The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the spotlight to the significance of face masks, emphasizing their crucial role in curbing the virus’s spread. A comprehensive review of face masks was conducted. This review aims to provide a solid foundation for understanding various aspects of face mask technologies. A community survey was carried out to obtain real-world insights into face mask usage and efficacy in China and Hong Kong, China. To amplify the project’s impact, an inclusive Online Seminar was organized and made accessible to APEC economies, ensuring broader dissemination of the study’s findings and the promotion of innovative face masks in society.

The efforts sought to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities related to face masks during the pandemic. The overarching objective is to facilitate the integration of new mask technologies into public health strategies, even in the face of ongoing uncertainties.