Extraordinary Endeavors in Turbulent Times: Asian Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact during COVID-19

ASIA BUSINESS COUNCIL HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 3 7 Esquel Group (Hong Kong) Extraordinary Endeavors in Turbulent Times Conclusion When asked about how the year 2020 has been for her, a contemplative Yang says that she began some of her annual dinners of the year by noting that in the Chinese zodiac, this year is the year of the metal rat. “In Chinese history, every six decades we have a year of great turbulence. But that doesn’t mean that it is only crises. There are also opportunities. So I dug up some of my speeches from the beginning of the year, and that was quite inspirational, because, as Winston Churchill says, in every crisis there are opportunities. So early on, I started to look for opportunities rather than just defending against all the adverse events.” From the development of the idea to the donation and distribution of sustainable masks, it is fair to say that Yang is a woman of her word who has spotted – and acted upon – a meaningful opportunity in the COVID-19 crisis. Endnotes 1 “From field to compost: French firm develops hemp face masks.” Reuters . Sept. 11, 2020. https:// uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-france-hemp- mask/from-field-to-compost-french-firm-develops-hemp- face-masks-idUKKBN2621Z2 2 “Growing up Green.” South China Morning Post Magazine . Sept. 20, 2020. 3 Ibid. 4 Tung, Edgar. “5 ways one apparel manufacturer found its relevance to society during COVID-19.” June 11, 2020. https://www.weforum. org/agenda/2020/06/5-ways-apparel- manufacturer-found-its-relevance-during- covid/