2026 agenda

Join the conversations shaping the future of technology – from new opportunities for growth to the partnerships and innovations driving what’s next.

EXPLORE TICKETS

Day 3 - 10th July

09:50

Bridging Borders, Accelerating Innovation: HSITP as the Ultimate Gateway for Mainland and Global I&T Expansion

Main Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
09:50 to 10:00

Positioned at the heart of the Hetao Co-operation Zone, HSITP leverages the unique "One River, Two Banks" and "One Zone, Two Parks" framework to drive New Quality Productive Forces.In this keynote, Vincent Ma, CEO of HSITP, will share how the park is built as a world-class industry-academia-research platform and a competitive R&D transformation and pilot production base. Discover how HSITP functions as a premier testing ground for institutional and policy innovation—pioneering the seamless, cross-boundary flow of key innovation elements including personnel, materials, capital, and data to unlock unparalleled growth for global tech leaders expanding into the Greater Bay Area and beyond.

Vincent Ma

CEO

Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park

09:55

Opening Remarks

Orbital Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
09:55 to 10:00

Elliott Gotkine

Emmy Award-winning

TV news correspondent

10:00

Opening Remarks Day 3

Ecosystem Xchange - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
10:00 to 10:10

Melody Kwan

Presenter | Content Creator

MC Melody

MC Welcome

DeepFest - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
10:00 to 10:10

Yamilette Cano

Founder, Speaker & Author

Louder Global

Mornine .

AiMOGA Robotics

Smart Hong Kong – Transforming the City through Innovation and Technology

Orbital Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
10:00 to 10:10

As we gather to shape the future of smart and urban living, this keynote frames Hong Kong’s vision in embracing innovation and technology to build a world framed Smart Hong Kong characterised by a strong economy and high quality of living.

Cari Wu

Acting Deputy Commissioner for Digital Policy (Digital Infrastructure)

Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

AI+X and Making the Impossible Happen

Main Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
10:00 to 10:15

The biggest disruption to any industry isn’t AI, it’s irrelevance. The organizations that thrive will be those willing to reinvent themselves before they have to, the ones who LEAP ahead of the others. Discover how innovation and higher education are being disrupted by AI+X and other transformative shifts.

Dr. Muhammad Al-Saggaf

President

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)

10:10

Driving Innovation in Hong Kong’s Digital Economy

DeepFest - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
10:10 to 10:20

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the global economic and social landscape. This address explores the strategic initiatives driving Hong Kong’s digital economy forward by capitalising on the city's unique advantages in AI development. The discussion will cover how our strategic policies leverage R&D, advanced digital infrastructure, AI governance, industry support, cross-boundary data flow, and talent development as well as how we empower public services through AI.

Dr. NG Ping Chung

Deputy Commissioner for Digital Policy (Data Governance)

Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

From Smart Campus to Smarter Cities: Powering the Next Urban Economy

Orbital Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
10:10 to 10:25

This session explores how HKSTP’s campus ecosystem serves as a launchpad for urban innovation. Starting from our Smart Campus, we showcase award-winning infrastructure and measurable achievements, and greener touchpoints embedded across the user journey.Through a unified platform, we enhance the end-to-end experience, seamlessly connecting services, facilities, and community engagement. Together with our park companies and partners, we co-create solutions with real-world impact.HKSTP pioneers the use of smart solutions in a live environment demonstrating how sustainability and technology come together to shape smarter, more connected cities and power the next urban economy.

Filla Mak

Chief Property and Asset Officer

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP)

B2B AI Platform + Ecosystem: Scaling in a World of Fragmented Demand

Ecosystem Xchange - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
10:10 to 10:30

This session unpacks the Platform + Ecosystem strategy of an AI company to turn the fragmented demand of the B2B market into sustainable growth, including how to build a configurable AI platform that standardizes the core technology, how to orchestrate a thriving AI developer ecosystem, and how to implement the unique business model for 10 years.

Iris Liu

Co-founder

Extreme Vision

10:15

The Day Hong Kong Stopped Looking for Coins: How Octopus Became the Digital Backbone of Everyday Life in Hong Kong

Main Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
10:15 to 10:30

Tim Ying will share how Octopus evolved from a transit card into critical urban infrastructure, and what this evolution signals for the next generation of embedded digital economies.

