Calling All Global Innovators: Keep Up with the Golden Era of I&T

HKSTP heads to LEAP 2024 to fuel the Saudi and Middle East tech boom and spark collaboration
between fast-rising global innovation forces amidst new phase of Belt and Road Initiative

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2024 Two innovation and technology flagships in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and the Hong Kong Cyberport, are collaborating to co-host the first-ever Hong Kong Pavilion at Saudi Arabia’s largest tech event, “LEAP 2024”, in Riyadh from 4-7 March. The event will showcase 16 cutting-edge technologies from Hong Kong to over 172,000 visitors, symbolising a significant milestone for the Hong Kong I&T industry on the global stage.

Eight forward-looking startups and tech ventures from HKSTP will be featured at the Hong Kong Pavilion, with cutting-edge innovation from sectors such as biotech, healthtech, logistics, AI, robotics, and new energy (refer to Appendix for details of the eight companies). HKSTP aims to establish partnerships with Saudi businesses and inject new energy into the Belt and Road Initiative, which encompasses over 180 countries and international organisations, including the Middle East.

Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, stated, “A golden era of innovation and technology is emerging in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and across Asia, and we see incredible co-innovation potential in the joining of our two ecosystems in Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. HKSTP’s participation in LEAP 2024 signifies our commitment to leaping into new worlds and embracing the new cradle of global innovation, which is multilateral and impactful. Our mission is to propel success by advancing in the journey from research to commercialisation, from innovation to financial success, for both home-grown and international startups.”

HKSTP is proud to forge strong connections between two of the world’s rapidly rising forces in global innovation. Hong Kong’s vibrant startup scene ranks second in the world and first in Asia among the Top 100 Emerging Ecosystems, with an estimated value of the city’s startup ecosystem at US$70 billion, twice the global average.1 In parallel, the Saudi tech market reached an impressive US$40 billion by the end of 2022, solidifying its position as the largest in the MENA region.2

As part of the LEAP 2024 event, HKSTP will host a high-profile discussion panel focused on the growing biotech and healthtech sectors, which are key areas for collaboration as both Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia have prioritised them as pillars for economic diversification and future growth.

Titled “Hong Kong Healthtech Innovations Driving Global Transformation for Generations to Come” the panel will be moderated by HKSTP’s CEO Mr Albert Wong and feature leaders in the Hong Kong biotech and healthtech innovation scene: Prof Samuel Au, President of Cornerstone Robotics; Mr Chi Man Lam, Founder and CEO of Applied Technology Group; and Dr Zhu Tian, Co-Founder and CEO of GenEditBio.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communication, Information and Technology (MCIT) H.E. Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha visited Hong Kong Science Park at the “One Gateway Shared Vision – Hong Kong Special Administrative Region x Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” event in July 2023, presenting boundless opportunities for tech companies, start-ups and talent. Supported by MCIT Saudi Arabia, LEAP 2024 shall deepen cooperation of two I&T forces and fortify the Hong Kong-Saudi relations in the Belt and Road region.

For more information on LEAP 2024, please visit:

https://www.hkstp.org/our-community/events-and-happenings/leap-2024/

Hong Kong Pavilion @ LEAP 2024

Date: 4 to 7 March 2024

Venue: Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre, Malham, Saudi Arabia (Hall 5 – World Tech)

Booth Number: HKSTP H5.D10 | Cyberport: H5.C10

“Hong Kong Healthtech Innovations Driving Global Transformation for Generations to Come” Panel Session presented by HKSTP

Date: 4 March 2024

Time: 14:40 – 15:20

Venue: Orbital Stage, Hall 5

Data Sources:
[1] https://www.investhk.gov.hk/es/why-hong-kong/whats-happening-hong-kong/a-global-hub-of-innovation-and-technology/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%202023%20Emerging,fundraising%20hub%20for%20biotechnology%20companies.

