Tech giants lend a helping hand to COVID-19-hit HK

HONG KONG - Chinese mainland technology giants have donated anti-pandemic supplies and pledged financial aid to Omicron-hit Hong Kong in a bid to help the city control its worst-ever COVID-19 outbreak.

JD.com, an e-commerce company, announced it would donate 100 million yuan ($15,803,430) worth of anti-pandemic equipment to Hong Kong medical workers to help them fight the virus.

JD said that the company will keep in touch with Hong Kong's relevant authorities and provide assistance any time the city needs help.

Tencent, an internet-based enterprise based in Shenzhen, Friday announced HK$40 million ($5,127,561) more in donations after it earlier donated HK$10 million. The earlier donation of HK$10 million is mainly to meet some of the needs of children and the elderly during the pandemic.

Tencent said the company is discussing with different charities on how to effectively use the donation, adding they will give a priority to frontline medical workers and grassroots residents.

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group earlier announced it would donate HK$10 million to the city. Ant Group, the financial affiliate of Alibaba, and the Xiaomi Foundation announced they would donate HK$10 million and HK$5 million, respectively, to Hong Kong Community Anti-Coronavirus Link to ensure a stable supply of anti-pandemic supplies and living necessities for medical workers.