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