Tim Ying

CEO

Octopus Holdings Limited

10:20

Quantum Thinking, Real-World Problems

DeepFest - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
10:20 to 10:50

Quantum-inspired algorithms and advanced optimization systems are beginning to solve challenges traditional computing struggles to handle. From energy grids and logistics networks to manufacturing and critical infrastructure, this session explores how next-generation computational approaches are being applied to real-world industrial problems today. Where are these systems already delivering measurable impact, and how close are we to practical quantum advantage at scale?

Hiroshi Nakata

Chief Operating Officer & Board Member

Jij Inc.

Brad Kim

Chief Quantum Officer

MegaZone Cloud

Mohamed El Dallal

CEO of PodMedia Network

Chair of the IEEE Entrepreneurship Global Committee for 2026

10:25

The Next Frontier for Physical AI Driven Spaces

Orbital Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
10:25 to 10:40

We take a look at the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in shaping the spaces of tomorrow and its integration in digital transformation, infrastructure, mobility, and community engagement.

Anita Chen

Chief Strategy Officer

AICT

10:30

So You Want To Be A VC? The Odds Are Tougher Than You Think.

Ecosystem Xchange - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
10:30 to 11:15

Over the past decade, a parallel ecosystem has matured that lets investors build real track records, deploy meaningful capital, and back generational companies, often in parallel with, or as a stepping stone to, a traditional fund. AngelList alone now administers over $171 billion in assets, powers 25,000+ active investment vehicles, and has helped fund 108 unicorns through syndicates. Last year, one SPV platform enabled 3,000+ investors to back 420 deals: from SpaceX and OpenAI to pre-seed rounds with individual deals delivering 70x in 18 months (ElevenLabs) and 10x in 6 months (Praktika AI). Add solo capitalists, rolling funds, scout programs, and angel communities, and the professional investing landscape has meaningfully broadened.

Mohammed Alzubi

Founder and Managing Partner

Nama Ventures

Jed Ng

Founder

Angel School VC

Erdinc Ekinci

Founding Partner

Co-capital.vc

Gurpreet Ghuliani

Operating Partner

Titanium Ventures

Kenneth Kwong

Founder and CEO

DF Group

The Living Platform: How AI and Immersive Tech Redefine Urban Value

Main Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
10:30 to 11:05

Cities are becoming more intelligent, connected and experience-led. From smart districts and mobility platforms to entertainment and esports, this session explores how AI and immersive technology are reshaping the way people move, gather, play and spend time in urban environments.The discussion will look at how future cities can move beyond.

Juliet Mann

Anchor, CGTN Europe

Allan Zeman

Chairman

Lan Kwai Fong Holdings Ltd

Danny Tang

Co-founder and CEO

Hero Esports

Aaron Tan

CEO & Founder

Carro

Essam Haroun

Executive Director, Fan Experience

Local Organising Committee AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027TM

10:40

Advancing Energy Tech: Bridging Innovation and Real-World Transformation

Orbital Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
10:40 to 10:55

As innovation across the energy landscape advances, electrification, automation and digitalization are unlocking new levels of efficiency and sustainability at scale. We consider how AI-powered systems, intelligent devices, and advisory-led digital services are enhancing performance, strengthening resilience, and supporting long-term sustainability.

Jonathan Chiu

President

Schneider Electric Hong Kong

10:50

Engineering AI Systems for the Real Economy

DeepFest - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
10:50 to 11:10

This session would explore how AI is evolving from model-driven capabilities into more autonomous, system-level intelligence, covering areas such as agentic AI, decision-making systems, and how these architect0075res are beginning to operate in more complex, real-world environments.

Fan Zhang

Founder & CEO

Yoolee AI

10:55

Infrastructure in the Intelligence age: Building adaptive and cognitive systems

Orbital Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
10:55 to 11:25

As our urban challenges evolve so do our need for dynamic and responsive infrastructure that go beyond digital transformation. We discuss how AI, IoT, and machine learning are transforming traditional infrastructure in telecommunications, transportation, real estate, and energy.

