February 28, 2024

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

February 28, 2024

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

February 28, 2024

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

February 28, 2024

Tunisian Minister of Trade stresses need for more just, inclusive multilateral trading system

ABU DHABI: Tunisian Minister of Trade and Export Development, Kalthoum Ben Rejeb, stressed the vital role that international trade plays in promoting economic well-being and reducing gaps between countries.

In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of her participation in the ongoing Thirteenth WTO Ministerial Conference, she said that trade is a powerful tool for sustainable development and can contribute significantly to reducing inequality and stimulating economic growth in developing countries. She stressed the need for a more just and inclusive multilateral trading system that can support emerging economies and benefit all participating countries.

The minister also emphasised the importance of reaching a final and comprehensive agreement on fisheries subsidies, and resolving outstanding issues in the Agreement on Agriculture, including reaching a clear commitment on how to work in the coming period to develop fair and equitable rules that guarantee the right of the peoples of the
world to food security and a decent life.

Source: Emirates News Agency

February 28, 2024

FM, Austrian counterpart discuss efforts to stop Israel’s war against Gaza, 2nd, final add

_: He said Jordan and Austria favor a two-state solution and wish to establish a Palestinian state, adding, “I do not see any alternative to that, as neither the Palestinians nor the Israelis will disappear from the face of the earth.”

He indicated, “We made a mistake in the past when we thought that the normalization process, or the so-called Abraham Treaties, would replace the Palestinian issue, and we have now discovered that this will not happen, and that the Palestinian issue, the treaties, and normalization are two sides of the same coin, and the only way for us to reach peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis is to live together in peace.

He reiterated that Gaza is part of the Palestinian state and that his government opposes any talk of forcible displacement.

“My country’s view on settlements and provocations at holy places is clear: they are simply unacceptable,” Schallenberg underlined.

Safadi and Schallenberg had expanded discussions about events in Gaza, the dire consequences of contin
uing the war, and measures to end it and protect civilians.

The discussions also focused on the international community’s legal and humanitarian responsibilities, as well as the need to provide adequate and long-term aid across the Strip.

Source: Jordan News Agency

February 28, 2024

FM, Austrian counterpart discuss efforts to stop Israel’s war against Gaza

Amman: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, said that Jordan’s first priority is to stop the Israeli aggression on Gaza immediately, and that bringing humanitarian aid to the besieged Strip is a second priority.

In a joint press conference held Wednesday evening with his Austrian counterpart, Alexander Schallenberg, Safadi stressed the importance of bringing humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip sufficiently and completely to confront an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe for decades.

He stated that because Israel prevents enough aid from reaching the Gaza Strip, over 2.3 million Palestinians are at risk of hunger.

He stated, “The war has been ongoing for too long, and its victims number in the tens of thousands,” emphasizing that more than half a million Palestinians are now experiencing the world’s greatest rates of starvation, which must cease immediately.

He emphasized that this action will not bring security or peace, but will instead lead to more co
nflict and escalation. As a result, the entire world community must work together to put an end to this as soon as possible.

He referred to the escalation in the occupied West Bank, which threatens to exacerbate the situation, particularly as the holy month of Ramadan approaches, underscoring the need to halt all Israel’s measures taken to restrict worshipers’ right to carry out their religious duties during this holy month, as well as to adhere to the historical and legal situation in Islamic and Christian holy sites in the occupied Jerusalem.

Additionally, Safadi warned of the risk of settlement growth and the announcement made by an extremist in the Israeli government to begin construction on new settlements. He said that this is an escalation that will only heighten tensions and that the international community unanimously condemns it as a violation of international law.

He said that Jordan aspires to a just and comprehensive peace, which it believes cannot come to pass until the Palestinians are grant
ed their right to freedom and the ability to govern their own territory in compliance with the terms of reference that have been approved, allowing them to coexist peacefully and securely with Israel.

He reiterated that Jordan will keep up its regional and global efforts to put an end to this calamity and fully realize Palestinian rights in order to bring about peace that will provide security and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians.

He indicated that even before to October 7, UNRWA has been the target of political assassination attempts. He went on to say that every dollar taken from UNRWA was taken from a patient or a child and that UNRWA is an indispensable organization for the Palestinian people.

Source: Jordan News Agency