The inaugural LEAP East 2026 concluded at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on July 10, drawing more than 35,000 technology professionals, policymakers, and investors from 30 countries and regions. This three-day event, the first LEAP summit held outside Saudi Arabia, featured over 340 speakers, 450 exhibitors, and more than 400 investors, focusing on artificial intelligence, deep tech, smart cities, and new energy industries.
Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, emphasized the significance of the turnout at the opening ceremony. He noted that the conference will continue to be held in Hong Kong for the next three years, underscoring the deepening partnership between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. Other top officials present included Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSARG, and Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia.
Chan highlighted Hong Kong's unique position as a gateway connecting the Chinese Mainland with the world. 'Hong Kong is perhaps the only city in the world that connects seamlessly to both the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world at the same time,' he said. He pointed to Hong Kong's common law system, robust intellectual property protection, free port status, free flow of capital, goods, talent, and data, and simple low taxes as foundations for business and creativity. Chan invited Saudi and Gulf enterprises to use Hong Kong as an international fundraising and risk-management platform, and committed to strengthening cooperation in innovation, infrastructure, green technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and professional services.
Professor Sun Dong noted that the HKSARG's innovation and technology efforts are yielding results, with the number of start-ups surging by 40% since 2021 to 5,200 in 2025. He cited Hong Kong's top rankings: first globally in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster in the Global Innovation Index 2025, fourth globally in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2025, and second globally in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026. Hong Kong also led the world in IPOs in 2025, with 119 listings raising about US$35 billion. Professor Sun met with Minister Alswaha to discuss I&T collaborations between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia.
Chan revealed plans to lead a Hong Kong delegation to Saudi Arabia later this year, including leading companies in infrastructure, green tech, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, plus finance and professional services professionals, to explore concrete projects and further partnership. The event was organized by Brand Hong Kong, with more information available at Brand Hong Kong's website.
