An undated file photo shows Charles K. Kao Auditorium, commonly known as the Golden Egg, the principal landmark of the Hong Kong Science Park. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and the Hong Kong Cyberport will make a splash at LEAP 2024, a prominent tech event hosted by Saudi Arabia, showcasing the startup ecosystem in Hong Kong and fostering business partnerships amid a Saudi and Middle East tech boom and China’s new phase of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The two entities, Hong Kong’s major technology and innovation promotion hubs, are collaborating to co-host the first-ever Hong Kong Pavilion at LEAP, whose third annual edition will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, from March 4 to 7.
The conference and exhibition, which is Saudi Arabia’s largest tech event, will see Hong Kong participants showcasing 16 cutting-edge technologies to visitors, marking a significant milestone for the Hong Kong information and technology industry on the global stage.
Our mission is to propel success by advancing in the journey from research to commercialization, from innovation to financial success, for both home-grown and international startups.
Albert Wong Hak-keung, CEO of HKSTP
Eight forward-looking startups and tech ventures from HKSTP will be featured at the Hong Kong Pavilion, with cutting-edge innovation from sectors such as biotech, health tech, logistics, AI, robotics, and new energy.
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The sci-tech park aims to promote partnerships with Saudi businesses and inject new energy into BRI, the China-led infrastructure development program that encompasses over 180 countries and international organizations, including many in the Middle East.
CEO of HKSTP Albert Wong Hak-keung said, “HKSTP's participation in LEAP 2024 signifies our commitment to leaping into new worlds and embracing the new cradle of global innovation, which is multilateral and impactful. Our mission is to propel success by advancing in the journey from research to commercialization, from innovation to financial success, for both home-grown and international startups.”
A golden era of innovation and technology is emerging in Hong Kong, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and across Asia, Wong said. “We see incredible co-innovation potential in the joining of our two ecosystems in Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia.”
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HKSTP Pavilion will mimic Hong Kong's iconic I&T landmark – the "Golden Egg". (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
Hong Kong's vibrant startup scene ranks first in Asia among the Top 100 Emerging Ecosystems, with the city’s startup ecosystem estimated to be worth $70 billion, twice the global average, according to a study. Meanwhile, the Saudi tech market reached a size of $40 billion by the end of 2022, solidifying its position as the largest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
As part of the LEAP 2024 event, HKSTP will host a high-profile discussion focused on the growing biotech and health-tech sectors, which are key areas for collaboration as both Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia have prioritized them as pillars for economic diversification and future growth.
Titled “Hong Kong Healthtech Innovations Driving Global Transformation for Generations to Come” the panel event will be moderated by HKSTP CEO Wong and will feature leaders in the Hong Kong biotech and health-tech innovation scene, including Samuel Au, president of Cornerstone Robotics; Chi Man Lam, founder and CEO of Applied Technology Group; and Zhu Tian, co-founder and CEO of GenEditBio.
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Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communication, Information and Technology (MCIT) Abdullah Alswaha visited the HKSTP during the "One Gateway Shared Vision - Hong Kong Special Administrative Region x Kingdom of Saudi Arabia" event in July last year, presenting opportunities for tech companies, start-ups and talent.
Supported by the Saudi ministry, LEAP 2024 is expected to deepen cooperation among technology sectors in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Saudi Arabia and fortify ties between the two sides.
