BEYOND Expo 2025 is set to return to The Venetian Macao from May 21 to 24 with a forward-looking theme — ‘Unveiling Possibilities’. This premier technology and innovation event will spotlight how uncertainty can spark opportunity, bringing together global leaders in tech, business, and finance to explore innovative ideas that are shaping the future.

With over 1,200 expected exhibitors, 30,000 attendees, and 300 international speakers, BEYOND Expo 2025 will offer a platform for global collaboration across sectors including technology, healthcare, sustainability, and investment.

“BEYOND Expo is more than just an exhibition, it’s a dynamic ecosystem where global innovators converge to shape the future,” said the organisers. 

“This year, we’re focused on translating uncertainty into action and potential.”

This Year’s Highlights:

• Three Dedicated Exhibition Zones:
  ConsumerTech, ClimateTech, and Healthcare will anchor the expo, featuring breakthrough products and solutions from leading global companies and startups.
• High-Level Summits:
  The ConsumerTech Summit, ClimateTech Summit, Healthcare Summit, and Global Investment Summit will host discussions on industry transformation, AI, sustainability, and future funding.
• Cross-Regional Forums:
  Spotlighting emerging innovation ecosystems, sessions like the Asia-Latam Tech Forum, Asia-Euro Tech Forum, and Middle East Tech Forum will foster global exchange.
• Thematic Sessions:
  The BEYOND Wealth Summit, SheTech Summit, and Founder Forum will explore family offices, female-led innovation, and entrepreneurial journeys in Asia and beyond.
• Fund At First Pitch:
  A platform connecting promising startups with global investors. In 2024, the initiative attracted over 150 startups and 100 investment institutions, resulting in 50+ successful matches.
• BEYOND Awards:
  Recognising excellence across four categories, ConsumerTech, ClimateTech, Healthcare, and Impact, the awards will spotlight companies and technologies shaping the future.
• Lifestyle and Networking Events:
  The “TFC” (The Fun Continues) series will return with curated cultural, social, and sports activities, including a gala dinner, yoga sessions, and charity tournaments.

Since launching in 2021, BEYOND Expo has emerged as a premier platform for business, tech, and policy leaders across the Asia-Pacific and beyond. In 2024, 40 per cent of exhibitors were international, with more than 200 global media outlets in attendance.

“BEYOND Expo 2025 aims to connect visionaries from around the world to unlock the next wave of innovation,” said event co-founder Dr. Gang Lu. 

“We invite everyone, from Fortune 500s to startups, to take part in this journey.”

Early bird registrations and booth reservations are now open. Visit www.beyondexpo.com or email BD@beyondexpo.com for more details.

Opening/Closing Ceremonies and Industry Summits: 

Asia’s role in shaping global investment trends will be in the spotlight next month as senior financial leaders, family offices, and institutional investors gather in Macao for the second edition of the BEYOND Wealth Summit.

The invitation-only event will be held on May 23–24 at The Venetian Macao, alongside the wider BEYOND Expo 2025, one of the region’s noted technology and innovation gatherings. More than 300 participants are expected to attend the event, including family offices, market experts, and financial executives from across Asia and beyond.

This year, the summit adds a new dimension with the Greenwich Economic Forum (GEF) joining as a co-host alongside the Asian Family Legacy Foundation (AFLF) and BEYOND Expo. GEF is known for its global investment forums featuring high-profile names from the finance world.

The 2025 agenda seeks to cover a wide range of topics, including multigenerational wealth planning, institutional investment strategies, global market outlooks, technology-driven innovation, and philanthropy.

Over the years, some of the world’s most influential establishments have participated in GEF, including Dalio Family Office and Philanthropies, Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Australian Retirement Trust, HESTA (Australia), Tamasek, TIAA, GE Pension, IBM Retirement Trust, Rockefeller Foundation, Blue Pool Capital, Cornerstone Group Family Office, Quilvest (France), Declaration Partners, Howard Family Office, and The Li Family Office.

While the full speaker lineup has not yet been announced, previous GEF events have featured renowned figures such as Ray Dalio, Founder and CIO Mentor of Bridgewater Associates; Alan Greenspan, former Chairman of US Federal Reserve; Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA); Michael Spence, Nobel Laureate Economist; Nouriel Roubini, Economist and Professor at NYU Stern; Cathie Wood, Founder, CEO and CIO of ARK Invest; David Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group, among others.

Expert panels, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities

The forum will cover topics such as:

• The Future of Family Wealth

• Institutional Investing & Market Outlook

• Frontier Technology and Cutting-edge Innovation

• Global Asset Allocation

• Sustainable Impact and collaborative philanthropy

• Industry Spotlights

Shining the spotlight on wealth and finance

Jason Ho, co-founder of BEYOND Expo, said the summit reflects Asia’s increasing influence in the investment world. “This platform helps spotlight the region’s growing leadership in wealth and finance, while also fostering global connections,” he said.

