray into the new wearables segment cements ECS as the leading ICT distributor that is constantly in the forefront by bringing trend-setting technologies to the market.

The prospects of this segment are certainly exciting, as we will be able to provide our principals market penetration as quickly as Malaysians are receptive to these new devices.

We are very optimistic that this wearables segment has significant growth potential and will contribute positively to the Group’s performance from this financial year onwards.”

Mr. Soong Jan Hsung (宋昭雄) Chief Executive Officer, ECS ICT Berhad

In 2015, the International Data Corporation (IDC) forecasted that the worldwide wearable device market will reach a total of 111 million units in 2016, growing 44% from 80 million units in 2015. Additionally, IDC predicted that by 2019, that number is set to jump to 215 million units, on a compounded annual growth rate of 28%. 

Since its inception three decades ago, ECS has evolved from distributing personal computers and notebooks to mobility products such as smartphones and tablets and now, smartwatches. 

“The go-ahead from our reputable principals is a strong affirmation of our competencies in distribution,” said Soong. 

“Over the years, we have set a track record of growing our various segments, including the notebook and mobility products division. We aim to replicate this success in the wearables category, by adding more products within the segment as well as growing our distribution touchpoints. In the near future, we endeavour to introduce more brands to expand our wearables portfolio to provide users the freedom of choice,” concluded Soong.