2 https://www.frost.com/frost-perspectives/unlocking-growth-opportunities-saudi-arabias-booming-ict-sector/#:~:text=According%20to%20The%20Communications%2C%20Space,in%20reshaping%20policies%20and%20regulations

Appendix: HKSTP Park companies participating in LEAP 2024 (arranged in alphabetical order according to company names):

ALcarbo Technology Limited (ALcarbo)

ALcarbo is a biotech company pioneering a sustainable algae photobioreactor system to absorb and neutralise carbon dioxide. At LEAP 2024, Alcarbo will introduce its new carbon-capturing algae reactor.

Applied Technology Group Limited (ATG)

ATG is a healthtech company using cloud computing and big data analytics to develop one-stop healthcare management platforms. ClinicONE, a smart clinic solution for doctors and patients, will be showcased at LEAP 2024.

Cornerstone Robotics Limited (CSR)

CSR is committed to developing practical and innovative solutions and providing high-quality medical devices for users and patients around the world. Sentire Endoscopic Surgical System, a surgical robot developed by CSR, will make its debut in the Middle East at LEAP 2024.

Fano Labs Limited (Fano Labs)

AI expert Fano Labs will introduce Callinter, an AI interaction analytics system, at LEAP 2024. Callinter empowers contact centres to analyse customer interactions and specialises in analysing call recordings in multilingual and mixed language settings.

FJ Dynamics International Limited (FJ Dynamics)

FJ Dynamics is a robotic company providing digital and autonomous solutions for agriculture, construction, and other sectors. At LEAP 2024, FJ Dynamics will be showcasing the three components of its Digital Construction Management Platform – 3D LiDAR Scanner, Digital Construction Machine Control System, and RTK Rover.

Floship Limited (Floship)

Floship is a leading global circular supply chain and fulfilment solution provider for global e-commerce brands and crowdfunding campaigns. First time joining LEAP, Floship will introduce its new warehouse and fulfilment locations across the Middle East and Australia.

Geek Plus International Company Limited (Geek+)

Geek+ is a global leader in reliable mobile robotics and a smart logistics provider. In 2023, Geek+ opened the first robotic e-commerce fulfilment centre in Saudi Arabia with Starlinks. At LEAP 2024, Geek+ will demonstrate how its picking robots maximise warehouse efficiency and boost picking accuracy.

Halo Energy​ Limited (Halo Energy)

Halo Energy is a provider of smart and sustainable electric-vehicle (EV) charging solutions. First time joining LEAP, Halo Energy will showcase its award-winning Active Load Management System, which optimises power distribution to maximise efficiency, along with other charging management platforms.

About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 with a mission to position Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. HKSTP has created a thriving I&T ecosystem supporting over 10 unicorns with more than 13,000 research professionals and around 1,700 technology companies from 24 countries and regions focused on healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies.

We offer comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures on their I&T journey. Our growing innovation ecosystem is built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Shatin, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long. The three InnoParks are realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined for a new generation of industry.

To support Hong Kong’s future development and its growing demands of the I&T industry, HKSTP is actively connecting the city with Shenzhen. This aims to strengthen cross-border exchange, attract technology companies as well as talent from around the world, helping them go global by exploring the mainland China and overseas markets.

Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen, opened in September 2023 with a gross floor area of 31,000 square meters. The two buildings provide both dry and wet laboratories, co-working areas, conference and exhibition spaces, and more. We will focus on attracting enterprises in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability.

Through our infrastructure, services, expertise, and network of partnerships, HKSTP will help establish I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong, while reinforcing the city’s international I&T hub status as a launchpad for growth at the heart of the GBA innovation powerhouse.

More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.

