HONG KONG – The LEAP East 2026 opened on Wednesday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, marking the first time the globally recognized LEAP technology platform has expanded beyond Saudi Arabia into the Asia-Pacific region.

The three-day summit, running from July 8 to 10, brings together global technology solution providers, investors, industry-leading corporations, and high-growth startups across artificial intelligence, deep tech, fintech, smart cities, and other future-driven sectors.

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Organizers expect to attract more than 25,000 attendees, with more than 250 speakers and 400 exhibitors participating in the event.

LEAP East is brought to Hong Kong by the team behind LEAP — a major tech event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Hong Kong edition aims to extend that platform across Asia by creating a new investment corridor between the Middle East and East Asia.

Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong hailed the summit as a globally influential international technology event, noting its first edition in Asia-Pacific reflects Hong Kong’s highly internationalized advantages and its role as a two-way bridge connecting the nation and the world, under the common law system.

Speaking of his meeting with the Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia, he said they discussed ways to strengthen cooperation, especially in areas such as green technology.

China Daily photographer Andy Chong captures the vibe through his camera.