China donates 600,000 masks to Singapore

Singapore

CHINA donated 500,000 surgical masks and 100,000 KN95 masks to Singapore's national stockpile to help the city-state in its efforts to manage Covid-19.

Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Health Lam Pin Min received the contribution from China's ambassador to Singapore, Hong Xiaoyong at the Ministry of Health on Tuesday.

Dr Lam, who is also Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport, expressed appreciation for the contribution, and highlighted the importance of continued mutual assistance and collaboration between Singapore and China amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

He said: "As the pandemic continues to threaten lives and livelihoods around the world, international cooperation is crucial in surmounting this common foe. I am heartened that Singapore and China have been working closely together at all levels to stem the spread of the virus. We have also been finding ways to sustainably manage the public health risks while gradually restoring normalcy to our exchanges.

"Our cooperation spans many sectors, including the health, economic, and people-to-people spheres. We have facilitated the repatriation of each other's nationals, and provided humanitarian assistance to each other in times of need, with contributions from all walks of life.

A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU

Friday, 12.30 pm

ESG Insights

An exclusive weekly report on the latest environmental, social and governance issues.

Sign Up

"Our officials have also been sharing best practices and discussing initiatives to facilitate trade, the continued flow of essential goods and personnel, and joint research and development, for the benefit of both our countries as well as the international community."

Xiaomi Foundation and Singapore-based Raduga Pte Ltd donated 100,000 masks last Monday.

The supplies were received by National Council of Social Service, a government body that coordinates support and provision of relief supplies to citizens and families, including healthcare workers, frontline workers and volunteers during the pandemic.

Shou Zi Chew, Xiaomi's president of International, said: "We are facing a public-health crisis that calls for solidarity. It's essential that we all work together. With so many countries and regions across the world struggling to get access to the appropriate protection to treat Covid-19 patients without putting themselves at risk, we feel alleviating this could be one way we can make a contribution."

The move follows Xiaomi's pledge to distribute a million face masks across Europe.