Media Contact:  
HKSTP

Gloria Ip

Tel: +852 2629 6770 / 9215 6251

Email: gloria.ip@hkstp.org

Edelman Public Relations

June Wong

Tel: +852 3756 8623 / 6986 5822

Email: June.Wong@edelman.com/

Edelmanhkstppr@edelman.com

 

WadzPay’s Dubai entity receives Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) Licence from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority

Issuance of licence is subject to meeting pre-operating requirements and qualifications for operational approval

WadzPay’s Dubai Entity Receives VASP Licence from VARA

WadzPay’s Dubai Entity Granted VASP Licence. Poised to Revolutionize Virtual Asset Transactions in Middle East.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WPME Technology, the Dubai-based entity of WadzPay, a leading fintech company specialising in blockchain based technology for virtual assets announced that it has been granted a Virtual Assets Service Provider (VASP) Licence for Virtual Asset Broker-Dealer service activities by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). The licence remains non-operational until the company fully satisfies all remaining conditions and select localisation requirements defined by VARA, following which it will be able to commence operations, subject to regulatory reverification and approval.

As one of the pioneers in blockchain based virtual assets technology, WadzPay is excited to deliver its innovative and industry-leading solutions to customers across Middle East while working closely with regulators in contributing to build a compliant and robust fintech ecosystem.

Mr. Anish Jain, Founder & CEO, WadzPay stated, “This licence showcases WadzPay’s dedication in promoting innovation in the field of virtual assets domain and blockchain technology bringing us a step closer to delivering world class solutions to businesses in Middle East.”

WadzPay aims to revolutionize the way people in the Middle East transact and manage virtual assets. WadzPay’s commitment to compliance ensures that financial institutions and their customers can confidently embrace the benefits of blockchain technology while adhering to regulatory standards, ultimately contributing to the growth and sustainability of the fintech ecosystem in the Middle East.

Mr. Ram Chari, Board Member and Group Director, WadzPay quoted, “This will further solidify WadzPay’s position as a trusted and reliable blockchain technology based financial service provider in the region. With the broker-dealer services, WadzPay will provide the technology to its clients to enhance the experience of their customers by enabling virtual assets transactions in a seamless and secure manner.”

To which Mr. Khaled Moharem, President – MENA & Europe at WadzPay, emphasized, “This cements our hard work and sets the stage for transformative blockchain solutions, promoting compliance and customer confidence in the Virtual Assets Industry.”

About WadzPay:

WadzPay was founded in 2018 in Singapore with a commitment to drive financial inclusion and revolutionise the virtual asset landscape. It is a leading global blockchain-based technology provider for virtual assets. The company’s innovative platform available as a SaaS offering provides secure, efficient, and transparent technology solutions, catering to businesses (B2B) and consumers (B2B2C). WadzPay works with large international companies, banks, and fintechs to enable virtual asset-based transaction processing, custody, and settlement. It operates across geographies spanning Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

For more information, visit www.wadzpay.com

About VARA:

Established in March 2022, following the effect of Law No.4 of 2022, VARA is the competent entity in charge of regulating, supervising, and overseeing VAs and VA Activities in all zones across the Emirate of Dubai, including Special Development Zones and Free Zones but excluding the Dubai International Financial Centre. VARA plays a central role in creating Dubai’s advanced legal framework to protect investors and establish international standards for Virtual Asset industry governance, while supporting the vision for a borderless economy.

For more information visit: www.vara.ae

For any media enquiries please contact:

Arijit Das

PR and Communications Manager

arijit.das@wadzpay.com

+91 9654930523

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/58f14eb8-1029-4e43-988c-02833036e716

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9053953

Customs, Traffic discuss mechanism for demarcating, numbering motorcycles


A meeting held in Sanaa, which included the Head of the Customs Authority, Eng. Adel Ahmed Margham and Dir. Gen. of the Traffic Police, Brig. Gen. Bakil al-Barashi, have discussed a number of topics of common interest, most notably the executive work mechanisms for demarcating and numbering motorcycles.

The meeting touched on topics related to vehicle registration procedures and working to resolve any problems as soon as possible, as well as developing mechanisms and procedures for the benefit of the citizen and preserving the security and safety of the nation.

Attendees indicated that the demarcation and numbering campaign to be implemented soon comes as a translation of the directives of the Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs – Minister of Finance, Rashid Abboud Abu Lahoum, which stipulates the demarcation of motorcycles and facilitating procedures for citizens in order to save time.

