Hong Kong Hosts Inaugural LEAP East 2026

Hong Kong recently hosted the first LEAP East summit at its Convention and Exhibition Centre, drawing over 35,000 participants including technology professionals, policymakers, and investors from 30 nations. The event, held from July 8 to 10, was significant as the first LEAP summit outside Saudi Arabia. It featured 340 speakers, 450 exhibitors, and showcased fields like AI, smart cities, and new energy.

Paul Chan, Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, highlighted the global interest in LEAP East and announced the event's continuation in Hong Kong for the next three years. This underscores Hong Kong's strategic position as a link between China and the world, offering robust IP protection and a stable environment for businesses.

Professor Sun Dong emphasized the growth of the innovation sector in Hong Kong, noting a significant increase in startups since 2021 and high global rankings in innovation and competitiveness. Future collaborations with Saudi Arabia, particularly in innovation and technology, were also discussed.

The summit highlighted Hong Kong's capacity as a 'super connector' in global innovation, aligning with its strategy to leverage finance for economic advancement. Plans are in place for a Hong Kong delegation to visit Saudi Arabia for further cooperation.