Asean – Page 7 – Daily Balochistan Times

July 17, 2026

Bitget Launches Industry-First Cross-Asset Unified Account With 100 US Stock Tokens as Margin

Bitget Limited VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has launched the industry’s first Cross-Asset Unified Account (UTA), bringing more than 370 eligible assets—including 100 US stock tokens (rTokens)—into a single margin pool. The launch extends unified margin beyond crypto, allowing tokenized equities to function alongside digital assets within one account.

As crypto and traditional financial markets become increasingly connected, users expect assets to do more than represent ownership. The next stage of tokenization focuses on utility, allowing assets to support multiple financial activities from a single account. Bitget’s Cross-Asset Unified Account advances that shift by integrating tokenized US equities into the same capital framework used for crypto trading.

The Cross-Asset Unified Account represents the third evolution of exchanges’ trading account architecture, with each stage focused on improving capital efficiency. The first generation isolated margin by asset and position, leaving capital fragmented across multiple accounts. The second unified multiple cryptocurrencies into a single margin pool, allowing one pool of collateral to support multiple crypto positions. The latest generation extends that framework beyond cryptocurrencies, bringing tokenized US stocks and other real-world assets into the same unified margin system. By giving RWAs the same status and utility as crypto, the Cross-Asset Unified Account allows eligible assets across different markets to work together within a single capital framework.

“Bringing stocks onchain is the first step but the real breakthrough comes when those assets can work with the same flexibility as crypto,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “Capital efficiency is one of the principles behind UEX, and the Cross-Asset UTA puts that idea into practice. A stock position should be able to hold value, support another trade, or unlock liquidity instead of sitting in isolation.”

Eligible rTokens can now serve several purposes simultaneously. Users can maintain exposure to the underlying US equities, receive cash dividend distributions where applicable, use rTokens as margin for futures and margin trading, or pledge them as collateral to borrow stablecoins. The same asset can support multiple portfolio strategies without requiring users to exit their positions.

The initial rollout supports 100 tokenized US equities spanning leading US-listed companies, including rAAPL, rAMZN, rMETA, rTSLA, rGOOGL, rNVDA, rMSFT, rQQQ, rSPY, rJPM, rWMT, rV, and rMSTR, among others. Eligible collateral receives discount rates of up to 95%, subject to asset-specific tiers and holding size. Borrowing rates remain market-based and update hourly according to supply and demand.

The Cross-Asset Unified Account builds on the rapid expansion of Bitget’s tokenized equities ecosystem. Since the launch of the licensed RWA protocol Reality, rToken, the RWA asset issued by Reality, has surpassed $100 million in assets under management within its first month, while generating more than $671 million in cumulative trading volume. By bringing tokenized equities into the same capital framework as crypto assets, Bitget is extending their role beyond market access to capital deployment, allowing users to trade, borrow, and manage global assets more efficiently through a single account.

Bitget plans to continue expanding the range of assets supported within the Cross-Asset Unified Account as the Universal Exchange evolves to connect crypto and traditional financial markets through a single trading experience.

For more information, visit here.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 500+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships such as MotoGP. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry’s lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.

For more information, visit: Website | X | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord

For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

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July 16, 2026

Society for Medical Decision Making Honors UMIT TIROL and Harvard Professor Uwe Siebert with 2026 Career Achievement Award

SMDM Career Achievement Award Ceremony

Beate Jahn, PhD, SMDM President (2025–2026); Professor Uwe Siebert, MPH, MSc, ScD, recipient of the 2026 SMDM Career Achievement Award; Mark Bounthavong, PharmD, PhD, Chair of the SMDM Awards Committee; and Milton Weinstein, PhD, recipient of the 1996 SMDM Career Achievement Award and Professor Siebert’s longtime mentor, following the presentation of SMDM’s highest career honor during the SMDM 48th Annual Meeting in Oslo, Norway, on June 30, 2026.

OSLO, Norway, July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Society for Medical Decision Making (SMDM) presented its highest career honor, the 2026 Career Achievement Award, to Professor Uwe Siebert, MPH, MSc, ScD, of UMIT TIROL and Harvard University, recognizing his decades of transformative contributions to medical decision making through groundbreaking research, international leadership, education, and service.

The award was presented during the Leadership Awards Session at the SMDM 48^th Annual Meeting in Oslo, Norway, by Professor Mark Bounthavong, PharmD, PhD, Chair of the SMDM Awards Committee and Professor of Clinical Pharmacy at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of California, San Diego.

