The Japan Times - GTDC Summit APJ 2025 Highlights the Future of Distribution, AI and the Circular Economy

SINGAPORE, SG / ACCESS Newswire / November 18, 2025 / Regional technology channel leaders met this week for the 2nd Annual Summit APJ event, hosted by the Global Technology Distribution Council (GTDC), the world's largest consortium of technology distributors. This year's conference welcomed executives from some of the world's leading distributors, vendors, analysts, media and other organizations to converse and collaborate on several important industry topics. Summit APJ speakers emphasized the unique capabilities of distribution and how its investments will orchestrate the IT ecosystems of the future. With new technology-enabling programs, digital marketplaces and alliances with hyperscalers, distributors are empowering the current and next generation of vendors and partners.

The economic and cultural diversity of the APJ region was also acknowledged in keynote discussions and panel discussions, with speakers highlighting the distinct needs and opportunities for channel organizations in this area, as well as how distributors expand the global sales, branding and partnership opportunities for the vendor community. Providing valued support for emerging markets and innovative technologies is one of the long-proven capabilities of these vital channel orchestrators.

The APJ region has shown unexpected resilience in 2025 despite global trade tensions and shifting tariffs. Growth has been strong, with many countries posting robust GDP figures. However, that export boom was fueled by "front-loading" (firms rushing orders ahead of tariff deadlines); a drop-off is expected in countries that will be affected by those changes

"Technology distributors are force multipliers for vendors and solution providers, scaling sales and partner communities and overcoming regional and in-country challenges," said Ananth Lazarus, Managing Director of APJ for GTDC. "Their enablement programs and alliance development and integration capabilities provide strategic value that ensures success across diverse markets."

Considerable investments help distributors reshape and refine their operations and increase support for these invaluable communities.

"Distributors must continually evaluate the needs of their collective IT ecosystems and innovate to provide even greater value to their vendor and solution provider partners," said Frank Vitagliano, CEO of GTDC during his opening remarks. "Our research shows that those investments are paying off as distributors evolve their capabilities to meet the future needs of channel organizations and the customers they support, especially with increasing complexities with AI and cybersecurity."

More Key Takeaways from Summit APJ

This year's event highlighted the tech ecosystem of the future and the evolving role of IT distribution, including the continued growth of the tech sector in Southeast Asia and India. Here are highlights of other insightful Summit APJ sessions:

• Dominique Deklerck of GTDC shared updates on sustainability-related topics in a pre-day session at Summit APJ. The discussion covered recent regulatory changes and best practices for adapting to the circular economy, in addition to insight on the Digital Product Passport (DPP), EPEAT, CSRD and other related topics.

The council's next global event GTDC Summit North America, February 18^th-19^th, 2026, at the Mission Pacific & Seabird Resort in Oceanside, CA. Register now or go to the GTDC events page for more information.

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About the GTDC

The Global Technology Distribution Council is the industry consortium representing the world's leading tech distributors. GTDC members drive more than $180 billion in annual worldwide sales of products, services and solutions through diverse business channels. GTDC conferences support the development and expansion of strategic supply-chain partnerships that continually address the fast-changing marketplace needs of vendors, end customers and distributors. GTDC members include AB S.A, Arrow Electronics, CMS Distribution, Computer Gross Italia, D&H Distributing, ELKO, Esprinet, Exclusive Networks, Exertis, Infinigate, Ingram Micro, Intcomex, Logicom, Mindware, ​ ​Redington Limited, SiS Technologies, Tarsus, TD SYNNEX, TIM AG, VSTECS Holdings and Westcon-Comstor.

For additional information or to schedule interviews

Anita Lussenburg
Global Technology Distribution Council
[email protected]
+31621585878

SOURCE: Global Technology Distribution Council

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M.Fujitav--JT