Henderson Development Anti-Epidemic Fund’s contribution to community exceeds HK$100 million as further recovery support and relief measures are introduced Henderson Land supports youth employment through hundreds of training, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities

Henderson Development Anti-Epidemic Fund (“the Fund”), a privately-financed charity established by Henderson Land Group’s Chairmen Dr. Lee Ka Kit, Peter and Mr. Lee Ka Shing, Martin announced today further initiatives to promote public health and support the gradual recovery of Hong Kong. Since its establishment in January 2020, the Fund has contributed over HK$100 million worth of anti-epidemic supplies and monetary support to the community.

As the COVID-19 epidemic in Hong Kong eases, the Fund is extending its existing public transportation sterilisation scheme to include approximately 600 outlying islands and kaito ferries, and 220 Rehabus vehicles. Together with the minibuses, taxis, inner harbour ferries, school buses, nanny vans, residents’ coaches, cross-boundary buses and driving school vehicles that were sterilised in an earlier phase, the Fund’s sterilisation scheme now encompasses most land and sea public transportation in Hong Kong other than the MTR and public buses. In addition, the Fund has also provided 20,000 free bottles of long-acting nano photocatalytic sanitising spray to SME retail outlets in Hong Kong.

The Fund’s latest measures will create a safer and more hygienic environment for commuters using public transport, as well as hundreds of thousands of workers and their customers in the retail sector, cumulatively benefitting approximately one million people every day.

Commenting on the Fund’s mission, Dr. Peter Lee said: “In addition to providing timely and appropriate assistance to the most marginalised and vulnerable groups in our society, we hope our Fund can assist people from all walks of life. To combat an epidemic, community spirit and concerted effort are essential. As a major employer and longstanding member of the business sector, we hope to work closely with other sectors to contribute to the greater good of society. Already we have been fortunate to receive indispensable support from multiple parties, including various government departments in Hong Kong and mainland China, health service units, NGOs and operators from various sectors. Thanks to their enthusiastic support, we have successfully delivered effective anti-epidemic measures and responded promptly to public needs. We will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with the community to restore normality and revive the economy as quickly as possible.”

Concurrently, Henderson Land has also introduced a number of relief measures. Mr. Martin Lee said: “The epidemic not only poses a threat to public health, but has also had a great impact on people’s daily lives and on the operations of local businesses. Some SMEs have had no option but to shut down and lay off their employees. This has caused financial pressure not only to individuals but also the economy as a whole. At Henderson Land, we are striving to support society by offering more training and employment opportunities, especially to young people who are often the most affected. In the coming months, we will provide a total of more than 400 new and existing training, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities spanning the Group’s various business operations, including sales, projects, property management, technical and supporting services. We hope our efforts will contribute towards safeguarding jobs, and we are committed to working hand-in-hand with various sectors to revive the economy in these trying times.”

Henderson Land is providing support to its tenants in the hardest-hit business sectors to help them endure this difficult time and safeguard jobs. Since February 2020, the Group has been offering rent relief to its shopping mall tenants, including SMEs and chains in the food and beverage, retail and education sectors. Reductions in base rents range from 20 – 60%. Furthermore, to ease the cashflow pressure of educational institutions such as tuition centres and kindergartens, the Group is offering them the option to defer or settle rent balances in instalments.

Experts believe the eradication of the virus requires the development of a vaccine. To assist with this urgent need, the Fund recently donated HK$2 million to University College London (UCL) to sponsor its research in sequencing and vaccine development in the hope of accelerating the production of an effective vaccine that fights COVID-19, providing increased mass protection for the community.

Major contributions by Henderson Development Anti-Epidemic Fund as of May 2020:

Hong Kong

Mainland China

Overseas