AS Watson Group - A member of CK Hutchison Holdings

CK Hutchison’s Audited Results for the Year Ended 31 December 2025 (in PDF)

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:40:22 +0000

CK Hutchison’s Audited Results for the Year Ended 31 December 2025 (in PDF)

AS Watson 185th Anniversary Drawing Competition Attracts Over 2,000 Students

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 17:00:49 +0000

A selection of winning artworks has been printed on the packaging of AS Watson 185th Anniversary Limited‑Edition Boxed Tissues and Wet Wipes.

Winners of Champion, 1st Runner‑up, 2nd Runner‑up and Merit Awards – Junior Primary School Category

Winners of Champion, 1st Runner‑up, 2nd Runner‑up and Merit Awards – Special School Category

To celebrate its 185th anniversary, AS Watson organised the “AS Watson 185th Anniversary Drawing Competition”, inviting junior primary students and students from special schools across Hong Kong to participate. The competition received an overwhelming response, attracting over 2,000 students, with more than 1,400 selected artworks showcased at Whampoa Fashion World for a two‑week exhibition. It has become one of the largest student art exhibitions in recent years.

Sharing the Joy of the 185th Anniversary Through Art
At the award presentation ceremony, Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, said: “As AS Watson marks its 185th anniversary, we have grown as one with the community since our establishment. We believe that children are the hope and pillar of the future, which is why we have long been committed to nurturing and supporting the next generation. By organising this drawing competition with the theme ‘Birthday Party’, we hope to encourage students to unleash their creativity through art and share in the joy of the AS Watson 185th Anniversary together.”

To extend the meaning of the event, a selection of winning artworks has been printed on the packaging of AS Watson 185th Anniversary Limited‑Edition Boxed Tissues and Wet Wipes. These products are now officially available at all PARKnSHOP and Watsons stores and online shops, allowing the public to appreciate children’s creativity in their daily lives.

AS Watson has also transformed creativity into care through this initiative. For every limited‑edition product sold, all proceeds after deducting costs will be donated to the We R Family Foundation, supporting its “333 Learning Companion Leadership Programme”, which provides free learning support for children from underprivileged families, helping enhance their learning abilities, cultivate positive values, and promote holistic development. Donation boxes are also available at PARKnSHOP, Watsons and Fortress stores, inviting customers to contribute and support more children in need.

The Champion of Junior Primary School Category, Ngai Hau Ching, student of Tai Po Market Public School (Plover Cove) expresses that, “I am really happy to win an award! Drawing has always been a way for me to express my ideas. Having my artwork selected and printed on tissue products makes me feel especially honoured. Knowing that my drawing can be used for charitable purposes to help other students in need makes me feel that my artwork is more than just a picture—it can give strength to others. This experience is truly meaningful.”

The mother of Champion of the Special School Category winner, Or Wan Ki, student of Po Leung Kuk Law’s Foundation School said, “Drawing has always been a meaningful way for Wan Ki to express herself. Seeing her artwork selected and turned into a real product that others can see has given her more confidence to keep creating. I am very grateful to her teachers for their encouragement, and she can continue to bring happiness to others through drawing in the future.”

185 Little Artists Party – Drawing Smiles Together
As a special highlight, AS Watson also hosted the “Little Artists Party”, inviting 185 children to create smiley face drawings on the spot. The event allowed young artists to enjoy the fun of creation in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere, bringing the celebration to a delightful conclusion.

AS Watson will continue to support children’s development through various community initiatives, working hand in hand with society to create a better future for the next generation.

AS Watson Health & Beauty Continental Europe CEO Ed van de Weerd Honoured with Good Citizen Award by the Hong Kong Police Force

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 10:41:05 +0000

Dr Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson (left) and Ed van de Weerd, CEO of Health & Beauty Continental Europe of AS Watson (right)

Ed van de Weerd, CEO of Health & Beauty Continental Europe of AS Watson, was presented with the “Good Citizen Award” at the Good Citizen Award Presentation Ceremony 2025

Ed van de Weerd, CEO of Health & Beauty Continental Europe of AS Watson

AS Watson is proud to announce that Ed van de Weerd, CEO of Health & Beauty Continental Europe of AS Watson, was today presented with the “Good Citizen Award” at the Good Citizen Award Presentation Ceremony 2025, organised by the Hong Kong Police Force. The award recognises his courageous and selfless act in saving a life, as well as his strong sense of civic responsibility and care for the community.

The incident took place last November while Ed was visiting Hong Kong for a business trip. At around 11pm, near the Hung Hom waterfront close to his hotel, Ed witnessed a woman struggling in the sea and calling loudly for help. Although some people had already thrown a life buoy towards her, she was unable to grab hold of it and the situation quickly became critical.

