On October 17, 2024, Hong Kong hosted the annual elevator and escalator information conference organized by the Pacific Asia Lift and Escalator Association (PALEA). The event brought together various representatives from agencies, organizations, and elevator associations across the region, alongside leaders from member manufacturers and elevator companies.

Representing Vietnam at the conference were Mr Ha Tat Thang, Director of the Department of Occupational Safety at the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs; Mr Nguyen Hai Duc, President of the Vietnam Elevator Association (VNEA); and Dr Nguyen Duc Hanh, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Lift Engineering Application (VILEA, part of VNEA).

The conference featured leading elevator experts from the region and internationally who presented and shared the latest research and pressing issues facing the elevator industry both in the Asia-Pacific and globally.

Mr. Eric Darmenia, Secretary of PALEA, introduced the program and delivered a welcome address

At this conference, Dr Nguyen Duc Hanh, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Lift Engineering Application (VILEA) under the Vietnam Elevator Association (VNEA), introduced VNEA’s initiative to develop the elevator safety app – ESA.

This is Vietnam’s first intelligent technology platform designed to connect and provide elevator rescue, maintenance, and repair services between users, technicians, and elevator companies.

ESA is built with a user-centered approach, making it more than just a tool for calling elevator rescue or repair services. It serves as a platform for users to rate service quality directly, helping improve standards and fostering healthy competition among companies.

For technicians, ESA enables direct connection with customers, offering flexibility in service timing and location while empowering technicians with active, skill-based income opportunities.

Dr. Nguyen Duc Hanh presented a report at PALEA’s annual elevator and escalator information conference

On the other hand, ESA offers businesses an effective way to reach new customers, establish brand credibility through positive reviews, and provide competitive products and services. Additionally, ESA enables companies to connect with a nationwide network of technicians, optimizing internal resources.

With ESA, elevator industry operations become more transparent and efficient, enhancing public safety.

“Through ESA, regulatory authorities can closely monitor company activities, assess technician capabilities, and gather public feedback. This supports the development of scientifically grounded, effective policies for the elevator industry,” said Dr. Nguyen Duc Hanh.

Mr. Nguyen Hai Duc, President of the Vietnam Elevator Association, stated that the ESA initiative significantly contributes to modernizing Vietnam’s elevator industry. This application benefits users and promotes a competitive safety solutions environment, enhancing service provision among technicians and businesses.

Also addressing the issue of elevator services, Mr. Sunder Neelakandan, a member of PALEA, stated that the Asia-Pacific region is facing an urgent demand for elevator technicians. With the increasing number of elevators, ensuring that each one is maintained and repaired according to regulations poses a significant challenge.

Forecasts suggest that by 2030, the demand for elevator technicians will continue to rise, necessitating that countries in the region invest heavily in training and developing a high-quality workforce in this field.

Mr. Sunder Neelakandan, a PALEA representative, assessed that maintaining the effective operation of the installed elevators in the Asia-Pacific region presents a significant challenge as the number of elevators continues to grow. At the same time, workforce expansion in this sector has not kept pace.

The launch of the ESA is a technological solution and a practical effort to create a shared technician resource system, addressing the growing need for elevator services.

Alongside VNEA’s initiative, conference presentations also focused on refining industry standards and regulations for elevators within the region and globally, broadening discussions to critical issues such as safety, sustainability, and industry trends.

International experts provided valuable insights that clarified the elevator industry’s current state and developmental trajectory, both regionally and globally.