Hong Kong’s Li Ka-shing makes rare video appearance, first since Panama deal
Temasek Trust and Li Ka Shing Foundation donate two histotripsy systems worth S$12 million to health research centres in city state
The Li Ka Shing Foundation and an arm of Singapore’s state investment fund have donated two machines that can remove cancerous tumours with ultrasound waves to the city state, as the Hong Kong tycoon made a rare video appearance during the gifting ceremony.
The 96-year-old tycoon showed up via video link on Thursday and was thanked by the chairwoman of Temasek Trust, Ho Ching, for the contribution. Temasek Trust is the state investor’s philanthropic arm.
The video address marked Li Ka-shing’s first public appearance since news broke that his CK Hutchison Holdings would sell its overseas ports business, including two key operations in Panama, to a consortium led by US asset management firm BlackRock.
CK Hutchison has come under fire over the controversial deal, the signing of which has been delayed. The foundation released the clip on Thursday, a day after the parties were originally set to sign.
Looking upbeat in the recording that a source said was “done very recently”, Li said: “In a world where medical innovation is crucial for addressing the complexities of cancer, our partnership underscores the power of collaboration and philanthropy in driving progress.
“I am delighted to see that our mission statements align so well. Temasek Trust’s vision of ‘Building Better for Every Generation’ resonates deeply with my own commitment to ‘Changing World, Unchanging Promise’. Together, we are dedicated to supporting groundbreaking research and technologies that can transform lives and serve as a positive force for the future.”