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

ASIA BUSINESS COUNCIL HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 5 5 Lenovo (Mainland China) Extraordinary Endeavors in Turbulent Times Conclusion It is important to recognize that the accelerated shift to virtual learning because of the pandemic also presents significant challenges, in addition to the numerous opportunities mentioned above. Many students have had less than positive experiences with virtual learning. Some students are less engaged when connecting from their homes, and others have reported problems ranging from physical ailments to isolation and depression. Moreover, remote learning still requires technology, and even teacher-student matching platforms like SmarterEd are only available to those already equipped with the necessary devices and internet connections. Indeed, perhaps the defining challenge for the educational technology sector will be to address the “digital divide” and mitigate the impact of virtual learning on wealth disparities. Speaking of this challenge, Henderson said, “Now, globally, we’ve seen a desire to supply every student with a device. This has been a huge challenge for the entire supply chain. There has been an explosion of demand that has caused longer lead times than we have seen historically. We are setting up new manufacturing lines and qualifying new suppliers. Through these efforts we are working to ensure that every student can have his or her own device.” This suggests that, just as Lenovo is applying cutting-edge technology with VR, cybersecurity, and esports to reinvent education for the future, there will still be a place for traditional forms of philanthropy, such as Yang’s donation of tablets to underprivileged children in Hubei, which could serve as a life-transforming present for the very students who would benefit most from the gift of technology. Endnotes 1 Wang, Amanda. “Lenovo Donates $1.4 Million to Provide Online Education for Students in Hubei Province, China.” Lenovo StoryHub. Mar. 27, 2020. https://news.lenovo.com/lenovo-donates- 1-4-million-to-provide-online-education-for- students-in-hubei-china/ 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. 4 Ibid. 5 Hauser Wolff, Monica. “Supporting Our Communities During the Coronavirus Pandemic.” Lenovo StoryHub. Mar. 18, 2020. https://news. lenovo.com/supporting-communities-during- the-coronavirus-pandemic/ 6 Rich, Lucy. “Delivering Support to Communities in Need Across EMEA.” Lenovo StoryHub. May 28, 2020. https://news.lenovo.com/delivering- support-to-communities-in-need-across-emea/ 7 Ibid. 8 Damasceno, Alice. “Lenovo Supports Communities Battling COVID-19 Across Latin America.” Lenovo StoryHub. Jul. 10, 2020. https://news.lenovo.com/ lenovo-supports-communities-battling-covid- 19-across-latin-america/ 9 UNESCO COVID-19 education response: how many students are at risk of not returning to school? United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization advocacy paper. Jul. 30, 2020. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark: /48223/ pf0000373992/