Malina Ngai, CEO of AS Watson (Asia & Europe) joined LinkedIn’s breakfast event in Hong Kong which focused on sharing thought leadership in face of macroeconomic uncertainties.
In the panel discussion with Feon Ang, Managing Director of Linkedin APAC, Malina emphasised the significance of purpose and culture in times of uncertainty, “At AS Watson, we embrace a simple yet actionable purpose – to put a smile on our customers’ faces today and tomorrow. This purpose is not just a statement; we strive to build a culture where everyone understands the purpose and foster passion in their roles.”
She continued, “As a leader, we have to inspire everyone to become leaders so that collectively they will make a powerful and positive impact on the company. It’s also important for us to lead by example – we don’t just “Walk the Talk”, but also “Talk the Walk”. This means clearly and effectively communicating your strategy and ensuring everyone in the company, even the new joiners, understand them. Clear roles and responsibilities are essential for fostering teamwork.”
During the discussion on technology, Malina shared her thoughts, “We are investing in generative AI to empower the company. It’s not about replacing people; instead, it’s about how to make everyone work smarter. Technology allows our colleagues to have more time to discuss the best decisions, best action possible, and do a better job. It’s truly revolutionary.”
She also expressed her viewpoint on talent attraction and retention, “In the past, our focus was primarily on process. But now, we also focus on people, ensuring that we place the right people in the right positions. It’s crucial to inspire everyone to excel so that the company as a whole can thrive. Making sure they are happy and upskilled, and being transparent about the company’s efforts in sustainability and community care are also important.”
As one of the longest standing companies in Hong Kong and the world, AS Watson has been continuously innovating and learning to stay ahead of competition. Regarding learning, she added, “The most challenging thing of learning is unlearning. We encourage everyone to let go of old habits and outdated practices and learn new things and skills.”
Finally, when asked about one key takeaway she wanted the participants to remember, she responded with a simple yet powerful word: Kindness. “I believe Kindness is the New Fashion. Let’s be kind to everyone and create a world filled with positivity.”
