On July 14, 2020, Sharp Electronics (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (SEM) held a press conference, followed by dealer convention introducing its latest remote life solutions looking on to the New Normal of today.

(left) Press Conference (right) scene from Dealers’ convention

Both events were conducted mainly online, including virtual attendance of executives stationed in Japan and Thailand.

Yoshihiro Hashimoto, Senior Executive Managing Officer, Head of Overseas Business of Sharp Corporation joined from Japan and delivered his pre-recorded speech to the attendees, sending thoughts and prayers to those affected by the pandemic. Mr. Hashimoto also attended the Q&A session live online.

Mr. Hashimoto virtually delivering his speech to the media

Following, Robert Wu, Sharp Executive Managing Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, ASEAN Business and Chairman of SEM, joining from Thailand, explained the aim of the event.

“SHARP continues to be a leading provider of innovative solutions with a legacy in Malaysia spanning 35 years. We constantly innovate solutions to help consumers address the challenges of today. Over the past few months, the whole world has been driven to adopt digital solutions faster than we’ve ever seen before. Given the current emphasis on seamless communication and safety of consumers as we embrace the ‘new normal’, the introduction of SHARP’s Remote Life concept this year is intentional and timely for smarter and connected environments in classrooms and offices.”

Mr. Wu virtually delivering his speech from Thailand to Malaysian dealers

SEM unveiled its new Remote Life concept as a highlight of the virtual convention, focusing on seamless communication and safety of users. The concept comprises three solutions for three key areas namely, Remote Meeting for businesses, SHARP Remote Education Systems for classrooms and Remote Lifestyle for the general user or household to operate effectively and safely in the new normal.

Remote Meeting exhibit

To support the recovery of businesses within its dealer network, SEM also took to opportunity to introduce its new e-commerce platform, eSHARP, at the virtual convention. Setting itself apart, SHARP developed eSHARP to drive revenue back to dealers.

introducing ‘second-floor’ retail space concept of esharp.com.my

“Amid safety and health concerns, we understand our customers want better access to their favourite SHARP products. Our eSHARP platform represents a ‘second floor’ retail business concept for our customers to shop at and extend our authorised dealers’ physical store presence and compliment their business. Customers are assured of a secure online shopping experience and peace of mind knowing the quality of genuine SHARP products from authorised dealers. This new business strategy will help our dealers gain online revenue and enhance customer engagement,” explained Wu.

In view of the current social economic environment, SEM understands the consumer’s need for affordability alongside quality solutions. SEM announced at the virtual convention its plans to debut a new *product line-up including its signature BIG AQUOS TV range and home appliances this year. Determined to grow its market share, SHARP also highlighted its partnership with BACFREE® to introduce water products. The partnership will complement SHARP’s ‘Air of Confidence’ Solutions comprising of Air Purifiers, Air Conditioners and Air Cooler products fitted with Plasmacluster technology.

Not only was the event a success in introducing SEM’s new solutions to the ever-changing market, it was also an opportunity to show a new style of carrying out events online with virtual reality technology. Utilizing carefully planned staging and pre-recorded speeches and actions, the members attending the event seemed to be actually speaking and performing in front of the audience, while maintaining social distancing and caring for the health and safety of everyone.

virtual shootings at each location and actual image shown at the event