They also approved the formation of a working group to develop the appropriate mechanism for approving i
t and starting work on it.

Margham stressed the importance of developing and strengthening relations and cooperation between the Authority and the General Administration of Traffic Police, as the work between them is complementary with regard to vehicles and finding mechanisms and treatments for unregistered cars and bicycles.

For his part, al-Barashi hailed the level of development witnessed by customs systems and the speed of response of those concerned in customs to solve and address problems.

Source: Yemen News Agency

Relatively cold weather forecast in most regions for two daysDhamar discusses mechanism to activate cooperative work

Amman: Varying temperatures will prevail across the Kingdom’s regions on Wednesday with relatively cold weather prevailing in most areas and warmer conditions in the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and Aqaba.

Clouds will be visible at higher altitudes, accompanied by moderate easterly to southeasterly winds.

According to the latest report from the Meteorological Department, similar weather patterns are expected to persist on Thursday, with moderate southeasterly winds occasionally becoming active.

As we move into Friday, a slight temperature rise is anticipated, bringing pleasant warmth to most areas while the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and Aqaba experience relatively hot conditions.

Some clouds will appear at higher altitudes, and the winds will be southeasterly and active, potentially causing dust, particularly in desert areas.

Looking ahead to Saturday, temperatures will slightly decrease, resulting in relatively cold weather for most areas while the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and Aqaba remain relati
vely warm.

Clouds will be scattered at higher altitudes, and the winds will be northwesterly and active, stirring dust in the desert regions.

Today’s peak temperatures will be between 11 and 15 degrees Celsius in Amman and various highlands throughout the Kingdom, with lows of 4C at night. The Gulf city of Aqaba will have moderate weather, with highs of 25C and lows of 15C.

Source: Jordan News Agency

The Yemeni central governorate of Dhamar on Wednesday hosted a meeting that discussed a mechanism aimed to activate the duties of the provincial team tasked with managing and implementing developmental and cooperative work.

The meeting is meant to begin application of outputs concluded at the workshop hosted by Ibb, which focused on how to activate the developmental and cooperative work at provincial and district levels, Dhamar deputy governor, Ali Atif, said.

The meeting highlighted the need for applying the vision to activate the developmental and cooperative work in Dhamar, for societies in districts, for typical district at the governorate level, for immediate periodical reports to the central technical team, for training for districts’ teams, and for applying the activities and measures stated in the action plan issued by the developmental team.

Source: Yemen News Agency

Supreme Committee for Support of Al-Aqsa approves its field visit plan


The Higher Committee for the Support of Al-Aqsa and the Palestinian Cause, in its meeting on Wednesday, headed by the Advisor to the President of the Supreme Political Council, the scholar Muhammad Muftah, approved the plan for its field visit to the governorates during the next week.

The plan aims to strengthen the efforts exerted by the governors of the governorates (heads of the sub-committees of the Supreme Committee) in the mobilization and mobilization aspects in support of our oppressed Palestinian brothers in the besieged Gaza Strip, and to monitor the progress of the sub-programs in this aspect, including those related to the boycott campaign against Israeli and American goods and companies supporting the Israeli entity.

The Supreme Committee has designated Al-Sabeen Square in Sana’a as a place to hold the major weekly mass march next Friday afternoon, in solidarity with our brothers in Gaza and Palestine, which will be held in conjunction with the mass mass marches in the governorates.

The commit
tee condemned the ongoing US-British aggression on Yemen and its criminal raids that targeted a number of governorates.

It stressed that this blatant aggression will always be met with continuous escalation by the Yemeni armed forces and their naval forces, by striking more American and British ships in the Red Sea, the Arab Sea and Bab al-Mandab. It reiterated its condemnation of the continuous massacres committed by the criminal military machine of the Israeli enemy, the latest of which was the perpetration of eight massacres yesterday against Palestinian families that killed 26 martyrs and wounded 110.