Kelly Johnston

Chief Operating Officer

Sandpiper

Joanne Hon

Managing Director

Equinix Asia Pacific

Simon Wang

CEO

HelloPower ANZ

Steve Lewis

Partner, Hong Kong Leader of Infrastructure Advisory and Global Leader of Infrastructure Technology

Hendy Harianto

Group Chief Information Technology Officer

Meratus Group

11:05

Autonomous Everything: The Dawn of Physical AI

Main Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
11:05 to 11:40

Autonomy is moving from controlled pilots into real urban environments. From robotaxis and autonomous delivery vehicles to air mobility and smart city infrastructure, physical AI is starting to reshape how people and goods move through cities. This panel brings together leaders deploying autonomous systems at scale to discuss what must happen next, from safety and regulation to infrastructure readiness, public trust and commercial viability.

Adam Shaw

Multi Award Winning Journalist & Presenter

Dr. Ted Suen

CEO

ASTRI - Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute

Tiancheng Lou

Co-Founder & CTO

Pony.AI

Will Zhao

Executive President

NEOLIX

11:10

Creator Marketing AI Agent & Video AIGC

DeepFest - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
11:10 to 11:30

Fahad Alosaimi

General Manager

DeiNai Saudi Arabia

11:15

PE in the Room: What Private Equity Actually Wants From Tech Founders

Ecosystem Xchange - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
11:15 to 12:00

Most founders think PE is for later, but growth-stage PE is reshaping how tech companies scale across Southeast Asia and the Gulf. What do PE managers look for that VCs don't? How do PE-backed founders change operations, governance, and speed? And when does PE money accelerate vs. complicate the exit path?

Issam Al-Mamlouk

CEO

I.M. Mamlouk & Co.

Ioto Iotov

Founder & Managing Partner

_Main Set

Brian Sheng

CEO & Co-Founder

Aquaria

11:25

From Commute to Experience: The Entertainment and Productivity Revolution Inside AVs

Orbital Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
11:25 to 11:40

When driving becomes optional, time becomes valuable. We investigate how autonomous vehicles are becoming mobile offices, entertainment centers, and wellness sanctuaries. Examine emerging technologies including AR/VR integration, holographic displays, advanced audio systems, and seamless connectivity that transform travel time into productive or leisure time. Case studies will showcase partnerships between automakers, content providers, and workspace solutions redefining what we do during our journeys.

Richard Chung

Executive Advisor

Toyota Boshoku Corp.

11:30

Reshaping Logistics with Physical AI Transportation Robot Network

DeepFest - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
11:30 to 11:50

As trillion freight market diving into “iphone moment”, Transportation Robot is becoming the largest & earliest application scenario of Embodied AI. This speech will unfold how KargoBot's AI+Robot+Service strategy will unlock the next-gen trillion freight market value. KargoBot is an L4 autonomous driving Robotruck company, and has became the first in the industry to practiced fully-driverout robotruck operation and put into positive commercialization model. Currently, KargoBot operates the world's largest robotruck fleets, with the no.1 scale of autonomous freight mileage, and has launched the world's 1st transportation robot for heavy duty freight.

Dr. Junqing Wei

CEO

KargoBot

11:40

Quantum in the Real World: From Lab Advantage to City-scale Impact

Main Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
11:40 to 12:00

Quantum computing is moving from research promise to practical use cases. This fireside looks at where quantum can create real advantage, from materials discovery and logistics optimization to financial modelling, and what it will take for cities, industries and enterprises to turn breakthrough science into measurable impact.

Finn Hatherell

Venture Partner

Next Sequence

Brad Kim

Chief Quantum Officer

MegaZone Cloud

From Congestion to Connection: The Tech Powered Future of Transport in Asia

Orbital Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
11:40 to 12:10

Asia’s cities face gridlock, emissions, and explosive population growth but also the chance to leapfrog into a smarter mobility future. This panel explores how EVs, ride share, micromobility, autonomous vehicles, and AI are reshaping urban transport that set a global to set benchmark for the future of movement.

Mitchell Price

Director

Future Strategy Group

Richard Chung

Executive Advisor

Toyota Boshoku Corp.

Will Peters

Regional Head

Lime

Dr. Non Arkara

Senior Expert in Smart City Promotion

Digital Economy Promotion Agency

11:50

The Rise of Intelligent Robotics

DeepFest - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
11:50 to 12:30

AI-powered robotics are moving beyond factory pilots into real-world operations across manufacturing, logistics, retail, and critical infrastructure. This session explores how intelligent machines are transforming physical industries through automation, autonomy, and real-time decision-making, and what it takes to deploy robotics at scale in the real economy.

