India shines at inaugural ASEAN Printing and Packaging Forum

The event, titled Beijing – Capptide, marked a new chapter of international cooperation, bringing together global industry leaders, scholars, and innovators to discuss the future of printing and packaging through the lens of technology, sustainability, and collaboration. The Capptide was a platform of purpose, attracting participation from renowned institutions and organisations across the globe. Supported by 12 prestigious institutions, including BIGC, the Printing and Printing Equipment Industries Association of China (PEIAC), and endorsed by international bodies like the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, the ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology, and India’s very own All India Federation of Printers and Packagers (AIFPP), the event carried immense global significance.

With a theme that resonated across borders, Innovation Driven, AI Enabled and Committed to Win-Win Cooperation, the forum sought to address how technological advancement, combined with collaborative spirit, can reshape the future of the printing and packaging sectors. The forum featured 13 distinguished speakers from China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brazil, Thailand, Singapore and India. Each speaker presented thoughtful research and case studies on the emerging trends, breakthroughs, and the pressing need for sustainable solutions in the industry. Prominent names included Prof Kang Jincheng, Liu Zhongqing, and Tan Ming from China; Prof Nguyen Long Giang from Vietnam; Cheong Kok Wai and Dr. Mathialagan Muniyadi from Malaysia; and Ho Yeow Liang from Singapore, among others. Their presentations collectively painted a vibrant picture of a sector at the crossroads of tradition and transformation, one that is poised to embrace change like never before.

In this stellar gathering of global intellect and innovation, Prof Kamal Mohan Chopra held the Indian flag high, representing not just the country, but the collective aspirations of over 250,000 printing establishments and nearly three million workers engaged in the Indian print value chain. 

Known globally for his relentless efforts in uplifting the printing community and promoting India’s capabilities on international platforms, Prof Chopra’s participation was symbolic of India’s growing leadership in this critical industrial segment. His research paper, titled, Status of Printing Enterprises in India, provided a deep and analytical overview of the current state of the Indian printing industry. He detailed the shifts in market behaviour, the increasing embrace of digital printing technologies, and the ongoing integration of AI, robotics, and automation in printing processes. Prof Chopra also shed light on the challenges, like fragmentation, skill gaps, and capital limitations that still hinder many micro and small printing enterprises across India. But his message was clear and hopeful: India is not just adapting, it is innovating. From print-on-demand and green printing technologies to 3D printing and packaging automation, Indian enterprises are aligning themselves with global trends, and in many cases, even setting new benchmarks.