The SMDM Career Achievement Award recognizes distinguished senior investigators whose sustained contributions have significantly advanced the science and practice of medical decision making. Recipients are selected through a competitive nomination process following an open call and are evaluated by the Society’s Awards Committee.

“It was a tremendous honor to present the Society for Medical Decision Making’s 2026 Career Achievement Award to Professor Uwe Siebert,” said Professor Bounthavong. “Throughout his career, Professor Siebert has exemplified the qualities this award celebrates, scientific excellence, methodological innovation, visionary leadership, and an unwavering commitment to improving healthcare decisions through rigorous evidence. His work has influenced researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and generations of trainees around the world, making him exceptionally deserving of this recognition.”

Professor Siebert serves as Professor of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment and Head of the Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment at UMIT TIROL – University for Health Sciences and Health Technology in Austria. He is also Adjunct Professor of Health Policy and Management, and Epidemiology, at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and an affiliated researcher at the Center for Health Technology Assessment at Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School.

A physician by training, Professor Siebert began his career working in international public health projects in West Africa, Brazil, and Germany before pursuing training in public health, epidemiology, and decision sciences. He earned his Master of Public Health from the Munich School of Public Health and Epidemiology and both his Master of Science in Epidemiology and Doctor of Science in Health Policy and Management from the Harvard School of Public Health.

Over more than three decades, Professor Siebert has become one of the world’s leading voices in medical decision making. His pioneering work in medical decision analysis, benefit-harm assessment, health-economic evaluation, decision-analytic modeling, health technology assessment, epidemiology, and causal inference has advanced the science of evidence-based healthcare while directly informing clinical guidelines, cancer screening programs, health technology assessments, reimbursement decisions, and national health policies around the world.

His influence extends well beyond research. Professor Siebert is a Past President of SMDM and serves as recent Past President of ISPOR – The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research. Throughout his career, he has advised governments, health technology assessment agencies, professional societies, and international organizations on evidence-based policy and healthcare decision making. He has authored more than 500 publications, including scientific articles, textbook chapters, policy briefs, and HTA reports, and serves in editorial leadership roles for several internationally recognized scientific journals.

Professor Siebert is also a dedicated educator, teaching courses in health technology assessment, decision sciences, and causal inference from real-world data at the HTADS Program at UMIT TIROL and Decision Analysis in Clinical Research in the summer program at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Accepting the award, Professor Siebert reflected on the mentors, colleagues, students, and collaborators who shaped his career, emphasizing that scientific advancement is built not only on ideas but on the people who inspire, challenge, and support one another.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award, and I am truly grateful for this special recognition,” said Professor Siebert. “This award reflects not only my own work but also the dedication and expertise of my entire team. It also reflects the support, encouragement, and inspiration I have received throughout my career from my students, fellows, colleagues, mentors, friends, and my family. SMDM has been an extraordinary intellectual home, and I am grateful to this community for the opportunities it has given me to learn, collaborate, and grow.”

One of the most poignant moments of Professor Siebert’s remarks came as he reflected on the profound influence of his longtime mentor, Milton Weinstein, PhD, whose Harvard course first introduced him to decision analysis and ultimately shaped the direction of his career. Professor Weinstein received SMDM’s Career Achievement Award in 1996, making Professor Siebert’s recognition especially meaningful as it comes exactly thirty years after his mentor received the Society’s highest honor.

“Careers are built not only on ideas,” Professor Siebert reflected during his acceptance remarks, “but also on the people who inspire us, believe in us, and open doors.”

Throughout his address, Professor Siebert highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and working directly with healthcare decision-makers to translate research into meaningful improvements in patient care. Drawing on examples from his own career, he described how collaborative decision modeling informed national COVID-19 vaccination strategies and cancer screening policies, illustrating how rigorous decision science can have a lasting impact on healthcare systems and population health.

He concluded by encouraging the next generation of researchers to embrace collaboration across regions and disciplines and to remember that one of the most valuable skills in science is listening, to colleagues, patients, decision-makers, and one another.

