AS Watson Group established a global Millennials CSR Committee for the first time featuring 14 young colleagues to help enhance the company’s social responsibilities roadmap. Millennials from 11 markets in Asia and Europe are selected to be on this mission.
Malina Ngai, Chief Executive Officer of AS Watson (Asia & Europe), says, “Millennials care not just about themselves, but also about the world and society they are living in. We’re excited to hear the team’s views on areas they care about, which also means our customers will care about.”
Be Part of Our Sustainable Development
AS Watson Group has mapped out initiatives based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (or “SDGs”) which are the blueprint for establishing a healthier, better and more sustainable future. While our food business supports 14 Sustainable Development Goals, the wine business supports 12 goals, and our health & beauty, manufacturing and electronics businesses support 13 goals. Millennials CSR Committee will help us drive change within our organisation and become our SDG Accelerator Team.
Berna Yilmaz, Innovation Analyst of eLab Netherlands, says she wants to be part of the Committee to see her own interest in CSR translated into business action. “We live in an increasingly fragile world. Joining the Committee enables me to steer towards having a positive impact on the world. It’s very motivating to be able to have a voice and share my passion which makes a difference.”
Christie Yeung, Senior Associate of Group Finance, was so grateful to be part of the Committee, “Sustainability is all about bringing long-term change in our community, and one of the missions of the Millennials CSR Committee is to make a plan for 2030. It will be challenging, but I’m ready for what’s to come!”
Give a Smile to the Cleft Children
All members of Millennials CSR Committee just met up in Mae Sot, Thailand, during the “Give a Smile” medical mission with our global NGO partner Operation Smile, a charitable organisation providing corrective surgery to children born with facial disfigurement. The Committee members were part of our volunteer team to reach out to the cleft patients and their families and took different roles in the mission. AS Watson Group’s “Give a Smile” campaign has funded surgery for around 1,500 children with cleft palate or cleft lip since its launch in 2018, giving them new smiles and hope.
Peeraya Polnikorngit, Pharmacist of Watsons Thailand, thinks she has grown up a lot in just a few days of mission. “It’s indeed a very meaningful and unforgettable moment for all of us and the patients. My eyes were filled with tears when I saw the beautiful smiles of the children. It’s my honour to be part of the Committee, showing my love and care to the others with action.”
Iryna Danevich, Learning & Development Manager of Watsons Ukraine, says she was deeply touched when a child came to give her a hug before she left. “It’s love that drives volunteers from different backgrounds to join this mission which changes the life of the children. I believe the smallest and yet the most valuable thing we can do for each other is to care. Care about ourselves, care about others, especially the needy around us.”
