Rajeev Singh, Managing Director, BenQ Asia, talks about the company’s groundbreaking initiatives and products that are shaping the future of technology in India. From expanding the Make in India campaign to revolutionizing the competitive gaming landscape with cutting-edge esports monitors, Singh discusses BenQ’s innovation and social impact strategy.

Q.1. BenQ recently launched Make in India interactive flat panels. Are there plans to extend the Make in India initiative to other product categories, such as projectors or monitors?

BenQ recently introduced the Google EDLA certified BenQ Board Essential RE04 series, which features interactive flat panel displays designed to enhance communication and learning, offering robust security and access to apps through the official Play Store. These models, proudly made in India, support the Make in India initiative while ensuring accessible and high-quality technology for educational institutions.

Looking ahead, we are exploring the possibility of expanding local manufacturing across our broader range in our B2B projector segment. With strong government support and a favorable business environment, we aim to leverage local resources and talents to continue to offer innovative and high-quality products for the Indian market.

Q.2. With BenQ’s recent launch of India’s first-in-class 540Hz esports monitor, how do you see this product influencing the future of competitive gaming?

BenQ’s introduction of the ZOWIE XL2586X, a 540Hz esports monitor, is set to transform the competitive gaming scene in the country. The monitor is packed with innovations such as new DyAcTM 2 technology and a high-speed Fast TN panel, which redefines clarity and motion responsiveness.

With the 540Hz refresh rate, gamers will experience unprecedented smoothness and reduced motion blur, allowing them to accurately track fast-moving objects. This technological advancement gives esports players a decisive advantage in fast-paced action games, helping them react faster and make split-second decisions with confidence. The Fast TN panel also results in various in-game benefits, such as faster recovery from flash blasts as well as reduced overruns.

Additionally, the XL2586X’s vibrant colors, enhanced by a new vibrant color film, make it easier for gamers to spot enemies, minimizing distractions and improving focus. Its ergonomic design, including a smoother and more precise height adjustment mechanism, ensures gamers maintain a comfortable posture even during long gaming sessions.

As the Indian esports community continues to thrive, the ZOWIE XL2586X will undoubtedly raise the bar in terms of performance and reliability. With this cutting-edge technology, BenQ is poised to raise the level of gaming and inspire a new wave of competitive gamers across the country.

Q.3. As OTT platforms fuel the growing demand for home theater experiences, how is BenQ aligning its 4K laser projectors with consumer expectations, and what key trends are shaping this market?

We largely cater to the home entertainment market with our range of projectors, especially our 4K laser projectors which enhance the home entertainment experience.

Several key trends are shaping this landscape:

Emerging Home Theater Enthusiasts: The rise of streaming platforms has created a new generation of viewers eager to replicate the cinematic experience at home. BenQ projectors deliver exceptional picture quality and vibrant colors, enhancing the viewing experience of high-resolution content.

Versatile technology: Innovations in projector technology, such as short-throw 4K models, for example the X300G, enable large-screen projections even in compact spaces. This adaptability fits various living environments, making home theater more accessible.

Premium AV Systems: Consumers are increasingly seeking premium setups that mimic the atmospheres of a theater. BenQ projectors, when paired with advanced surround sound systems, deliver a complete home theater experience that meets these requirements.

Cost-Effective Home Viewing: With movie theater attendance declining, many consumers are opting for the convenience and savings of home viewing. BenQ’s flagship 4K projectors, such as the W5800, allow viewers to enjoy cinematic experiences without the costs associated with outings.

By aligning our products with current demands and industry trends, offering stunning visuals and adaptable technology, BenQ is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for home theater solutions in an era defined by streaming services and changing consumer preferences.

Q.4. BenQ has a product line dedicated to niche segments such as coding and design monitors, which few brands specifically target. What trends are you seeing in demand for these specialty monitors, and how is BenQ positioning itself to meet the needs of these professionals?

At BenQ, we proactively adapt to the changing needs of specialized markets, particularly coding and design professionals. As technology plays an increasingly vital role in the computing and creative industries, we are able to meet the growing demand for custom-made monitors that precisely meet the unique requirements of these users.

For programmers, BenQ’s RD series, like the recently launched RD280U, exemplifies this direction. This monitor features a unique 3:2 aspect ratio, which improves vertical workspace, ideal for coding tasks. It includes specialized coding modes that improve text clarity and eye-care technologies designed to reduce eye strain during long coding sessions. These features are specifically designed for programmers, ensuring an optimized working environment that improves productivity and comfort.
In design, the demand for high-quality displays has increased as designers increasingly use macOS devices like iMacs and MacBooks. BenQ’s PD3225U monitor meets this need with its 4K resolution and color accuracy, making it suitable for professionals who need accurate color representation to bring their works to life. The monitor’s capabilities support a growing community of designers who are looking for displays that can handle complex graphics work while maintaining compatibility with their existing Apple devices.

Overall, BenQ’s commitment to developing monitors tailored to these specialized segments reflects a deep understanding of market trends and user needs, positioning the brand as a leader in providing effective solutions to programmers and designers .

Q.5. How are BenQ interactive flat panel displays contributing to the digitalization of education in India, and what impact have you seen in bridging the digital divide and improving learning outcomes in schools?

BenQ’s interactive flat panel displays contribute significantly to the digitalization of education in India. By digitizing more than 400,000 classrooms, BenQ plays a crucial role in transforming traditional learning environments into engaging and interactive spaces.

Key contributions:

Classroom Digitization: Over the past 20 years, BenQ has focused on integrating technology into classrooms, making education more accessible and interactive. This commitment has been instrumental in improving the quality of education at the local level.

Improved learning outcomes: The use of interactive panels has led to a remarkable increase in student engagement by incorporating gamified learning experiences. These technologies have significantly improved the attention span of students, making learning more enjoyable and effective.

Community Engagement: The impact extends beyond students and touches the entire community. Events such as Chandrayan’s moon landing brought families together, fostering a collective learning experience and increasing community interest in education.

Empowering Educators: Teacher training sessions have led to a significant shift in teaching methodologies, with over 50% of educators moving from traditional boards to interactive panels. This empowerment encourages innovative teaching practices and continuing professional development.

Overall, BenQ’s initiatives aim to not only digitize education but also create a sustainable model that improves learning outcomes and narrows the digital divide in India. A focus on access to technology in classrooms is reshaping the educational landscape for disadvantaged children, ensuring they receive a quality education and access to modern learning tools.