HONG KONG SAR – In an unprecedented move, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) is poised to showcase a formidable ensemble of 25 innovative enterprises at Saudi Arabia’s illustrious Future Investment Initiative (FII8). This landmark event, taking place from October 29 to 31, 2024, under the aegis of the remarkable Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Paul Chan, marks a significant foray for Park companies specializing in groundbreaking fields such as green technology, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
FII8 represents a melting pot for global visionaries—an annual international confab that attracts leaders, policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs, all united by a singular purpose: to tackle the planet’s most urgent challenges under the banner of “Impact on Humanity.” The thematic focus this year—“Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow”—is emblematic of the ambitious endeavors that lie ahead.
With its sights set on fostering a synergy between Hong Kong and the Middle East in innovation and technology (I&T), the HKSTP delegation is not merely aiming for collaboration; it’s out to secure substantial investments for entrepreneurial ventures seeking to navigate the promising waters of this dynamic region. The Gulf’s strategic geographical advantage—serving as a vibrant nexus between Europe, Asia, and Africa—coupled with its escalating market demands for avant-garde solutions, casts the Middle East as an indispensable ally for Hong Kong’s tech aspirations.
“An exhilarating chapter unfolds for us as we deepen ties with the Middle East in the realm of I&T,” proclaimed Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP. “Linking Hong Kong’s robust tech landscape with the burgeoning opportunities in this region cultivates a potent synergy that propels investment, enhances knowledge exchange, and inspires growth in sectors of sky-high demand. Together, we’re carving pathways into new markets while championing global advancement in innovation and technology.”
The region’s burgeoning I&T ecosystem and flourishing capital landscape ignite a wave of opportunity for tech ventures eyeing expansion beyond Asian borders. At FII8, HKSTP, alongside seven Park companies, will cement collaborative agreements with various Middle Eastern partners, while nine other Park companies have been selected for the prestigious honor of pitching their trailblazing innovations at the “Global Startup Showcase.” Among the participants, Archireef—a HKSTP nurtured frontrunner—will enter the “Innovators Pitch Competition,” vying with five other pioneering startups to present its revolutionary 3D-printed terracotta reef tiles aimed at marine restoration.
To further enhance networking prospects with Middle Eastern investors, HKSTP will host the “Hong Kong Tech Disrupt” reception, graced by the presence of Financial Secretary Paul Chan. Attendees can anticipate illuminating discussions on investment opportunities bubbling up from the Middle East, alongside showcases of cutting-edge technological solutions from HKSTP Park companies.
Earlier this month, the Future Investment Initiative introduced its white paper titled “Hong Kong’s Dual Focus on Sustainable Investment and Green Innovation,” a poignant testament to HKSTP’s relentless ambition to fortify the city’s green finance framework. As HKSTP accelerates its role as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration, these strides promise to elevate Hong Kong’s stature in the global I&T arena, ushering in new realms of opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs.
HKSTP’s Key Agenda at FII8:
Future Investment Initiative Institute 8th Edition (FII8)
Date: October 29 – 31, 2024
Venue: King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Hong Kong Tech Disrupt: Exclusive Reception for Investors
Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Saudi Arabian time)
Venue: Golf Outdoor Lawn, InterContinental Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Event Highlights:
- Opening remarks by Mr. Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of HKSAR Government
- HKSTP introduction by Mr. Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP
- Keynote Speech: “Unlocking Middle East’s Capital” by Dr. Abdulrahman Alolayan, Founder & Managing Partner of Beta Lab
- Keynote Speech: “East Meets MENA: Cross Border Investments” by Ms. Jessica Wong, Founder & Managing Partner of ewpartners
