Adrian Cheng leads coronavirus initiative

New World Development CEO Adrian Cheng is leading an initiative to produce surgical masks for Hongkongers during the coronavirus epidemic.

The firm’s charity foundation will produce 200,000 masks a day in the territory from April, which will be given free to the public. It is also making an investment of HKD10 million (US$1.3 million) to research and develop the application of Nanodiamonds technology to enhance the protective function of mask materials, with the aim to further develop a specialised coating that will kill bacteria and viruses.

New World Development CEO Adrian Cheng (right) met with leading nanotechnology company Master Dynamic to learn how to apply the patented NanoDiamonds technology to the production of low-cost, antibacterial masks. Picture shows Dr. Tom Kong, CEO of Master Dynamic showing Adrian Cheng a sample of NanoDiamonds.

“The recent COVID-19 made me realise how challenging it has been for the local community to source masks locally,” said Cheng. “Right after I announced to donate HKD10 million in protective gear to local communities, our team reached out to suppliers worldwide in search of high-quality masks. The fluctuation in prices and unreliability of supply prompted me to make the decision to start a local production line right here in Hong Kong. We have no shortage of scientific research capabilities, talent and resources in this city, and we are absolutely equipped to produce high-quality masks locally to tackle immediate and long-term needs.”

There is currently a global shortage of surgical masks during the outbreak and an urgent need to produce high-quality, affordable masks locally to meet rising demands, especially from low-income families.

New World Development has ordered two automated mask production machines and sourced raw materials to make adult- and children-sized masks.

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