WatsON - Stay tuned with AS Watson

Caring Beyond Business

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:02:30 +0000

Caring for people is at the heart of AS Watson’s purpose—and recently, that commitment was demonstrated in an extraordinary way.

During a group meeting in Hong Kong, Ed van de Weerd, CEO - Health & Beauty Continental Europe of AS Watson, noticed a woman struggling in the sea and calling for help near the Hung Hom waterfront. Without hesitation, Ed immediately jumped into the water, rescued the woman, and helped bring her safely ashore. Emergency personnel arrived shortly afterward to provide medical assistance.

Reflecting on the incident, Ed shared, "It was an instinctive reaction. I happened to be there and saw someone in need of help. Anyone would have done the same. Life is priceless, and it was my honour to assist."

We are proud to work alongside leaders who demonstrate courage and compassion, setting an example of responsibility that inspires us all.

Glow Beyond Limits

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:57:57 +0000

Superdrug has unveiled the UK’s most extensive K-Beauty range, featuring over 400 products available both offline and online. This milestone marks an exclusive partnership with K-Beauty specialist PURESEOUL, introducing sought-after brands to the high street for the first time.

As part of Superdrug’s new International Beauty concept, customers can discover global beauty favourites in over 130 stores nationwide, exploring the latest innovations in effective, ingredient-led skincare and the coveted ‘glass skin’ look.

Music Meets Beauty

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 04:15:14 +0000

Watsons Malaysia recently hosted the Watsons Kfinity Music Festival at IOI City Mall Damansara Convention Centre, themed “Connecting Fans with Legends”. The festival delivered an immersive live experience, bringing participants closer than ever to their favourite K-pop icons.

The event also featured the Watsons Health and Beauty Zone, where interactive booths offered exciting product samples along with exclusive deals and rewards. This elevated experience underscored Watsons’ unwavering commitment to empowering individuals to "Look Good, Do Good, Feel Great", while fostering meaningful engagement that goes beyond music.

Fortune Honours Malina Ngai as One of Asia's Most Powerful Women: The Science Behind AS Watson's 185-Year Legacy

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 03:51:56 +0000

Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, has been named one of Fortune's Most Powerful Women in Asia 2025, ranking 6^th on the list and standing out as the only retail leader among the top 10. The recognition was announced online earlier this month, and the award was formally presented to Ngai at the Fortune Innovation Forum gala dinner held in Kuala Lumpur last night.

Speaking at the forum gala dinner, she talked about ‘The Science Behind a 185-Year Company’ sharing insights on leading a vast retail network amid evolving market dynamics. AS Watson, the world's largest international health and beauty retailer, operates over 17,000 stores across 31 markets. In Malaysia, Watsons has over 800 stores and is the number one health and beauty retailer.

“Leading a company with 185 years of history is both an honour and a challenge,” Ngai stated. "Heritage gives us credibility, but relevance keeps us alive. Tradition gives us roots, but innovation gives us wings." She emphasised the importance of deep listening to customers, colleagues, and partners, and making decisions with both head and heart.

Ngai highlighted the company's focus on talent and agility, stating, "Culture is the bridge between past and future. We invest in talent and agility so our teams can adapt quickly without losing our DNA." Drawing on her background as a competitive athlete, "What sports have taught me is a kind of true resilience that no business school can teach. As a competitive athlete, you train for months for just a few minutes of performance. That focus, anticipation, perseverance, and the spirit of never easily giving up - that's the essence of resilience."

Ngai also shared how sports have shaped her leadership style, emphasising focus under pressure, rapid decision-making, and the importance of teamwork and trust. She underscored AS Watson's commitment to blending "art and science" into retail, using data and AI to personalise offers while maintaining a human connection with customers. "We are a technology-powered company with a human soul," she said.

As AS Watson approaches its 185^th anniversary, the company continues to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of its customers, blending its rich heritage with a forward-looking approach.

To learn more about the award, visit: Most Powerful Women Asia | Fortune

To discover more about AS Watson’s history and talent development, visit:

Our History

AS Watson Surpasses Halfway Mark in Global Youth Employment Pledge: 134,000 Young People Recruited Worldwide and 3.8 Million Training Hours Delivered to Empower Future Retail Leaders

Moment of Glamour

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 04:24:47 +0000

Marionnaud France organised an unforgettable event, welcoming media and customers to an exclusive experience with the 1984 Collection. The event highlighted the collection’s refined design and modern sophistication across brushes, makeup, beauty accessories, and nail varnishes - creating the perfect setting for beauty enthusiasts to immerse themselves in elegance.