Fei Liu

Strategy Technology Officer

KEENON ROBOTICS

Gordon Yao

President of AGIBOT META, VP of AGIBOT Asia & META

AGIBOT

Al Zhong

Director - Smart Manufacturing, Solutions & Services Group

Lenovo Asia Pacific

Ben Zhao

Vice President

Booster Robotics

Victoria Guo

Partner

SEC Newgate China

12:00

The New Geography of Venture Capital: Building Cross-Border AI & Capital Corridors

Ecosystem Xchange - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
12:00 to 12:30

As AI reshapes the global technology landscape, venture capital is becoming increasingly cross-border, network-driven, and geopolitically influenced. This conversation explores how investors, fund managers, and LPs are building new capital corridors between the United States and Asia, why emerging manager ecosystems are gaining importance, and how founders can navigate a world where access to markets, capital, and strategic partnerships increasingly spans multiple regions rather than a single hub.

Ivan Ong

Partner

AFG Partners

Morgan Wong

Advisor

Headline - Asia

Gabbas Yerzhanov

Deputy Chairman of the Board

Qazaqstan Investment Corporation

Murong Yang

Managing Director

Future Capital

From Vision to Reality: Scaling the Next Generation of Tech Giants

Main Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
12:00 to 12:35

What separates category-creating companies from good ideas? Founders, investors and university voices on the systems that produce enduring tech companies.

Lisheng Wang

General Partner

TSVC

Vanessa Xu

Executive Chairman and Chief Investment Officer

VS Partners

Conrad Tsang

Founder and Chairman

Strategic Year Holdings Limited

Dr. Arwa Alrawais

General Manager of Business Development in ICT

Ministry of Investment, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

12:10

Quantum Power! Sustainable Cities though Quantum Computing

Orbital Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
12:10 to 12:30

We explore how quantum technology can be leveraged to address cities most pressing sustainability challenges. We take a look at the practical application of Quantum AI technologies to improve energy efficiency, mobility, and even public safety measures.

Kelly Johnston

Chief Operating Officer

Sandpiper

Hiroshi Nakata

Chief Operating Officer & Board Member

Jij Inc.

12:30

Saudi or Not: A 6-Question Readiness Check for APAC Founders Thinking About the Gulf

Ecosystem Xchange - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
12:30 to 12:50

Half the founders in this room have been asked whether they should expand to Saudi Arabia. Most don't have a clean way to answer that question, and the ones who guess wrong burn 18 months finding out. This clinic cuts through the noise with a practical decision framework built from direct experience accelerating and scaling foreign tech companies into the Kingdom: six questions that separate founders who are ready from founders who are in love with the idea.

Kelvin Au

Chief Venture Officer

3Ventures

The Human in the Machine

DeepFest - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
12:30 to 12:50

As AI systems become more conversational, adaptive, and emotionally aware, the relationship between humans and intelligent machines is rapidly evolving. From digital humans and AI companions to intelligent agents embedded in everyday life, this conversation explores how trust, identity, empathy, and human connection will shape the next generation of AI experiences.

Jeanne Lim

Founder and CEO

beingAI

Juliet Mann

Anchor, CGTN Europe

AI & Data Centers: Powering Growth Sustainably

Orbital Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
12:30 to 13:00

The global data center market is racing toward $1 trillion by 2035, turbocharged by AI. But AI workloads demand massive energy — up to 1,000 times more than traditional web searches. How do we build the digital infrastructure we need without breaking our climate commitments?This session brings together leaders in real estate, sustainability, and technology to explore the full picture: the energy challenge, emerging solutions like 24/7 carbon-free energy and nuclear power, waste heat recovery, and what net-zero actually means for hyperscalers. Perfect for investors, developers, and city planners shaping the next generation of data centers.

Sakib Rabbani

Founder & CEO

Talentier

Chungha Cha

Advisor to Chairman

Koramco REITS & Trust

Paul Tang

Chief Representative Greater China

GRESB BV

Dr. Martin Zhu

Co-founder and CEO

i2Cool

Chun Yin Mak

Senior Vice President

Univers

12:35

How The Agentic Web Will Reshape Everything

Main Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
12:35 to 12:50

Keynote by Yat Siu, Chairman of Animoca Brands

Yat Siu

Chairman

Animoca Brands

12:50

Industrializing Intelligence , Subtitle: Scaling Global Compute through the AI Factory

Main Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
12:50 to 13:05

AI for Science

DeepFest - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
12:50 to 13:10

This keynote provides comprehensive global foresight into the opportunities and challenges defining the future of AI for Science. We will examine the massive $40 trillion institutional investment migration expected by 2030, inviting governments, innovators, corporates, and investors to co-create a future where systemic changes to accelerate the commercialization of major scientific discoveries will deliver maximized returns for people, planet, profits, and prosperity.

