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Asia Pioneer Entertainment Holdings Limited has added Japan to its overseas licensing plans as the Macau-based gaming equipment supplier pursues approvals in the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Japan.
The Hong Kong-listed group said in its interim report that it had submitted an application to become a licensed supplier in the UAE and expected a response during the 2H of 2026. Approval would allow the company to supply electronic gaming equipment to casinos opening in the market.
In Singapore, APE is working with its manufacturing partners to obtain the required licences for their electronic gaming equipment products. The group is also applying for a supplier licence in Japan ahead of the country’s planned integrated resort openings.
Licensing Applications Underway
The 3 markets form the main focus of APE’s current overseas licensing push. The UAE application is awaiting a response, while the Singapore process involves working with manufacturing partners on product licenses.
Japan has now been added to the company’s plans as it seeks supplier approval before the country’s planned integrated resorts open. APE has not provided a timetable for a decision on its Singapore or Japan applications.
The company’s overseas plans are linked to its electronic gaming equipment business. APE said it was also looking to expand beyond its core EGE portfolio by distributing casino operations and gaming floor management solutions.
Macau Remains Main Revenue Source
The overseas expansion comes as APE remains heavily dependent on Macau. The market generated HK$33.34 million (US$4.27 million) of the company’s HK$33.94 million (US$4.35 million) in first-half revenue.
Revenue for the 6 months ended June 30 rose by 47.3% year-on-year. Profit and total comprehensive income increased to HK$2.3 million (US$295,000), from HK$24,959 (US$3,200) in the prior-year period.
The figures show that Macau continues to provide almost all of APE’s first-half revenue, even as the company seeks approvals in 3 overseas markets.
EGE Sales Drive Growth
Technical sales and distribution of electronic gaming equipment remained the company’s main growth driver. Revenue from the business increased by 56.2% year-on-year to HK$30.1 million (US$3.86 million).
APE expects continued new and replacement orders from Macau casino operators to support stronger performance in the 2H of 2026. The expected orders provide the company with a source of near-term activity while its overseas licensing applications remain under review.
The EGE business is therefore supporting both the company’s current revenue base and its expansion plans. APE is seeking to retain demand from Macau while preparing to supply equipment in markets where approvals may create new opportunities.
Broader Product Offering Planned
APE’s overseas strategy is not limited to distributing electronic gaming equipment. The company is also looking to distribute casino operations and gaming floor management solutions.
The proposed expansion would add products and services to the company’s existing EGE portfolio. APE’s applications in the UAE, Singapore, and Japan are focused on supplier access, while the planned broader offering would cover casino operations and gaming floor management.
Overseas Growth Remains At Application Stage
APE has submitted its UAE supplier application and expects a response during the 2H of 2026. In Singapore, it continues working with manufacturing partners to secure required product licences, while its Japan supplier application is being pursued ahead of planned integrated resort openings.
Macau remains the company’s dominant market, and continued new and replacement orders there are expected to support second-half performance. The overseas licensing push gives APE potential access to the UAE, Singapore, and Japan, but those opportunities remain subject to the relevant approvals.
Source: Asia Gaming Brief