Redefining Retail Excitement

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 03:53:51 +0000

Watsons Singapore has reopened its doors at Bugis Junction, unveiling a premier health and beauty destination. This is more than a store refresh—it marks the start of a new retail era, delivering an innovative and elevated experience for our customers.

Designed to capture the vibrant energy of Bugis Junction’s youthful, trend-savvy community, the store transforms shopping into an immersive journey. Spanning over 3,700 square feet, it features interactive health and beauty zones and introduces Singapore’s first retail pharmacy eConsultation service. As we move forward, Watsons remains committed to providing customers with a seamless O+O shopping experience.

Every Penny Counts

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 06:23:33 +0000

Superdrug is proud to launch a new charity initiative in partnership with Mind for World Mental Health Day, aiming to raise vital funds and awareness to support mental health across the UK. Customers can contribute through Pennies by rounding up their purchases at checkout, with the goal of reaching over one million people. To mark the launch, Superdrug’s Stratford Westfield store has featured "walls of pledges", inviting customers to share their commitments to mental well-being.

AS Watson Surpasses Halfway Mark in Global Youth Employment Pledge: 134,000 Young People Recruited Worldwide and 3.8 Million Training Hours Delivered to Empower Future Retail Leaders

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 06:42:09 +0000

AS Watson, the world's largest international health and beauty retailer, has reached a major milestone in its global youth employment pledge - recruiting 134,000 young people to date and delivering 3.8 million hours of training. This achievement marks more than halfway toward its goal of creating 200,000 opportunities by 2030.

Alongside job creation, AS Watson has invested heavily in training and development, delivering 3.8 million hours of learning to new joiners in their first year - meaning each young person receives on average 28 hours of learning. This initiative underscores the Group’s dedication to empowering young talent with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

AS Watson launched the Pledge in 2022 to address the challenges young people face when entering the workforce. A lack of initial workplace experience and a disconnect between academic learning and practical skills often limit their employability. AS Watson is committed to helping them overcome these barriers by providing hands-on experience and practical skills training that bridge the gap between education and the workplace.

Empowering the Next Generation

Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, said,“At AS Watson, we give young people more than a job - we give them belonging, purpose, and the tools to succeed.”

“When we invest in young people, we invest in the future of everything - our industry, our communities, and our world. That's the real purpose behind every opportunity we create."

Impact Beyond Numbers

Beyond offering first jobs, AS Watson's programme focuses on long-term career growth. It equips young employees with essential digital, customer service, and leadership skills. The Group continues to collaborate with educational institutions and NGOs to ensure inclusive access to career opportunities.

Looking ahead, AS Watson remains committed to:

Reach 200,000 youth employment opportunities by 2030
Expand training in digital skills and sustainability roles
Drive innovation through technology and Generative Al in retail

To learn more about AS Watson’s youth employment initiatives and career opportunities, visit Join Us | AS Watson Group - A member of CK Hutchison Holdings

Give a Smile, Change a Life

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 04:38:10 +0000

AS Watson partnered with Operation Smile to organise the Give a Smile surgical mission in Legazpi, Philippines. Our Group CEO, Dr. Malina Ngai, together with our volunteers, witnessed firsthand the profound impact of the programme - providing children, from five months to teenagers with cleft conditions, the chance to smile and thrive.

Since the partnership began in 2018, 8,000 free surgeries have been made possible thanks to the generosity of customers and the dedication of colleagues worldwide, transforming the lives of children with cleft conditions and their families.

Taste the Best

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 08:55:16 +0000

Watson’s Wine hosted Hong Kong’s largest wine festival, featuring over 30 curated events, including wine dinners and tastings. Engaging more than a hundred wineries, the festival showcased over 500 wines across five days. Throughout the week, Masterclasses provided in-depth explorations of terroir, technique, and tasting, led by passionate winery representatives who generously shared their knowledge and stories. This vibrant event celebrated the rich world of wine and brought together enthusiasts and experts alike.