The SportsWorld Malaysia team recently had the opportunity to delve into the latest trends and innovations shaping the fitness and sports equipment landscape at the TaiSPO 2025 exhibition in Taipei. Following the strong international turnout highlighted in our previous coverage, our visit focused on exploring specific exhibitors who are pushing boundaries in technology, sustainability, and user experience. Here are our key takeaways from engaging with six noteworthy companies at the forefront of the industry.
Our first stop was at the booth of JIH KAO ENTERPRISE CO., LTD (JKEXER), a veteran fitness equipment manufacturer established in 1981. With a long history as an industry pioneer, JKEXER showcased their commitment to innovation by focusing on unique features rather than solely competing on price. We were particularly intrigued by their hike and climb treadmill, a testament to their forward-thinking approach, which had previously garnered a d&i award in 2019. Another standout product was their working and workout treadmill, a recipient of the Taiwan Excellent Award, highlighting their ability to blend productivity with fitness. Interestingly, JKEXER also presented a stepper and squat machine, a compact and versatile piece of equipment catering to varied workout routines. For the Malaysian market, which sees a growing interest in home fitness solutions, JKEXER’s emphasis on feature-rich, quality equipment could resonate well with individuals looking for durable and innovative workout options.
Next, we visited SPORTSART INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD., a company with roots as an OEM since 1977 that made a significant shift in 2012 by introducing its eco-friendly product line, the SA ECO-POWR range. These unique pieces of gym equipment operate without motors or electricity, harnessing the user’s energy during workouts. What makes this truly innovative is the integrated system that allows gym owners to track the energy generated by their members and even reward them. Members can also utilize a dedicated app to monitor their power output and savings. While SportsArt currently has a distributor in Malaysia, they expressed interest in exploring new partnerships to expand their reach. Given the increasing global awareness of sustainability, SportsArt’s ECO-POWR line presents a compelling option for eco-conscious gyms and fitness enthusiasts in Malaysia, potentially aligning with a growing demand for green fitness solutions.
At the JOHNSON HEALTH TECH. CO., LTD. booth, the focus was on premium quality and technological integration. Their ONYX range stood out as their ultra-premium offering, emphasizing enhanced integration with operator applications. Alongside ONYX, they also highlighted their MATRIX (Performance Plus) and VISION Fitness lines, catering to different market segments. A key message from Johnson was their flexibility, allowing customers to pair premium consoles with more budget-friendly base units within the Vision Fitness range, which prioritizes reliability and simplicity. Impressively, they also touted a belt life of 164,000 kilometers on some of their treadmills, underscoring their commitment to durability. For the Malaysian market, where both high-end and value-conscious consumers exist, Johnson’s diverse product range and emphasis on reliability could be a significant draw.
Our exploration continued with DYACO INTERNATIONAL INC., a company that began as a trading firm in 1990 and has since evolved into a multi-brand fitness equipment provider. Their portfolio includes Sole Fitness (their high-end brand), Spirit (mid-range), and Xterra (entry-level), as well as a dedicated commercial line. Interestingly, Dyaco also ventures into fitness equipment for medical exercise facilities, showcasing a diversification beyond traditional fitness equipment. This multi-tiered approach could appeal to a broad spectrum of the Malaysian market, from home users seeking affordable options to fitness centers requiring robust commercial-grade equipment. The inclusion of a high-end brand like Sole Fitness might also attract more discerning consumers.
The TAIWAN TEXTILE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (TTRI) offered a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of textiles and sports technology. They showcased several innovative products, including the Graphene Active Support line, leveraging the unique properties of graphene for enhanced performance and recovery. The AFC Odor Free Towel highlighted advancements in hygiene and material science. Perhaps most intriguing was their AIQ Smart Clothing, which allows users to gather various biometric data through embedded sensors. The accompanying app is customizable, enabling data collection for different sports activities. Another noteworthy innovation was the CompaKnee Health Care Circuit Fabric Knee Pad, representing a holistic approach that integrates fabric technology with software and device applications for knee health. For the Malaysian market, particularly athletes and fitness enthusiasts, TTRI’s focus on data-driven apparel and support wear could be highly relevant, especially with the increasing popularity of wearable technology.
Finally, we visited the IAPS NYCU booth, representing the Asia Pacific Sports Platform Network, a hub for showcasing cutting-edge sports technology startups and innovations. This vibrant space featured a diverse range of companies, including Pongfox (table tennis robot), AI Gym, Wave Company (Korea, smart wearables and physio tech), Taiwan Redeye Biomedical Inc, Eopi Co., Ltd (dive computer), Galerdo Inc (tracking system), Longgood Meditech Ltd (GaitBest for gait analysis), Motive Realities Ltd (Doggie Walk Adventure – for pet fitness), and Aquivio Co., Ltd (Hydration Station with alkaline hydrogen water and customizable infusions). This collective showcased the immense potential of technology to enhance athletic performance, recovery, and even recreational activities. For the Malaysian market, which is increasingly embracing technology in various aspects of life, these innovations could spark interest among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and even those involved in niche sports like diving. The presence of gait analysis technology and smart wearables aligns with the growing trend of personalized training and performance monitoring.
Our visit to TaiSPO 2025 provided valuable insights into the direction the sports and fitness industry is heading. From sustainable power generation to smart textiles and AI-driven training tools, the innovations on display highlighted a commitment to enhancing user experience, promoting well-being, and embracing technological advancements. We look forward to seeing how these trends and products will evolve and potentially impact the Malaysian sports and fitness landscape.
