The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (HML) celebrated the successful conclusion of LEAP East 2026, the historic Asian debut of Saudi Arabia's premier technology conference brand, LEAP. Staged over three days at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), the inaugural event utilized over 35,000 square meters of rentable space across Hall 1 and Hall 3. Positioned on the Victoria Harbour waterfront, the summit served as a global bridge, bringing 300 startups and 600 investors—collectively representing more than US$6.5 trillion in assets under management—under one roof.
HML welcomed the first flagship edition of LEAP ever held outside the Middle East, celebrating its conclusion as Hong Kong's largest-ever inaugural technology event. The summit attracted over 25,000 professionals, policymakers, and investors, with a mix of 55% international and Chinese Mainland and 45% local participation. 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 expressed gratitude for the close collaboration between the governments of Hong Kong SAR and Saudi Arabia, and noted that HML has welcomed major Asian debuts or city's first-ever events with tremendous success, with strong desire to return next year with larger floor space, bigger crowds, and bolder ideas.
Ms. Lee-Müller added, "In support of Hong Kong's strategic development plans, HML will continue to position the HKCEC as a leading platform where diverse industries can demonstrate latest achievements, exchange insights and unlock new opportunities." She highlighted the HKCEC's role as a premier MICE hub in the Greater Bay Area and a gateway for Chinese Mainland enterprises to connect internationally. The venue's proactive efforts to introduce Muslim-friendly facilities and services earned it the distinction of being the first venue accredited as a Gold-standard Muslim-Friendly MICE Venue, contributing to LEAP East's success.
Ms. Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President of Tahaluf and co-creator of LEAP, commented, "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 noted that Hong Kong was the natural choice to launch LEAP, and the HKCEC proved to be the ideal venue, providing outstanding halal dining options, 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 leadership hub. For more information, visit the HKCEC website at http://www.hkcec.com.
