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

ASIA BUSINESS COUNCIL HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Executive Summary Extraordinary Endeavors in Turbulent Times 3 Esquel Group (Hong Kong): Launching a Sustainable Mask Amidst a Public Health Crisis Hong Kong-based textile company Esquel Group reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility by developing a reusable mask even as it was hit hard by the unfolding pandemic and escalating U.S.-China tensions. While initially made for donations, especially in the communities where it had operations, the product soon became a business as well, demonstrating that social responsibility can go hand in hand with opportunity. The desire to protect the environment is one that runs deep in the family-owned business, and the company has potentially saved 1.3 billion single-use masks from disposal. Esquel’s achievements are due to a convergence of innovation, a focus on wellness, and an ethos of carving out new opportunities while serving the community. Fubon Group (Taiwan): Forming a Mobile Phone-Based Information System to Prevent Community Outbreaks One of the main reasons Taiwan had so few COVID-19 cases at the start of the pandemic was the development of a mobile phone-based information tracking system called the Intelligent Electronic Fences System (IEFS). Taiwan Mobile, the telecoms arm of the Fubon Group, played a key role in this endeavor, as it joined hands with the government and other carriers. Each carrier was responsible for monitoring its customers who needed to be quarantined. The government, on the other hand, operated an aggregated platform that monitored all subjects. As Fubon Group seeks to expand its business in Southeast Asia, its experience-sharing of successful examples like the IEFS is expected to facilitate partnerships and contribute to positive social impact.