Source: Yemen News Agency

Stand in solidarity for leaders and employees of Sana’a Governorate with Palestinian people


The leaders and employees of the Sana’a Governorate Diwan organized on Wednesday a mass stand in solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people, in support of the operations of the armed forces against the usurping Zionist entity, and in defiance of the US-British aggression.

The participants, in the sit-in, which was held at the governorate center with the participation of the governor, Abdul Basit Al-Hadi, a number of members of the Shura Council, deputy governors and directors general, chanted slogans in support of the Palestinian resistance, and slogans expressing their position rejecting the arrogance of the Zionist entity and its continuous crimes against the Palestinian people.

The participants in the vigil condemned the genocide massacres committed by the usurping Zionist entity against the Palestinian people, including civilians, children and women, under the complicity of the United States and the shameful Arab silence.

Source: Yemen News Agency

Launching campaign ” Purify My House” in Sana’a Governorate


The Office of the General Authority for Endowments and the Local Authority in Sana’a Governorate launched today the “Purify My House” campaign to equip and clean the houses of God in preparation for the blessed month of Ramadan, 1445 AH.

At the inauguration in the presence of Governor Abdul Basit Al-Hadi, the President of the General Authority of Endowments, Abdul Majeed Al-Houthi, stressed the importance of caring for the houses of God and taking care of them, because of the great reward for this work, especially with the reception of the month of Ramadan.

He pointed to the importance of the interaction of local authorities in the concerned directorates and offices and all official and community bodies in the success of the campaign, and work to prepare it for the performance of worship, holding prayers and implementing the Ramadan program.

Al-Houthi pointed out that most mosques in all provinces do not have endowments or a budget by the state to cover their needs, which requires everyone to cooperate in
order to care for them and provide their needs closer to God.

Source: Yemen News Agency

Launching coffee growing season and distributing 100,000 seedlings in capital’s secretariat


The Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation in the caretaker government, Eng. Abdul Malik Al-Thawr, and the Mayor of the capital, Dr. Hamoud Abbad, inaugurated on Wednesday the coffee planting season by distributing 100,000 coffee seedlings to be planted in various directorates and gardens of the Secretariat, coinciding with the activities of the National Coffee Day.

At the inauguration, which was held on the coffee tour on Airport Street, the Minister of Agriculture indicated that the inauguration of the coffee growing season comes within the activities of the celebration of the National Coffee Day, which falls on March 3 of each year, which coincides with the entry of the spring season and the rainy season.

He noted the importance of the activities of the Yemeni National Coffee Day in showing the coffee civilization and its importance in the lives of Yemenis as an important cash crop.

He considered the coffee tree an ancient historical symbol that expresses the identity of an entire people, and its produc
tivity reflects the race of a nation, which calls for caring for this tree, caring for it and encouraging its widespread cultivation.

Minister Al-Thawr stressed that Yemeni coffee of all kinds and productivity will become a source of national income for Yemen and will be a source of pride for all Yemeni people.

Source: Yemen News Agency

Inauguration of agricultural season in districts of western sector in Sana’a Governorate


The Western Sector Multipurpose Agricultural Cooperative Society, in partnership with the Office of Agriculture and Irrigation, the Agricultural and Fisheries Projects and Initiatives Financing Unit in Sana’a Governorate, and Yemen 2030 Foundation, launched today the agricultural season for the year, 2024 AD through development isolation associations in the directorates of the western sector in Sana’a.

At the inauguration, the Director of the Agriculture Office in the province, Eng. Ali Al-Qairi, stressed the commitment to the directives of the Leader of the Revolution regarding attention to the agricultural sector and focusing on creating an agricultural renaissance by exploiting modern and climatic means that characterize the western sector.

He explained that five tons of legumes and maize were provided, in addition to the distribution of ten thousand coffee seedlings for this season, indicating that the official and popular trend to enhance food security contributes to the advancement of the agricultural
sector in order to reach self-sufficiency.

