The inaugural LEAP East, the first edition of Saudi Arabia's premier technology conference held outside the Middle East, concluded successfully at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), marking the city's largest-ever inaugural technology event. The three-day summit, which utilized over 35,000 square meters across Hall 1 and Hall 3, attracted more than 25,000 professionals, policymakers, and investors, with 55% coming from international and Chinese Mainland sources and 45% from local participants.
The event served as a global bridge, bringing together 300 startups and 600 investors representing over US$6.5 trillion in assets under management. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (HML) celebrated the historic debut, highlighting the strategic collaboration between the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ms Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of HML, stated, "The resounding success of LEAP East perfectly demonstrates Hong Kong's strategic role as a 'super-connector' and 'super value-adder' bridging economies, innovation, capital, and cultures." She noted that the event has shown strong desire to return with larger floor space, bigger crowds, and bolder ideas, and expressed delight that LEAP East is among events returning next year.
Ms Lee-Müller emphasized HML's commitment to supporting Hong Kong's strategic development by positioning HKCEC as a leading platform for diverse industries to showcase achievements and unlock opportunities. The venue plays a pivotal role in reinforcing Hong Kong's status as the premier MICE hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and serves as a gateway for Chinese Mainland enterprises to connect internationally. HML has proactively introduced Muslim-friendly facilities and services, earning HKCEC the distinction of being the first venue accredited as a Gold-standard Muslim-Friendly MICE Venue, contributing to the success of LEAP East.
Ms Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President of Tahaluf and co-creator of LEAP, commented on the synergies between Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong, particularly in AI, FinTech, and other technology sectors. She noted that Hong Kong was the natural choice to launch LEAP outside the Middle East, and HKCEC proved to be the ideal venue, providing outstanding halal dining options, dedicated bilateral meeting rooms, and prayer facilities. HML applauds Tahaluf's commitment to making Hong Kong the exclusive Asian host city for LEAP East through a three-year run, with the event set to return to HKCEC in 2027.
The success of LEAP East reinforces Hong Kong's position as a global innovation and technology hub. For more information about the HKCEC, visit http://www.hkcec.com or follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/hong-kong-convention-and-exhibition-centre/ and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HKCECofficial/.