Dr. Christina Yan Zhang

CEO

The Metaverse Institute

13:00

Accelerating Innovation Through Smarter Initiatives - a Euro perspective

Orbital Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
13:00 to 13:20

A look at how European cities are moving from strategy to scalable deployment of AI and smart city programs, highlighting practical governance models, infrastructure acceleration, and cross-sector integration.

Fernando de Pablo Martin

Digital Office Director

Madrid City Council

Svetlana Tesic

Co-Founder

Mayors of Europe

13:05

Next Generation Family Offices and the Future of Global Investing

Main Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
13:05 to 13:40

A discussion with next generation leaders from global family offices on how investment priorities are evolving across generations. The conversation will explore technology investing, venture allocations, governance inside family enterprises, and how younger family members are shaping the direction of family capital across Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Abbas Hashmi

Principal

Saudi Family Holdings

Leo Lien

NextGen & Principal

Li Mow Enamelling Co.

Majid Dawood

CEO

Yasaar Limited

Paul Chu

Chief Executive Officer

PC Ventures

13:10

Creator Economies in Web3: Ownership, Access and New Digital Value

DeepFest - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
13:10 to 13:50

Web3 is moving beyond speculation toward practical tools for ownership, access and monetization. This panel explores how blockchain infrastructure, creator platforms and digital payment rails can help creators build direct audience relationships, unlock new revenue models and participate more fully in the digital economy.

Minh Do

Chief Operating Officer

Animoca Brands

Jonathan Au-Yeung

Head of Product Solutions, Anvita

Ant Digital Technologies

Sebastien Borget

Co-Founder of The Sandbox, Ambassador of SANDchain

The Sandbox

Teddy Hung

Head of Business Development and Advisory

Solana Company (Nasdaq: HSDT)

Adam Shaw

Multi Award Winning Journalist & Presenter

13:20

Building Intelligent Cities: How Industrial AI is Powering the Urban Future

Orbital Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
13:20 to 13:35

An exploration of how Industrial AI is transforming urban infrastructure through intelligent platforms, connected ecosystems, and data-driven decision-making to build smarter, more resilient, and sustainable cities.

Mitchell Price

Director

Future Strategy Group

Yasser AlArfaj

President, Digital Platforms

Aramco Digital

13:35

From Vision to Value: Operationalizing KSA’s Smart & Sustainable Initiatives

Orbital Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
13:35 to 13:50

A practical perspective on how Saudi Arabia’s smart and sustainable initiatives are progressing under Vision 2030 We’ll explore what truly makes cities smart, connecting these insights to the Kingdom’s ambitions across cities, sectors, and giga projects.

Abdullah Alsaiari

Principal of Digital Consulting

Elm

13:40

First Principles of Value-driven AI

Main Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
13:40 to 14:00

Mario Li

Senior AI Specialist Solutions Architect

Alibaba Cloud

13:50

Physical AI: Autonomous Driving and the Road to Real-World Intelligence

Orbital Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
13:50 to 14:05

Autonomous driving is emerging as one of the first large-scale applications of Physical AI, bringing intelligence out of the digital world and into complex real-world environments. In this keynote, Dr. Tiancheng Lou, Founder and CTO of Pony.ai, will explore how self-driving systems are evolving from assisted capabilities to autonomous agents that can perceive, plan, act and continuously improve. Drawing on Pony.ai’s work in L4 autonomous driving, he will examine why imitation alone is not enough, how reinforcement learning and world models are enabling AI to learn what “good driving” means, and what this shift reveals about the broader path toward real-world intelligence.

Tiancheng Lou

Co-Founder & CTO

Pony.AI

AGI Advances into the Physical World

DeepFest - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
13:50 to 14:10

As AGI moves from the digital world into the physical world, general-purpose intelligent robots are emerging as the next revolutionary intelligent device. This session explores how embodied foundation models, reliable robotic hardware, and real-world deployment scenarios are converging to create a new generation of productivity-driven robots. Drawing on applications in semiconductor manufacturing, transportation hub services and public service, the presentation will discuss how general-purpose robots can address structural labor shortages, improve operational efficiency, and continuously learn from real-world environments. It offers a forward-looking view of how robots may become as widely adopted as smartphones and smart vehicles, reshaping industries and expanding human capabilities in the years ahead.

