Global health and beauty retail giant AS Watson has reached a significant double milestone, celebrating its 185th anniversary while also achieving a major philanthropic goal ahead of schedule.
A Legacy of Care Reaches New Heights
The company, which began as Hong Kong's first Western pharmacy, is now the world's largest international health and beauty retailer. This 185-year journey is marked not just by commercial growth but by a deep commitment to community care. A cornerstone of this commitment is the global "Give a Smile" campaign, launched in 2018 in partnership with the non-profit Operation Smile.
AS Watson has proudly announced that the campaign has successfully provided over 10,000 free surgical procedures for children born with cleft conditions. This achievement was reached earlier than originally planned, prompting the company to set an even more ambitious target.
New Goal: 15,000 Smiles by 2030
Building on this success, AS Watson has pledged to support a total of 15,000 life-changing surgeries by the year 2030. This new goal reaffirms the retailer's long-term dedication to creating brighter futures for children and their families worldwide.
Reflecting on the company's legacy, Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, expressed her pride. "As we mark 185 years, I am deeply proud of how AS Watson has grown from a single pharmacy in Hong Kong to a global leader," she stated. "Our journey is defined not just by growth, but by the countless smiles we've helped create."
Ngai extended gratitude to the company's 130,000 employees, loyal customers, and partners, whose support has been vital. "Together, we will continue to create smiles—one at a time, for everyone," she added.
The Ripple Effect of a Single Smile
The "Give a Smile" campaign operates on the powerful belief that providing one smile creates a positive impact on five lives: the patient, their family, the surgeons, the hospital, and the wider community. This initiative addresses a critical global health need.
"Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition," highlighted Kathy Magee, Co-founder, President and CEO of Operation Smile. "Thanks to AS Watson, we are able to provide access to essential surgical and comprehensive cleft care for thousands of patients. With its support, we are closing the gap between where our patients live and access to the care they need."
Magee also congratulated AS Watson on its 185th anniversary and the transformative achievement of 10,000 surgeries.
From its early days of offering free medicine to those in need, AS Watson has maintained that health and happiness should be accessible to all. This enduring spirit continues to drive its corporate social responsibility efforts today, ensuring its 185-year history is as much about compassion as it is about commerce.
