Jordan Yeoh had heard of the Canton Fair for a decade. But stepping inside the massive exhibition for the first time was a completely different experience.
The Malaysian fitness creator, who has more than 10 million followers across social media, joined fellow creators from APEC economies on a trip to explore Guangdong ahead of APEC 2026 Economic Leaders’ Meeting. What caught his attention first was the 140th Canton Fair in Guangzhou, showcasing advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
"I don't think it's possible to venture every single thing," Jordan said, struck by the sheer scale of the exhibition.
He had already seen plenty of videos about robots on YouTube and TikTok. Seeing them in person, however, helped him better understand their practical applications, particularly in industrial settings.
For Jordan, these machines are more than futuristic-looking gadgets. They can help industrial workers carry out tasks at scale, offering a different way to approach repetitive work.
"I'm really amazed that China has already achieved this level," he said.
But the tech gadget he most wanted to take home wasn't a robot. It was a pair of AI glasses.
As someone who loves traveling, Jordan sees language as a persistent challenge. He can speak Chinese, but reading it is another matter. Glasses with translation features could help bridge that gap, making it easier to navigate unfamiliar places and communicate across languages.
"I didn't expect this," he said after learning about the glasses' multilingual translation capabilities.
For Jordan, the Canton Fair offered more than an opportunity to browse new products. It turned technology he had previously encountered on a screen into something tangible, practical and connected to everyday life.
And this is just the beginning of the journey. As APEC 2026 approaches, creators from APEC economies will continue exploring Guangdong, discovering the people, places and innovations shaping the region.
Reporter | Li Fangwang
Video & Poster | Xu Anrui