Kristine Mo

Vice President of Global Market and Ecosystem

AI2 Robotics

14:00

PolyU presents CEO Spotlight: Startup Innovation Challenge

July 10, 2026
14:00 to 15:00

This session is jointly organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the CEO Club. Join us to hear from PolyU startups who will present their innovations through a 3-minute pitch under two technology tracks, namely AI+ and HealthTech.

PolyU presents CEO Spotlight: Startup Innovation Challenge

Ecosystem Xchange - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
14:00 to 15:00

Dong Cheng

Associate Vice President

Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Paul Yeung Hoi Shan

President

PolyU CEO Club

Advancing Connectivity for the AI Era

Main Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
14:00 to 14:15

AI is no longer a future trend; it is becoming the next global infrastructure shift. From cloud platforms and data centers to smart cities, fintech, gaming, biotech, and connected devices, AI is creating new demands for speed, scale, security, sovereignty, and sustainability.This session explores how advanced connectivity will become the critical foundation for the AI era. As intelligence moves across devices, networks, edge clouds, and data centers, traffic patterns are changing, business models are evolving, and new policy and investment priorities are emerging.Join us to discuss how secure, high-performance connectivity can unlock AI innovation, support responsible digital growth, and enable new opportunities across industries. Together with customers and strategic partners, we are advancing the connectivity to connect intelligence everywhere.

Kent Wong

Vice President, Head of IP Networks, Asia Pacific

Nokia

14:05

New Options for The Intelligent World

Orbital Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
14:05 to 14:20

Hong-Eng Koh

Global Chief Public Services Industry Scientist, Global Public Sector Business Unit

Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd

14:10

AI at the Edge of Infrastructure

DeepFest - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
14:10 to 14:30

AI is only as powerful as the infrastructure behind it. As organizations move from experimentation to production, they must build the foundations required to support modern AI workflows, from data and compute to orchestration, deployment, and governance. This discussion explores the infrastructure challenges and opportunities shaping the next wave of AI adoption, and what it takes to build scalable, enterprise-ready AI systems.

Esther Wong

Founder and CEO

3C AGI Partners

Juliet Mann

Anchor, CGTN Europe

14:15

The Multi-Market Playbook: Mastering Expansion in a Fragmented World

Main Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
14:15 to 14:50

The rules of global expansion have been rewritten. Capital chases AI-native companies across borders faster than any previous technology cycle- but landing in a new market remains stubbornly local, with regulation, distribution, and trust all behaving differently in Riyadh than in Singapore or Shanghai. The founders and operators who've cracked multi-market growth share the frameworks that actually travel: how AI-driven companies scale across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and China without losing what made them win in the first place.

William Bao Bean

Managing General Partner

Orbit Ventures

Lena Chen

Head of MENA RHQ & Director of Corporate Strategy

Newborn Town

Saemin Ahn

Managing Partner

Rakuten Capital

Soumaya Ben Beya Dridje

Partner

Rasmal Ventures

14:20

Beyond Green: Unlocking Strategic Value in the New Sustainability Economy

Orbital Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
14:20 to 14:35

Sustainability has transcended its environmental origins to become the defining force reshaping global industry, innovation, and investment. This dynamic session explores how sustainability is no longer just a compliance checkbox—it's the competitive advantage that separates market leaders from the rest.Discover how the sustainability imperative is revolutionizing industrial strategy and driving breakthrough clean technologies from lab to market. Navigate the complexities of the global energy transition as traditional and renewable sources converge into a new power paradigm. Learn how forward-thinking investors are rewriting the rules of capital allocation, embedding sustainability metrics into every decision.

Rongtao Sun

Head of Strategic Venturing

Aramco Ventures

Xi Dou

CEO & Co-Founder

Hytzer Energy

14:30

Bridging the AI Divide: Global Collaboration in Open-Source AI Infrastructure

DeepFest - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
14:30 to 14:40

Promoting AI Infrastructure as a global public good driven by the '3+1' open full-stack strategy. This proposal empowers the international collaboration with digital sovereignty, economic resilience, and a thriving local AI ecosystem.

