KAO Malaysia’s Participation in Sustainable Brands Conference
October 26, 2023KAO Malaysia recently marked its debut at the eighth Sustainable Brands Conference, where it shared its Kao Kirei Lifestyle corporate philosophy and outlined its plans for sustainability and the empowerment of women in Malaysia. The conference’s theme, “Regenerating Local,” featured experts from around the world discussing the concept of “local” from various angles and how brands contribute to regeneration. This year, the conference included hands-on workshops alongside plenary and panel sessions.
Ms. Tan Poh Ling, Vice President of Marketing at Kao Malaysia, highlighted the company’s initiatives to empower and support women, particularly within local communities in Malaysia. The Laurier brand has been a longstanding advocate for young Malaysian girls since 1994. Notably, the “Yakinlah Menjadi Remaja” program, aimed at educating young girls about menstrual hygiene, has reached over two million students in 8,000 schools.
Tan Poh Ling emphasized the importance of integrating sustainability into brand strategies, especially by addressing community-relevant issues. Kao’s core values, based on respecting human rights, underline their commitment to women’s empowerment as a vital element for growth, given the significance of diversity in human capital.
The “Yakinlah Menjadi Remaja” program has expanded, with the support of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), to create the ‘Laurier School of Confidence.’ This initiative aims to boost confidence among young women and provides eligible students with RM1,500 through a National Education Savings Scheme (Simpan SSPN) account.
Celebrating 50 years in Malaysia, Kao has brought its Kirei Lifestyle plan closer to consumers. This plan aligns with Kao’s corporate philosophy, “The Kao Way,” and focuses on product innovation, environmental impact, and sustainability goals such as decarbonization, zero waste, water conservation, and pollution prevention. Kao has been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 17 consecutive years, the only Asian company to achieve this recognition, by the Ethisphere Institute.
KAO’s Kirei Lifestyle vision extends beyond environmental concerns to encompass health and social needs. As Tan Poh Ling stated, Kao aims to develop its business, offer better products and services, and work with consumers and society to create a beautiful life today and in the future.