He praised the role of the Western Sector Association, and the Yemen Foundation, which had a lead in serving the agricultural community, especially in providing coffee seedlings that express the authenticity and Yemeni identity.

Source: Yemen News Agency

Conclusion of legal empowerment workshop for legal service providers to vulnerable groups in society


The third workshop for legal empowerment of legal service providers for vulnerable groups in society was concluded in Sanaa today, which is organized by the Yemeni Women’s Union in cooperation with the Ministries of Justice and Interior, with funding from the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP).

Over a period of five days, the workshop aimed to raise the capabilities, skills, and expertise of 25 judges and jurists from the relevant authorities, including providers of legal support services, in judicial , security institutions, ministries, and civil society organizations to play their role in providing their legal and guidance services to vulnerable groups in society.

The recommendations of the participants in the training course, in the presence of the Head of the Data, Information and Statistics Department at the Judicial Inspection Authority, Judge Majed Al-Ansi, and the Chief Relations and Media Specialist at the Ministry of Justice, Dr. Ibrahim Zayed, emphasized the necessity of creating temporar
y detention places for women before the issuance of judgments, and providing a shelter for women after serving their sentences, and a female staff in police departments receive the victims.

They also stressed the importance of raising the level of economically vulnerable groups to protect them from falling into crime, and intensifying efforts and strengthening relations between the concerned authorities to provide protection for these groups.

The recommendations stressed the need to create a unified database for insolvent prisoners, both male and female, between the judicial and law enforcement agencies, and raise specific awareness of issues of violence against women through the media.

Source: Yemen News Agency

Military Committee and local authority in Taiz open number of roads in provinces


The National Military Committee and the local authority in Taiz province inaugurated the opening of a number of roads linking the province’s areas with the rest of the other areas under the control of the aggression forces and mercenaries.

Where the Acting Governor of Taiz, Ahmed Amin Al-Masawa, and the Deputy Heaf of the National Military Committee, Brigadier General Hussein Hashem, in the presence of the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Yemeni News Agency Saba – Editor-in-Chief Nasr Al-Din Amer, opened the 50-60 road, as well as Haifan – Tur Al-Baha asphalt road, which connects Taiz to the other south provinces .

Deputy Chairman of the National Military Committee, Brigadier General Hashem, confirmed that 50-60 and Haifan-Tur Al-Baha roads have become passable and safe through the efforts of the security and military units, in a way that alleviates the suffering of citizens and travelers.

He pointed out that opening the roads comes as a translation of the directives and initiative of the Revoluti
on Leader, Sayyed Abdul-Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi, and His Excellency Field Marshal Mahdi al-Mashat, Head of the Supreme Political Council, and their keenness, since the beginning of the aggression until today, to open the roads and facilitate movement and traffic routes between the regions, in a way that guarantees the safety and security of citizens.

Source: Yemen News Agency

Tenders approval for number of water projects in Marib


Marib province Tender Committee approved ,in its meeting today,Wednesday, headed by Governor Ali Taiman, tenders for a number of water projects, at a total cost of 60 million riyals, after receiving them from the Analysis Committee.

The tenders included water projects in the districts of Serwah, Al-Juba, Jabal Murad, Rahba and Badbda.

The committee also approved a transfer to allocate an amount of 40 million riyals to complete Al-Nadiq Road project in Badbdah District.

In the meeting, which was attended by the province’s undersecretaries, Muhammad Alwan, Abdullah Al-Sharif, and the province’s deputy public mobilization official, Hussein Abunab, the governor stressed the importance of preparing a plan for the stages of implementing these service projects, scheduling them according to what was approved at the meeting, organizing a mechanism to follow up and supervise their implementation , adherence to the standards, specifications, and specified dates. .

He pointed out the importance of everyone’s concerte
d efforts to contribute to the completion of all service projects that benefit society.

The meeting was attended by a number of directors of the relevant executive offices

Source: Yemen News Agency