Dr. Xiong Wei

TOC Vice President

OpenAtom Foundation and Chairperson, OpenAtom openEuler Committee

14:35

Opening Digital Doors: Solutions for digital inclusion and access

Orbital Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
14:35 to 15:05

In this session we highlight the critical role of technologies in bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusion in the digital age with a deeper look at how financial services leveraging AI and Digital Innovation to enhance accessibility to services.

Michael Rinaman

Managing Director of Strategy, Research and Insights

Sandpiper

Esther Mai

Managing Director & Head, Digital Banking, Client Experience and Analytics

Standard Chartered

Yassir Pasha

Co-Founder & CEO

Simpaisa

Phoebe Tang Pui-yee

General Manager in Government Relations and Public Affairs

Octopus Cards Limited

Zubair Junjunia

Founder & CEO

ZNotes

14:40

The Race to Build Asia's AI Infrastructure

DeepFest - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
14:40 to 15:10

As demand for AI compute continues to grow, countries and enterprises are investing heavily in the infrastructure required to support the next generation of intelligent systems. From digital infrastructure and data centers to open-source platforms and AI computing environments, this session examines how Asia is positioning itself to compete in the global AI economy.

Dr. Xiong Wei

TOC Vice President

OpenAtom Foundation and Chairperson, OpenAtom openEuler Committee

Joanne Hon

Managing Director

Equinix Asia Pacific

Dr. Kun Wang

CEO and Founder

VirtAI Tech

Adam Shaw

Multi Award Winning Journalist & Presenter

14:50

Break & Room Preparations for Rocket Fuel Finale

Main Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
14:50 to 15:00

15:00

Rocket Fuel Finale

Main Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
15:00 to 16:30

Rocket Fuel East Finale

Main Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
15:00 to 17:00

Joshua Wu

Managing Partner

Granite Asia (formerly Golden Gate Ventures)

Amal Dokhan

Managing Partner MENA

500 Global

Joe Chang

Managing Director

Prosperity7 Ventures

15:05

A Vision For Tomorrow: Next Gen Destination Experiences

Orbital Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
15:05 to 15:25

An exclusive conversation exploring how human centric purpose built destinations are leveraging technologies in innovative ways to build sustainable and vibrant communities that is empowering youth to build the tech of tomorrow

Sami AlJasser

CEO

Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City (Misk City)

Andy Fenner

Director General

WYSE Travel Confederation

15:10

Driving Innovation: How IEEE Entrepreneurship Helps Entrepreneurs Grow Globally

DeepFest - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
15:10 to 15:20

Building a successful startup requires more than a great idea—it requires access to the right network, resources, mentorship, and opportunities. This session explores how IEEE Entrepreneurship supports innovators and founders in transforming ideas into scalable ventures through a global ecosystem of experts, partners, and entrepreneurial programs.

Mohamed El Dallal

CEO of PodMedia Network

Chair of the IEEE Entrepreneurship Global Committee for 2026

15:20

Real-World Applications Drive Humanoid Robots Toward Commercialization

DeepFest - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
15:20 to 15:35

Sam Kwok

Vice President of International Business

AiMOGA Robotics

15:25

Inspired by Nature: Trends shaping a greener future

Orbital Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
15:25 to 15:55

Leaders in sustainability discuss how initiatives and technologies that are inspired by nature can be implemented to reduce our impact on the environment while bringing value to stakeholders across multiple industries.

Chungha Cha

Advisor to Chairman

Koramco REITS & Trust

Murali Ram

Regional Director ESEAO

C40 Cities

Edmund Chan

Co-Founder

Meat The Next / FoodTech AI Company

Vriko Yu

Co-founder & CEO

Archireef

Terrance Zhu

Board Secretary & Vice President of PCG Power

PCG Power

15:35

MC Closing Remarks

DeepFest - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
15:35 to 15:45

Yamilette Cano

Founder, Speaker & Author

Louder Global

15:55

Unmanned & Autonomous: The emergence of Physical AI in Transportation

Orbital Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
15:55 to 16:25

Physical AI is becoming synonymous with autonomous tech adding intelligence to any machine or robot that can move. We discuss the impact of this exciting new frontier Robotaxis, Delivery Robots, and AI technologies that are driving them forward.