Professor Siebert joins a distinguished group of Career Achievement Award recipients whose work has defined and advanced the field of medical decision making over the past three decades. Previous honorees include Anne Stiggelbout, John B. Wong, Dawn Stacey, Michael Kattan, Doug Coyle, Karen Kuntz, Murray Krahn, M.G. Myriam Hunink, Valerie Reyna, Ivar Kristiansen, Alvin Mushlin, Mark Roberts, Donald Redelmeier, Annette O’Connor, Howard Raiffa, J. Sanford (Sandy) Schwartz, Alan Garber, Barbara J. McNeil, Peter Wakker, David J. Spiegelhalter, Allan Detsky, Joseph Pliskin, Jerome P. Kassirer, Daniel Kahneman, George Torrance, John Eisenberg, Dennis Fryback, Harold Sox, Arthur Elstein, Milton Weinstein, and Stephen Pauker.

About the Society for Medical Decision Making

Founded in 1979, the Society for Medical Decision Making (SMDM) is an international professional organization dedicated to improving health outcomes through better decision making. The Society brings together researchers, clinicians, educators, policymakers, patients, and industry leaders to advance the science and application of medical decision making through research, education, collaboration, and the dissemination of evidence-based methods.

Media Contact

Wendy Weber
Communications & Membership Director
Society for Medical Decision Making (SMDM)
[email protected]

Photo: Beate Jahn, PhD, SMDM President (2025–2026); Professor Uwe Siebert, MPH, MSc, ScD, recipient of the 2026 SMDM Career Achievement Award; Mark Bounthavong, PharmD, PhD, Chair of the SMDM Awards Committee; and Milton Weinstein, PhD, recipient of the 1996 SMDM Career Achievement Award and Professor Siebert’s longtime mentor, following the presentation of SMDM’s highest career honor during the SMDM 48th Annual Meeting in Oslo, Norway, on June 30, 2026.

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July 16, 2026

Univar Solutions Named on Newsweek’s World’s Greenest Companies 2026 List

Univar Solutions receives recognition for the second consecutive year due to its continued commitment to environmental stewardship, commercial excellence, social responsibility, and strong governance practices

Univar Solutions Named on Newsweek’s World’s Greenest Companies 2026 List

Univar Solutions has been named one of the World’s Greenest Companies 2026 by Newsweek and Plant A Insights Group. The recognition is based on an evaluation of publicly available data and was conducted in collaboration with Plant A Insights and GIST Impact, highlighting organizations making measurable efforts to reduce their environmental impact and advance sustainability.

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Univar Solutions LLC (“Univar Solutions” or “the Company”), a leading global solutions provider to users of specialty ingredients and chemicals, today announced that it has been named one of the World’s Greenest Companies 2026 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group. The recognition is based on an evaluation of publicly available data and was conducted in collaboration with Plant-A Insights and GIST Impact, highlighting organizations making measurable efforts to reduce their environmental impact and advance sustainability.

Univar Solutions Named on Newsweek’s World’s Greenest Companies 2026 List

“We are proud to see our efforts to address environmental impact being recognized as this continues as one of the fundamental aspects for how we operate,” said Alexa Colin, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer and executive sustainability lead at Univar Solutions. “We are taking a disciplined, practical approach to reducing emissions across our operations and value chain while delivering both environmental and business value.”

Univar Solutions Named on Newsweek’s World’s Greenest Companies 2026 List

Univar Solutions receives recognition for the second consecutive year due to its continued commitment to environmental stewardship, commercial excellence, social responsibility, and strong governance practices.

Through continued investment in technology, process improvement and organizational engagement, Univar Solutions is working on progressing toward its 2030 climate goals and longer-term net-zero ambition, which is one reason for this honor. Another critical aspect of the sustainability program for the company is a focus on resource efficiency.

“At Univar Solutions, we approach resource efficiency as both a responsibility and an opportunity,” said Dr. Liam McCarroll, Senior Director of Global Sustainability & Social Impact, for Univar Solutions. “We work to reduce waste, use water more effectively, and apply circular economy principles wherever practical across our operations and this helps create opportunities to improve how we work, lower costs, reduce risk, and help our customers advance their own sustainability ambitions through better resource management solutions.”

Univar Solutions also received recognition in part due to its sustainable and natural product framework that helps customers evaluate sustainability for ingredients and raw materials. The framework is designed to help enable productive communication on product-level sustainability.

“As a company, we believe it is essential to support customers on their sustainability journeys,” said Kelly Gilroy, Vice President, Commercial Sustainability, for Univar Solutions. “We built our Sustainable & Natural Product Portfolio to help provide transparency and clarity as we work together to drive sustainability at the product level.”

