Exclusive | When Qatar was seeking a head for its science and technology park, it called on a Hongkonger. Here’s why

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An impromptu stopover in Doha, Qatar last year led Jack Lau, an adjunct professor at a Hong Kong university, to a surprise role in the oil-rich state

He started and listed Perception Digital, a company providing digital signal processor-based solutions to several Fortune 500 companies and tech leaders

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Dr Jack Lau, President of the Qatar Science and Technology Park, during an interview at SCMP’s office in Causeway Bay on March 28. Photo: Nathan Tsui

Peggy Sito

Published: 10:01am, 5 Apr 2024Updated: 10:02am, 5 Apr 2024

During a business trip last year to Brazil, Hong Kong businessman and professor Jack Lau was invited by a friend to make an impromptu stopover in Qatar to deliver a talk on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Little did Lau – an adjunct professor at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) – know that his sell-out lecture at the Hamad bin Khalifa University in Doha about “an innovative science park” would alter his career as an entrepreneur.

The 55-year old Hongkonger was appointed the president of the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) in February to help the oil-rich emirate “play a pivotal role … as a hub of technology, innovation and entrepreneurship in the region,” according to an announcement of his appointment after an extensive selection and interview process.

‘Many Chinese technology start-ups have overlooked these valuable opportunities’ in the Persian Gulf state, says Jack Lau, president of the Qatar Science and Technology Park. Photo: Nathan Tsui

The move marks a significant milestone: Lau is the first non-Qatari to lead the technology park since its establishment two decades ago. The park is funded by Qatar Foundation, which is chaired by Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned, the mother of the current emir.

“As a Chinese and Asian, I want to connect with talented individuals who embody the spirit of entrepreneurship,” said Lau, who has more than 25 years of experience and a wealth of expertise spanning technology, academia and entrepreneurship, including a track record of leading sustainable ventures across various domains.

QSTP was envisioned as a driving force for technological innovation, translating research in Qatar into commercial products and contributing to Qatar’s aspirations of becoming a knowledge-based economy, Lau said in an interview during a trip to Hong Kong and mainland China late last month.

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Despite Lau not being required to bring in Hong Kong or Chinese start-ups as part of his performance targets, at least five such companies have committed to establishing their research centres in the park, including some unicorns, he said.