Exclusive | When Qatar was looking for a leader for its science and technology park, it approached a Hong Konger.The reason is as follows

“As a Chinese and an Asian, I want to connect with talented individuals who embody the entrepreneurial spirit,” said Mr. said Mr. Lau. Leading sustainable ventures in a variety of areas.

In an interview late last month during a visit to Hong Kong and mainland China, Lau said QSTP is envisioned as a powerhouse for technological innovation, transforming research in Qatar into commercial products and supporting Qatar’s aspirations to become a knowledge-based economy. He said he would contribute to the

Although Lau is not required to attract Hong Kong or Chinese startups as part of his performance goals, at least five companies, including unicorns, have pledged to set up research centers in the park, he said. Stated.

“Many Chinese technology startups have missed out on these valuable opportunities,” Lau said. “If we put aside the differences in cultural and social etiquette in Qatar and focus solely on this country’s resolve and resources, this is a valuable opportunity. I will be on the ground to support them. Masu.”

His appointment comes as officials in Hong Kong and Beijing focus on opportunities in the Middle East amid economic diversification and technological development in the region and rising geopolitical tensions in China’s relations with the West. It was held in the middle of the day.

During his visit to China last week, Lau met with several technology leaders, including Wang Jiwu, chairman of TASS Holdings, which previously operated the Tsinghua University Science Park Development Center. Lau was also invited to visit Da Vinci Motor Co., Ltd., a Beijing-based electric motorcycle developer.

Lau studied electrical engineering and computer science at the University of California, Berkeley, and worked at Hewlett-Packard and Schlumberger before continuing his postdoctoral research at Stanford University.

He co-founded Perception Digital, an electronics design company focused on digital signal processors, and listed the company on the GEM Board in Hong Kong at the end of 2009. The company transitioned to his main board in 2011.

In July last year, Mr Lau was appointed to the Listing Committee of the Hong Kong Exchange and Clearing Authority for a one-year term. He has decided not to extend his role in order to focus on his new journey in Qatar.

His indefinite contract builds on his continued relationship with the park, which includes board members Hassan Al-Durham, Rector of Qatar University, and Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al-Khalifa, CEO of Qatar Development Bank. and Fahd bin Hamad Al Mohanadi, Director General of Qatar Electricity and Water. , Dr. Nasser S. Almohanadi, Manager, Qatar Petroleum Research and Technology Center.

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Lau said under Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which calls for a diversified economy that reduces dependence on the hydrocarbon industry, investment in higher education and research, and fostering a private sector economy, there will be more opportunities for startups to thrive. Expect.

QSTP is currently home to more than 40 multinational companies, including General Electric, Microsoft, Siemens, Shell, ExxonMobil, Maersk and Qatar Oil. The designated 120 hectares of land includes approximately 500,000 square feet of office, laboratory and business facilities.

The park also fosters a network of start-ups and emerging technology ventures. His Tech Venture Fund at the firm supports global startups looking to expand in the region.

“I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity,” Lau said. “I proposed to them a global vision and opened our doors internationally, and the board immediately gave me the authority to move forward. We developed a strategic plan for the park. We plan to reconsider.”