Expat does healthy trade in face masks in Beijing
Concerned by the pollution in Beijing, former telecom engineer pursues a healthy trade
Kelvin Lau Kam-wai, 33, is a Chinese-Canadian who moved to Beijing two years ago from Vancouver, first working as an engineer at a multinational telecommunications firm on an expat package. Like other Beijingers and expatriates, Lau has struggled to cope with food-safety concerns and worsening air pollution, and he has spent a lot of money on water and air purifiers to stay healthy. While the pollution has driven some expats out of Beijing, Lau opted to stay, but he also quit his job - giving up the expat package that came with it, from accommodation to a car. In May, he started an online shop that sells face masks made out of carbon fabric with replaceable activated carbon filters inside.
I felt like I was going through a midlife crisis two years ago, and I was different from my friends who had just entered different stages of their lives. I started looking for an international assignment in my company because I knew it would give me new experiences but I could continue with my job. China seemed to be a good choice, because I am also Chinese.
When I came, I was aware that food safety and the environment were serious issues in Beijing, and that my health might be affected. I keep reminding myself that I have to be health-conscious, and I have bought water and air purifiers at home. For food, I eat organic if I can.