Heroes Unmasked

In these uncertain times, three Hong Kong business leaders are doing their part to protect the community

Business leaders doing their part to fight Covid-19

ADRIAN CHENG

Adrian Cheng’s New World Development is outfitting a factory in Tuen Mun that will be capable of manufacturing more than 200,000 masks per day.

Cheng says: “I believe we can work together to win the battle against the epidemic, and then we can focus on business revival and bringing long-term positive changes to society.” Production is expected to start this month, and the masks will be distributed for free through non-governmental organisations to anyone who needs them.

New World Development has also partnered with Master Dynamic, a leading Hong Kong nanotechnology company, to research how nanodiamonds can be used in masks to provide greater protection against bacteria and viruses. And on top of producing masks, Cheng has donated approximately HK$55 million to NGOS, schools and hospitals in Hong Kong and China since January.

DEE POON

Sustainability has long been at the top of Dee Poon’s agenda when it comes to Esquel Group—her family’s textile manufacturing company—and now she’s working on eco-friendly ways to fight the coronavirus. At the end of February, Poon unveiled the first batch of reusable masks manufactured by Esquel; her team are now working to produce more.

On top of this, Poon has also developed a less conventional way to protect against pathogens: fortifying the tote bags of PYE, her shirt label, with a new antimicrobial and water-repellent finish. Poon explains: “Bags are seldom washed and are therefore likely causes of infection. We are constantly thinking about what we can do or make to make this period easier and safer for everyone.”

DOUGLAS YOUNG

Goods of Desire (G.O.D) is approaching virus protection in its characteristically playful way—it has released a line of reusable fabric masks in multiple quirky patterns and designs.

“We have styles that are funny, like one with a mouth that moves. I guess it is our way of making light of a very serious situation,” says G.O.D founder Douglas Young. But beyond the gimmicks (one G.O.D mask has a moustache), Young was eager to find a way to protect citizens without damaging the environment. “The masks that I see people using on the street are effective but not recyclable and non-biodegradable and therefore are terrible for the environment.” So the G.O.D team designed a washable fabric mask with a pocket to insert a paper towel or other filter. G.O.D also sells pouches to store your mask, which is helpful if you have to take it off at a restaurant, for example.

The first batch of G.O.D reusable masks sold out within three days, but its stores are restocking regularly to meet demand.