Tencent executive says coronavirus battle in China will give a push to digital infrastructure plans

  • The buildout of digital infrastructure in China involves everything from new high-speed railway lines to smart traffic management systems

People visit Tencent's booth at the World 5G Exhibition in Beijing, China November 22, 2019. Photo: Reuters

Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings expects the effects of the coronavirus outbreak, which has seen millions turn to online working and schooling, to have a lasting impact and accelerate China’s digital infrastructure plans.

“The disease first cultivated the online habits of users – such as online channels for teaching, learning and receiving medical advice … and secondly it has also seen demand from [traditional industries] rise for internet applications,” said Tong Taosang, senior executive vice-president at Tencent, in remarks at the Global Mobile internet Conference live-streamed on Thursday.

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