Newsweek’s World’s Greenest Companies 2026 ranking evaluates the top 850 organizations across 28 countries. The ranking is based on over 25 sustainability criteria, including greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, waste generation, and strict adherence to European Union sustainability standards.

“Our planet’s future demands collective, immediate action from every sector,” said Jennifer H. Cunningham, Newsweek‘s editor-in-chief. “By spotlighting the World’s Greenest Companies, we celebrate the corporate leaders proving that environmental responsibility is not just a moral obligation, but a cornerstone of sustainable, forward-thinking business in today’s changing global economy.”

Learn more about Univar Solutions sustainability efforts at: https://www.univarsolutions.com/sustainability

Learn more about Newsweek’s World’s Greenest Companies 2026 ranking at: https://rankings.newsweek.com/worlds-greenest-companies-2026

About Univar Solutions
Univar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor representing a premier portfolio from the world’s leading producers. With one of the industry’s largest private transportation fleets and technical sales force, unparalleled logistics know-how, deep market and regulatory knowledge, formulation and recipe development, and leading digital tools, the Company is well-positioned to offer tailored solutions and value-added services to a wide range of markets, industries, and applications. While fulfilling its purpose to help keep communities healthy, fed, clean, and safe, Univar Solutions is committed to helping customers and suppliers innovate and focus on Growing Together. Learn more at univarsolutions.com.

Forward-Looking Statements and Information
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” under applicable law regarding financial and operating items relating to the Company’s business. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “seeks,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or other comparable terms. All forward-looking statements made in this communication are qualified by this cautionary language.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which may be beyond the Company’s control, that could result in expectations not being realized or could otherwise materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Although the forward-looking statements are based on what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, we caution you that the forward-looking information presented in this communication is not a guarantee of future events or results, and that actual events or results may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking information contained in this communication. For additional information regarding factors that could affect the Company, please see the Company’s most recent annual report and other financial reports, including the information set forth under the caption “Risk Factors.” Any forward-looking statements represent the Company’s views only as of the date of this communication and should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any subsequent date, and the Company undertakes no obligation, other than as may be required by law, to update any forward-looking statement.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Media Relations
Dwayne Roark
+1 331-777-6031
[email protected]

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July 15, 2026

Top-Selling New Energy Boxy SUV in Southeast Asia! iCAUR V23 Tops Multiple Global Markets Again in June

WUHU, China, July 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — This past June, Chery Group’s iCAUR V23 posted impressive results across multiple global markets. With precise market positioning and solid product strength, this battery electric boxy SUV claimed the top position in Southeast Asia’s new energy boxy SUV segment, while also achieving segment-leading—and in some cases, overall category-leading—breakthroughs in Hong Kong, Thailand, Nepal, South Africa, and other regional markets, underscoring its robust growth trajectory.

The most remarkable performance came from Hong Kong. In June, the V23 topped the overall vehicle sales chart in Hong Kong across all categories. In a mature auto market known for its discerning consumers and high standards for brands and products, securing the No.1 spot stands as the most compelling testament to the V23’s product strength.

Thailand remains the V23’s strongest and most consistent market. In June, the V23 ranked first in the boxy SUV segment in Thailand. As one of the brand’s earliest overseas markets, Thailand’s continued leadership has laid a solid foundation for iCAUR’s deeper expansion across Southeast Asia.

Meanwhile, the V23’s performance in South Africa and Nepal has been equally encouraging. Following its official launch in South Africa on May 28, the V23 garnered over 300 orders within its launch month, and ranked first in South Africa’s boxy SUV segment in June. In Nepal, the V23 also secured the top spot in the new energy boxy SUV segment. The rapid breakthroughs in these two emerging markets further demonstrate the V23’s strong adaptability to diverse consumer preferences and driving conditions across different regions.

To date, the iCAUR V23 has entered more than 20 countries and regions worldwide. From segment leadership in Southeast Asia to overall category leadership in Hong Kong, the V23 is steadily building a leading presence in the global boxy SUV segment. Behind these accomplishments lies a precise alignment between the V23’s product attributes and the needs of global users. With a 43° approach angle, 41° departure angle, and 210mm ground clearance, the V23 handles both daily city driving and challenging road conditions with confidence. Its 2735mm wheelbase provides generous interior space, accommodating family travel and diverse cargo needs. Multiple international accolades—including the German Red Dot Award: Design Concept and a 5-star safety rating from ASEAN NCAP—continue to reinforce the V23’s credibility, positioning it as a globally competitive model that combines strong word-of-mouth with solid sales performance.