Dr Gang Lu, also a co-founder of BEYOND Expo, added: “Investment strategies and wealth preservation are evolving quickly. Through this summit, we aim to shape conversations that will influence the next decade of decision-making.”

Michael Zhu, Chair of AFLF, noted that the event has become an important meeting point for families and institutions navigating the complexities of legacy and investment. “We’re building on last year’s momentum with broader participation and deeper discussions,” he said.

GEF co-founder Jim Aiello said the partnership opens new pathways into Asian markets. “Bringing the forum to Macao allows us to tap into the region’s most dynamic opportunities and expand the global investment dialogue.”

Registration for investors and industry professionals

While the BEYOND Wealth Summit is limited to guests by invitation only, the BEYOND Expo, which runs from May 21–24, offers open registration for investors and industry professionals. Events include panel sessions, networking lounges, gala dinners, and a charity golf tournament designed to encourage informal engagement among participants.

To register for the BEYOND Wealth Summit 2025: View the full schedule of BEYOND Wealth Summit speakers and events, and to request an invitation, please visit: www.beyondexpo.com/wealth-summit/.

To register for the Investor Pass at BEYOND Expo 2025, GPs and investors: Secure your Investor Pass now to take advantage of the early-bird offer. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and network with peers, LPs, and the broader tech and innovation community. Book your pass at www.beyondexpo.com/registration.

For more details or to register, visit www.beyondexpo.com.

In an era defined by digital transformation and workforce localisation, Data Direct Group – a leading – Dubai-based business process outsourcing company – has emerged as one of the UAE’s largest and most enduring private employers.

Founded in 2002 with a vision to offer reliable, locally grounded customer experience (CX) solutions, Data Direct Group recently surpassed 1,000 + employee milestone in the UAE alone. The company, today employs, more than 1500 people across four GCC countries, quietly redefining what sustainable private sector impact looks like – with a workforce that today represents 35+ nationalities.

“Our story is Dubai’s story — built on ambition, innovation, and a belief in people,” says Rajiv Dalmia, Founder and Chairman of Data Direct Group that marks 23 years of operations this month. “When we started over two decades ago, back in 2002, we had a clear focus: build a company that not only delivers operational excellence but also contributes meaningfully to the economy and society around us. That vision has stayed the same.”

Supporting on-shore employment and Emiratisation

In an industry often driven by offshore outsourcing, Data Direct Group has doubled down on creating meaningful, on-shore employment opportunities within the UAE. Its diverse portfolio includes call centre services, digital onboarding, and IT support — all delivered by a workforce physically present in the country and trained to global standards.

“Our journey reflects not only business resilience, but a deep-rooted commitment to on-shore job creation, inclusivity, and economic value generation,” said Dalmia explaining how this ‘localisation drive’ has allowed the company to support both government and private sector entities across the UAE while aligning with national initiatives such as Emiratisation.

“We’ve never believed in exporting jobs; we’ve always believed in exporting  knowledge and capabilities,” Dalmia notes. “That’s why we’ve invested heavily in building local talent — our growth is measured not just in numbers, but in lives uplifted and careers shaped.”

A true UAE-grown success story

With its roots deeply embedded in Dubai, Data Direct Group has become a textbook example of homegrown enterprise success. From early challenges to regional expansion, the company has retained its core commitment to service, speed, and scalability.

Today, it is trusted by leading names in banking, healthcare, government services, utilities, logistics, and telecom, delivering bespoke business solutions that enhance customer experience and drive digital agility.

“The UAE allowed us to dream big. The leadership here created an ecosystem where entrepreneurs like myself could build something real and long-lasting,” Dalmia says.

One of the UAE’s largest employers in its category

Employing more than 1,500 people in the region and growing, Data Direct Group has carved out a reputation not only for its size but also for its inclusive work environment. With more than 35 nationalities represented, the company mirrors the cosmopolitan fabric of the UAE itself.

“We don’t just talk diversity — we live it every day,” says Dalmia. “Whether it’s a young graduate from Sharjah or a systems analyst from India, we’ve built a space where people from all backgrounds, walks of life and academic qualifications can grow and lead.”

The company’s female participation has also grown steadily over the past decade, particularly in middle-management and client delivery roles — a focus area it aims to accelerate in the coming years.

Driving economic impact beyond numbers

Beyond employment figures, Data Direct Group plays a pivotal role in supporting the business infrastructure of the UAE and wider GCC. From managing millions of customer interactions to helping clients streamline operations, the company’s services are woven into the fabric of everyday business in the region.

This impact translates to cost-efficiencies, customer satisfaction, and scalable support for public services — key drivers of GDP contribution in UAE’s digital economy.

“Economic impact is not just about revenue — it’s about relevance,” Dalmia adds.

“The fact that we’ve been around for over two decades, evolving every step of the way, is proof that you can be relevant, resilient, and responsible — all at once.”