Momentum is building behind the inaugural Hong Kong edition of LEAP East, after Saudi technology heavyweights NHC Innovation and stc confirmed their participation in the global technology event scheduled for July 2026.
LEAP East will make its first appearance in Hong Kong from 8 to 10 July 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, positioning the city as a strategic meeting point for technology leaders, investors and policymakers from Saudi Arabia, the Asia-Pacific region and international markets. Organisers say the event is designed to facilitate high-level dialogue, deal-making and cross-border business collaboration at a time of accelerating digital transformation.
The event is co-organised by Tahaluf, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), and the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity Programming and Drones (SAFCSP). Together, the partners aim to replicate the success of LEAP’s established Riyadh editions while tailoring the Hong Kong programme to the priorities of APAC markets.
According to organisers, LEAP East will feature more than 300 expert speakers and 300 exhibitors, covering a broad range of technologies and sectors. Topics set to be explored include fintech, gaming, robotics, artificial intelligence, smart cities, digital transformation and Web3, with demonstrations and discussions intended to showcase practical, multi-disciplinary applications.
As interest grows, stc has signed on as a Digital Enabler for the event, while NHC Innovation will participate as a Future Tech & Innovation Partner. Their involvement underscores the appetite among Saudi firms to expand their footprint across Asia-Pacific and beyond, using Hong Kong as a gateway to regional markets.
A number of international and regional organisations have already been confirmed as partners. These include Elm as Strategic Sponsor, ewpartners as Strategic Partner, and the Fintech Association of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Tourism Board as Supporting Partners. Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund and VS Partners have also joined as Supporting Partners.
Organisers believe the event will further reinforce Hong Kong’s credentials as a global technology hub, supported by the backing of MCIT and Saudi institutions seeking deeper commercial ties with APAC economies. The platform is widely viewed as a bridge between two fast-growing innovation ecosystems.
While the full speaker lineup will be announced later in January, 65 speakers from 25 sectors have already been confirmed. They include Abdullah Alswaha, Alpha Lau, Cindy Chow, Michael Spranger, Ted Suen, and Sunghyun Park, alongside senior executives from finance, venture capital and research institutions.
Networking is expected to be a central feature of LEAP East, with curated events such as LEAP East Nights designed to encourage relationship-building in some of Hong Kong’s most prominent venues. The programme will also include immersive experiences and technology-led installations aimed at showcasing emerging innovation.
Dr. Allan Zeman, Chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group, said: “I’m excited to participate in the LEAP East conference and engage with thought leaders and innovators from diverse fields. The opportunity to share insights and explore new frontiers in technology and sustainability is invaluable. Having LEAP come to Hong Kong is a significant milestone, as it highlights our city’s role as a hub for transformative ideas and collaborations in the Asia-Pacific region. I look forward to contributing to discussions that will shape our future.”
Sunghyun Park added: “With LEAP coming to Asia, we’re witnessing the fusion of two of the world’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems. MENA’s bold vision and AI leadership, paired with APAC’s engineering excellence, are setting the stage for breakthroughs that transcend borders. At Rebellions, we’re proud to help shape this global AI future.”
Building on LEAP’s four editions in Riyadh, LEAP East will also host a comprehensive startup and investor programme, including pitch competitions, investor matchmaking and curated roundtables. Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President and Co-creator of LEAP at Tahaluf, said: “LEAP East brings together three of the world’s most influential innovation and investment markets – Saudi Arabia, China, and Hong Kong – creating a platform where technology, capital, and long-term ambition converge,” adding that the event would “enable high-value cross-border partnerships, and open new pathways for growth between East and West.”
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