Hong Kong (June 2, 2026) The South China Morning Post (SCMP) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Autonomous Cluster Fund “Astana Hub” (Astana Hub), Gobi Partners, Growth Vision Pro Ltd which operates Khan Tengri Innovation Hub in Shanghai. The collaboration aims to foster deeper economic connections and accelerate the growth of startup ecosystems across Central Asia, Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland.
Tammy Tam, Publisher, South China Morning Post, said, “This collaboration represents a significant milestone in bolstering cross-regional partnerships and promoting innovation networks throughout Central Asia and China, including Hong Kong. It aims to fast-track startup development by providing a strategic launchpad and training programs. Given SCMP’s 122-year journalistic excellence and its vast network of international leaders, our global reach and professional media services are perfectly aligned with the objectives of this partnership.”
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment and is a particularly timely initiative, coinciding with the HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee leading a delegation visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, exploring the growth potential in Central Asia. It underscores Hong Kong’s distinct role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, aligning with the country’s national 15th Five-Year Plan.
“This partnership with SCMP, Gobi Partners and Growth Vision Pro (Khan Tengri Innovation Hub) creates new opportunities for tech companies across Central Eurasia, Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong. Importantly, it connects entrepreneurs, investors and media platforms, creating new pathways for innovation, knowledge exchange and international collaboration,” said Magzhan Madiyev, CEO of Astana Hub. “Astana Hub is the largest innovation cluster in Central Eurasia, bringing together thousands of tech companies and IT professionals from around the world. For our startups, this partnership provides access to one of the world’s largest innovation ecosystems, while for international companies it offers a gateway to the fast-growing Central Eurasian market. We believe this partnership will help bring new regional startup success stories to the global stage and further strengthen Central Eurasia’s position as an emerging hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.”
Thomas Tsao, Co-founder and Chair, Gobi Partners, said, “Central Asia is emerging as one of the most exciting frontiers for venture capital, with strong technical talent, increasing investor interest, and a strategic role as a bridge connecting Asia and Europe. Kazakhstan represents a significant opportunity, driving nearly 60 per cent of Central Asia’s economy. With prior experience activating other Asian innovation ecosystems in countries like China, Malaysia and Pakistan, Gobi Partners believes ecosystems are built through long-term collaboration between founders, investors, corporates and public-sector partners. We are proud to be part of this MOU, which will create even stronger ties between Central Asia and Hong Kong in becoming a collaborative launchpad of innovation for both regions.”
Lazzat Borankulova, Founder and CEO, Growth Vision Pro Ltd, said, “Khan Tengri Innovation Hub, operated by Growth Vision Pro Ltd, serves as a cross-border platform linking the startup, innovation and venture capital ecosystems of Central Asia, Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland. With its holding company in Hong Kong and presence in Shanghai, as well as strong regional engagement across Central Asia, the Hub supports technology companies in building trusted partnerships, accessing new markets and engaging with investors, corporates and ecosystem stakeholders. Within this partnership, Khan Tengri Innovation Hub will focus on identifying high-potential Central Asian startups ready for China including Hong Kong market expansion, supporting their market validation and soft-landing, and facilitating introductions to relevant investors, corporates, innovation parks and technology partners. In cooperation with Astana Hub, SCMP and Gobi Partners, the Hub will also contribute to founder roadshows, investor meetings, ecosystem events and visibility initiatives that help Central Asian startups better understand China including Hong Kong while enabling Chinese and Hong Kong-based investors and companies to access emerging technology opportunities from Central Asia.”
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