As it continues to achieve breakthroughs in global markets, iCAUR is also rolling out the “Ride to Cheer” campaign worldwide, tapping into this summer’s football fervor. The brand has also teamed up with ecosystem partner, AiMOGA robot, to expand user engagement experiences, showcasing its classic design, intelligent technology, and open ecosystem. iCAUR is committed to bringing the V23 to more global markets, offering users around the world a freer, more enjoyable, and more trustworthy new energy mobility experience.

Contact Person: Zeng Zhaoqing
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.icaurglobal.com/

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July 15, 2026

National Productivity Master Plan Sets Nepal on a Decade-long Path toward Higher Productivity, Competitiveness, and Inclusive Growth

Nepal National Productivity Master Plan handover

APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata (left) and APO Director for Nepal Krishna Bahadur Raut, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, pose with the National Productivity Master Plan for Nepal 2026–2036 following its completion.

TOKYO, July 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On 14 July 2026, the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) formally handed over the National Productivity Master Plan for Nepal 2026–2036 to the Government of Nepal during an online ceremony jointly organized with the National Productivity and Economic Development Centre (NPEDC) and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies. The handover marks a significant milestone in Nepal’s efforts to place productivity at the heart of national development and strengthen its long-term competitiveness as it transitions from least developed country status.

The 10-year master plan provides Nepal’s first comprehensive roadmap for systematically raising productivity across the economy through coordinated reforms, strategic investments, and stronger institutional collaboration. Aligned with Nepal’s Sixteenth Plan and Smooth Transition Strategy, it translates national policy priorities into an implementation-oriented agenda supported by clear institutional responsibilities, implementation sequencing, monitoring and evaluation, and a national productivity scorecard.

Covering 2026–36, the master plan identifies the structural constraints limiting productivity growth, including infrastructure bottlenecks, logistical inefficiencies, skill mismatches, limited innovation, financing constraints, policy uncertainty, and uneven technology adoption. It proposes integrated solutions under four strategic goals: improving the business-enabling environment, accelerating innovation-led modernization, building competitiveness and economic complexity, and increasing productivity through climate resilience and inclusion.

“Nepal has an opportunity to demonstrate that productivity is not merely a technocratic exercise but a national pathway to stronger competitiveness, greater economic resilience, and shared prosperity. By translating this master plan into concrete action, Nepal can build a more productive, innovative, and inclusive future for generations to come,” said APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata, emphasizing that productivity is fundamental to achieving sustainable economic transformation.

In his remarks, the APO Director for Nepal and Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Krishna Bahadur Raut, reaffirmed the Government of Nepal’s strong commitment to implement the master plan: “The Government of Nepal views this document not merely as a report to be archived but as an agenda for national economic reform. We are fully committed to institutionalizing these recommendations given here. The Ministry, alongside the NPEDC, will spearhead the coordination, cross-governmental collaboration, and monitoring mechanisms required to bring these strategic thrusts to life.”

Unlike many strategic documents, the master plan provides a practical implementation pathway that sequences reforms from establishing institutional and policy foundations to scaling successful initiatives and ultimately mainstreaming productivity-enhancing measures through federal, provincial, and local government systems. The framework also establishes mechanisms for monitoring progress, strengthening accountability, and supporting evidence-based policy adjustments throughout implementation.

The APO developed the master plan in close collaboration with the Government of Nepal, with technical support from DevTech Systems Inc. through analytical research, international benchmarking, and stakeholder consultations. The APO remains committed to supporting Nepal during implementation by sharing international experience, strengthening institutional capacity, and promoting continuous learning in productivity policy and practice.

The handover of the master plan marks the beginning of Nepal’s long-term productivity transformation. Through sustained implementation, strong institutional coordination, and continued public-private collaboration, the master plan is expected to strengthen competitiveness, improve enterprise performance, generate higher-quality employment, and enhance the well-being of the Nepalese people over the coming decade.

About the APO

The APO is a regional intergovernmental organization dedicated to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region through mutual cooperation. Established in 1961, the APO supports its member economies through policy advisory services, capacity building, and knowledge sharing to promote sustainable socioeconomic development.

