The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) has concluded the highly successful LEAP East 2026, marking the Asian debut of Saudi Arabia's premier technology conference brand. The event, held over three days, utilized over 35,000 square meters of rentable space across Hall 1 and Hall 3. It brought together 300 startups and 600 investors, collectively representing over US$6.5 trillion in assets under management. The summit attracted more than 25,000 professionals, policymakers, and investors, with a participation mix of 55% international and Chinese Mainland attendees and 45% local participants.
Ms Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of HML, highlighted the event's significance: "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 HML has welcomed major Asian debuts or city's first-ever events this year, all showing a strong desire to return to HKCEC with larger floor space and bigger crowds. LEAP East is among those confirmed to return.
Ms Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President of Tahaluf and co-creator of LEAP, emphasized the synergies between Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong: "LEAP East is far more than just an event; it is a bridge to the wider technology ecosystem. We see immense synergies between Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong, particularly in their shared ambitions and thriving technology hubs across AI, FinTech, and beyond." She praised HKCEC's facilities, including halal dining options, bilateral meeting rooms, and prayer facilities, as ideal for fostering collaboration.
The success of LEAP East underscores Hong Kong's position as a premier MICE hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. HML has also earned the distinction of being the first venue accredited as a Gold-standard Muslim-Friendly MICE Venue, contributing to the event's success. With a three-year exclusive deal secured, LEAP East is set to return to HKCEC in 2027, reinforcing the city's global leadership in innovation and technology. For more information, visit HKCEC.