Chun Yin Mak

Senior Vice President

Univers

Will Zhao

Executive President

NEOLIX

Junwei Yang

Global General Manager

Keeta Drone

Mark Cheong

Regional Director – North Asia

Aramex

16:25

Urban Air Mobility: Building the low Altitude Economy

Orbital Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
16:25 to 17:00

The regions rapidly emerging low altitude economy powered by eVTOLs and autonomous drones is transforming everything from mobility to emergency response. We explore the complexity of designing and deploying both the digital and physical infrastructure for urban air mobility.

Mitchell Price

Director

Future Strategy Group

Clem Newton-Brown

CEO

Aeroberm (A Skyportz company)

Hongfei Zhang

Founder & CEO

Starports

Kellen Xie

Senior Vice President

AutoFlight

16:30

The People Who Shape What Comes Next

Main Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
16:30 to 16:45

Julian Pistone

Google Leader turned Filmmaker, Advisor

Courage X

16:45

Closing Remarks

Main Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
16:45 to 16:50

Lillian Cheong

Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry

Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

16:50

From Riyadh to Hong Kong: Carrying the LEAP legacy forward

Main Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
16:50 to 17:00

Michael Champion

CEO

Tahaluf

Annabelle Mander

Executive Vice President and Co-creator of LEAP

Tahaluf

17:00

Deliberations & Rocket Fuel Winner Announcements

Main Stage - LEAP East
July 10, 2026
17:00 to 17:10

19:00

LEAP East Nights Fusion

July 10, 2026
19:00 to 23:00

An exclusive LEAP East Nights networking event set in the heart of Hong Kong’s most vibrant district. Guests will experience a curated journey across three premier venues, enjoying live DJ entertainment, international cuisine including halal options, and a dynamic, high-energy atmosphere. The evening is designed to foster meaningful connections, offering a premium setting to engage with a select group of innovators and industry peers.

19:30

Tea House Theatre Experience

July 10, 2026
19:30 to 23:00

The Tea House Theatre Experience is specially designed to introduce new audiences to Cantonese opera – the local form of Chinese opera or xiqu. The 90-minute showcase of songs, instrumental musical pieces and performance excerpts, demonstrates a range of traditional styles through a changing programme of works exploring tales of romance, comedy, tragedy and martial arts. The experience also includes narration by an expert moderator with subtitles in Traditional Chinese and English.

Enjoy our special offer on admission ticket- simply enter the promo code before checkout to redeem. Purchase your ticket here: (Link).Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to ticket availability. Terms and Conditions apply.

Please ensure you have your event badge available upon arrival, as it will be required for entry and verification at the venue entrance.

End of Day 3 - 10th July

2026 agenda

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Vincent Ma

Elliott Gotkine

Melody Kwan

Yamilette Cano

Mornine .

Cari Wu

Dr. Muhammad Al-Saggaf

Dr. NG Ping Chung

Filla Mak

Iris Liu

Tim Ying

Hiroshi Nakata

Brad Kim

Mohamed El Dallal

Anita Chen

Mohammed Alzubi

Jed Ng

Erdinc Ekinci

Gurpreet Ghuliani

Kenneth Kwong

Juliet Mann

Allan Zeman

Danny Tang

Aaron Tan

Essam Haroun

Jonathan Chiu

Fan Zhang

Kelly Johnston

Joanne Hon

Simon Wang

Steve Lewis

Hendy Harianto

Adam Shaw

Dr. Ted Suen

Tiancheng Lou

Will Zhao

Fahad Alosaimi

Issam Al-Mamlouk

Ioto Iotov

Brian Sheng

Richard Chung

Dr. Junqing Wei

Finn Hatherell

Brad Kim

Mitchell Price

Richard Chung

Will Peters

Dr. Non Arkara

Fei Liu

Gordon Yao

Al Zhong

Ben Zhao

Victoria Guo

Ivan Ong

Morgan Wong

Gabbas Yerzhanov

Murong Yang

Lisheng Wang

Vanessa Xu

Conrad Tsang

Dr. Arwa Alrawais

Kelly Johnston

Hiroshi Nakata

Kelvin Au

Jeanne Lim

Juliet Mann

Sakib Rabbani

Chungha Cha

Paul Tang

Dr. Martin Zhu

Chun Yin Mak

Yat Siu

Dr. Christina Yan Zhang

Fernando de Pablo Martin

Svetlana Tesic

Abbas Hashmi

Leo Lien