Contact: [email protected]
Website: https://www.apo-tokyo.org

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July 10, 2026

Hong Kong Named Exclusive Asian Host of Middle East’s Flagship Tech Expo “LEAP East” for the Next Three Years

hree of the World’s Top Tech Conferences Converge in Hong Kong
100+ Large-Scale International MICE Events Staged in First Half of 2026
Attracting High-End Business Travellers and Families to Stay Longer

Leap East 2026 Event_1

Hong Kong hosted LEAP East for the first time.

HONG KONG, July 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LEAP East, the Middle East’s flagship technology exhibition, made its Asian debut in Hong Kong over three days (8–10 July), attracting more than 25,000 participants, with 55% were non-local and 45% local. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has partnered with the organiser to secure Hong Kong as the exclusive Asian host city of LEAP East from 2027 to 2029.

Leap East 2026 Event_2

HKTB has joined forces with the organiser of LEAP East to secure Hong Kong as the exclusive Asian host city of the event for the next three years. Dr Peter Lam, Chairman, Hong Kong Tourism Board (Left) and Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President and Co-Creator of LEAP (Right).

HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam said, “LEAP East has chosen Hong Kong for its first-ever edition in Asia this year, and we are delighted to establish a strategic partnership with the organiser to secure Hong Kong as the exclusive Asian host city of LEAP East for the coming three years. This significant partnership not only demonstrates the global industry’s confidence in Hong Kong, but also affirms Hong Kong’s status as the World’s Meeting Place and a hub for innovation and technology, as well as its role as a ‘super-connector’ and ‘super value-adder’. By bringing together tech and innovation enterprises, investors, research institutions and innovative talent from around the world, Hong Kong is fostering cross-regional and cross-industry collaboration.”

Leap East 2026 Event_3

Leap East 2026 Event_3 LEAP East marks the first global expansion of Saudi Arabia’s flagship technology conference, LEAP, into Asia, with Hong Kong selected as the inaugural host city for this regional flagship event. Mr Mike Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, the organiser, said, “Hong Kong’s unique position as a melting pot of Chinese and international cultures, together with its status as a world-class MICE and tourism destination, makes it a vital bridge connecting the Chinese Mainland, the Asia-Pacific region and global markets. I believe that Hong Kong, as the host of LEAP’s first flagship edition outside the Middle East, is the perfect platform to connect Middle Eastern technology enterprises with Asian businesses, while also creating opportunities for Asian companies to engage with partners across the Gulf. I look forward to partnering with HKTB over the next three years to build LEAP East into a premier international platform that brings together global innovation and fosters cross-regional.”

Hong Kong Hosts Three World-Class Innovation and Technology Events
Strengthening Its Position as an International I&T Hub

Dr Lam noted, “Consensus Hong Kong, the global cryptocurrency and Web3 mega event, and the Hong Kong Web3 Festival, one of Asia’s most influential Web3 events, were successfully staged in February and April respectively. Together with LEAP East’s debut in Hong Kong, the city has become the convergence point for three of the world’s top innovation and technology events, further consolidating its leading position as an international I&T hub and Asia’s preferred MICE destination.”

Strong Line-Up of Major International MICE Events is Set to Follow

Dr Lam added, “Through HKTB’s efforts in securing, facilitating and supporting events, over 100 major international MICE events were held in Hong Kong in the first half of this year. Looking ahead, even more world-renowned international MICE events across diverse sectors — including medical science, food science and technology, lifestyle, innovation and technology, aviation and transport, sports and other diversified fields — will be hosted in Hong Kong. These events not only showcase our city’s unique strength as an international MICE hub, but also attract more high value-added overnight visitors and their families to Hong Kong, boosting tourism spending, benefiting the tourism industry and related sectors, and injecting greater momentum into Hong Kong’s economy.”

Following the successful staging of the 108^th Lions International Convention in Hong Kong last week, which attracted more than 17,000 participants, more large-scale international MICE events will debut or return to the city. These include the World Cancer Congress, the World Congress of Food Science and Technology, the World Congress of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) 2026, the high-end international exhibition The Festival of Connoisseurs (TFOC), and the Lions Clubs International OSEAL Forum. These events will bring together industry leaders from around the world to exchange insights and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

The HKTB will continue to work closely with the MICE industry and partners to actively attract more large-scale international MICE events with global influence to Hong Kong. This will further enrich Hong Kong’s year-round events calendar, attract more high value-added MICE visitors and encourage them to extend their stay, enhancing their overall business travel experience. It will also stimulate spending on hotels, dining and retail, thereby amplifying the tourism sector’s contribution to the wider economy.

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