Expo highlights HK’s connector role

July 9, 2026

Voiceover:

LEAP East 2026 is underway at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, marking the first time that a LEAP conference is being held outside Saudi Arabia. 

The event highlights Hong Kong's role as a unique gateway connecting the Chinese Mainland with the world.

Among the exhibitors is a Saudi digital enterprise specialising in artificial intelligence and data analytics, which aims to expand into the Asia-Pacific market by establishing a presence in Hong Kong.

Saudi digital enterprise Strategic Relations Vice President Majid Saad Alarifi:

One of the important services that we work on in the field is the smart cities.

The smart cities is the most important subject that governments are facing.

Being in Hong Kong is one of the excellent opportunities for us to start with going to East Asia or the Asia Pacific. 

Because we are dealing with a city that is a high-tech city and so advanced and mature in terms of governance, so it is very easy to be the first step for us.

Voiceover:

Local technology companies are playing a prominent role alongside their overseas counterparts.

The Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation, or HKSTP, is participating at the exhibition, showcasing 23 of its park companies within the HKSTP Pavilion.

Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation Chief Marketing Officer Hilda Chan:

It means a lot to Hong Kong, They bring startups back to Hong Kong to understand the ecosystem better, and also for Hong Kong startups to connect with investors, overseas investors, and also business matching with overseas partners as well. It realises the super-connector role for Hong Kong.

Voiceover：

LEAP East 2026 brings together 340 speakers, 450 exhibitors and over 35,000 visitors from 30 countries and regions.

LEAP East 2026, the first LEAP conference to be held outside of Saudi Arabia, highlights Hong Kong’s role as a unique gateway connecting the Chinese Mainland with the world.

Running at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre until tomorrow, the event has brought together 340 speakers, 450 exhibitors and over 35,000 visitors from 30 countries and regions.

Among the exhibitors is a Saudi digital enterprise specialising in artificial intelligence and data analytics. Its Strategic Relations Vice President Majid Saad Alarifi said LEAP East can facilitate the expansion of its overseas business.

He elaborated that with governments showing increasing interest in the smart city concept, Hong Kong, as a high-tech and well-governed place, provides an excellent platform allowing his firm to tap into the Asia-Pacific market.

Meanwhile, at the HKSTP Pavilion set up by the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation, 23 park companies are showcasing their innovations and services. Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation Chief Marketing Officer Hilda Chan stressed that LEAP East realises Hong Kong’s role as a super-connector.

She added that the event has brought startups to Hong Kong so that they can better understand the city's ecosystem, while also allowing Hong Kong startups to connect with overseas investors and find business match-ups.