LEAP sparks global expansion hopes

July 10, 2026

Voiceover : 
After receiving an order, this robot booth assistant immediately heads off to fetch the item.

Developed by a Mainland technology enterprise, the robot is on duty at LEAP East 2026. This marks the first time the distinguished technology conference is being held outside Saudi Arabia, with Hong Kong chosen as the host city.

A Mainland exhibitor said that the event is a major springboard for Chinese innovation and technology firms to expand overseas.

He also highlighted that LEAP East maintains deep ties to the Middle East, and that its debut in Hong Kong is expected to attract government organisations, investors and buyers from the region and around the world.

With the exhibition locked in to return to Hong Kong for the next three years, the exhibitor said this long-term association offers firms like his a valuable gateway to global markets, while allowing local startups to gain massive exposure. 

This Hong Kong-based startup, founded about six years ago, specialises in robotic automation solutions and collaboration platforms.

Founder San Wong said that the domestic market is limited in scale, and that he hoped to leverage the exhibition to tap into international markets, particularly the Middle East.

Local technology startup Founder San Wong : 
LEAP is an exhibition that is very focused on the Middle East. A couple of years back then, we (had) a client from Germany and they were actually running oil infrastructure back in the Middle East. They saw that we had some products that could help robots automate in the process.

Back then, we actually did not have that kind of product yet, we were still in the research and development phase of the whole progress. So right now, after we have the product ready, we feel like we are more ready to have international deployment in the Middle East or other countries. And that is why we are very excited to be reconnected with the whole Middle East region with our product.

The inaugural LEAP East 2026 technology exhibition concludes today, with exhibitors noting that the event has provided a premier platform for innovation and technology firms to expand overseas. Held at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, LEAP East 2026 brought together 450 exhibitors and over 35,000 visitors from 30 countries and regions.

A Mainland exhibitor highlighted that LEAP East maintains deep ties to the Middle East. Its debut in Hong Kong is expected to attract government organisations, investors and buyers from the region and across the globe.

With the exhibition set to run in Hong Kong for the next three years, the exhibitor said this long-term commitment serves as a valuable gateway to global markets while allowing local start-ups massive exposure.

Among the participants was a Hong Kong-based start-up that specialises in robotic automation solutions and collaboration platforms. Founded about six years ago, the firm seek to leverage the platform to scale its business internationally.

Founder San Wong said that the domestic market is limited in scale and he hoped to leverage the exhibition to tap into international markets, particularly the Middle East.

“LEAP is an exhibition that is very focused on the Middle East,” Mr Wong said. “A couple of years back, we had a client from Germany and they were actually running oil infrastructure in the Middle East. They saw that we had some products that could help robots automate the process,” he explained.

He added that his company was still in the research and development phase at the time and lacked the finalised product. “Now, after we have the product ready, we feel like we are more ready to have international deployment in the Middle East and other countries. We are very excited to reconnect with the whole Middle East region through our product,” he said.