Without hesitation, Ed jumped into the sea, rescued the woman and assisted in bringing her safely back to shore. Emergency personnel subsequently arrived at the scene, and the woman was taken to hospital for treatment.

Reflecting on the incident, Ed said, “I just happened to be passing by when I saw the critical situation. There was no time to think — I acted purely on instinct to help. I firmly believe that anyone who can swim would make the same choice in the same situation, because when a life is in imminent danger, no one can stand idly by.”

He emphasised, “Life is priceless, and successfully saving someone is the most important thing. I am deeply moved and grateful to receive the Good Citizen Award, but I believe I was simply doing what I ought to have done. I wish the lady good health and happiness, and I also hope that this experience will encourage more people to believe that even a seemingly small act of kindness can change someone's life.”

AS Watson Group was deeply moved and proud. Dr Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, expressed, “In a moment of real danger, Ed jumped into the water without hesitation to save the person in that critical moment. His sincerity and courage are deeply admirable. Not only did he save a precious life, but he also reminded us that care and respect for those around us can be expressed in the simplest and most direct ways.”

She added, “Ed’s actions truly reflect our core values — care for the community and grow as one. This spirit is not a slogan, but a belief we strive to put into practice every day.”

Ed van de Weerd is currently the CEO of Health & Beauty Continental Europe of AS Watson and also serves as the Group’s International Commercial Director. He is responsible for overseeing the development of the Group’s health and beauty businesses across the Benelux region. Since joining the Group in 2018, Ed has continued to drive business growth and digital transformation, while actively contributing to the Group’s global sustainability initiatives.

AS Watson Raises the Bar on Plastics Reduction with Refreshed 21% Virgin Plastic Reduction Target by 2030

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:17:21 +0000

AS Watson, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, is strengthening its plastic-reduction ambition with an enhanced commitment under the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Global Commitment 2030. The company is pledging to reduce virgin plastic in its own-brand packaging by 21% by 2030, using 2022 as the baseline year.

This renewed target, now featured on the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Global Commitment website, reinforces AS Watson’s leadership in advancing a circular economy and tackling plastic waste across its global footprint.

Strategic Actions for Sustainable Packaging
The commitment covers four key sources of own-brand packaging: product packaging, in-store carrier bags, online business parcels, and single-use plastics in warehouses —areas where AS Watson can make the greatest impact. To achieve this ambitious goal, AS Watson will step up efforts to eliminate unnecessary packaging, increase the use of recycled plastic content, promote packaging that is more recyclable or reusable, and expand refill and reuse systems across its global operations.

Sebastien Pivet, Chief Sustainability Officer & QA Director of AS Watson, said, “Reducing plastic waste is one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time, and retailers have a responsibility to lead this transition. By setting an ambitious 21% reduction target for virgin plastic in our own-brand packaging by 2030, we are turning our 185‑year legacy of care into clear, measurable actions that cut plastic at source across all our markets. By expanding refill and reuse systems and increasing recycled content, we’re making significant progress towards reducing plastic waste from our operations.”

Sebastien added, “As AS Watson celebrates its 185th anniversary, this milestone reinforces the company’s long-standing commitment to making a positive impact across its global operations. Sustainability shapes every decision we make, and it will continue to guide how we innovate and grow responsibly alongside our customers and communities.”

Turning Commitment into Impact
To bring this plastics reduction target to life, AS Watson has been translating its ambition into tangible changes in packaging design across its retail brands and markets.

To name a few examples, in Asia, Watsons China has strengthened its commitment to sustainable packaging by redesigning product packaging. Plastic windows were removed from collagen hand cream gift packs, saving 2.36 tons of plastic, and plastic trays were replaced with FSC-certified paper trays in collagen hand and body care packs, saving another 5.26 tons. In Europe, Superdrug has redesigned the packaging for the Naturally Radiant range by removing laminated mirror board. All cartons are now fully recyclable and FSC certified, and every SKU contains at least 30% recycled plastic content.

AS Watson calls on businesses, industry peers and partner suppliers to join the 2030 Plastics Agenda for Business and work together to reduce plastic waste and pollution. By working together across the value chain and inspiring customers to choose more sustainable products, AS Watson believes the retail sector can scale circular packaging solutions and deliver meaningful environmental benefits.

AS Watson Group Celebrates Reaching 180 Million Loyalty Members Worldwide MoneyBack Teams Up with Four Retail Brands to Mark a Historic Milestone

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 14:43:51 +0000

AS Watson Group celebrates surpassing 180 million loyalty members. Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson (third from left) and Clarice Au, CEO of Retail Hong Kong of AS Watson (third from right) presented a surprise gift package worth over HK$18,500 to Ms. Lui, the 180 millionth member, and her friend, including a first-released 185th Anniversary Special Edition Gift Coupon, marking this historic moment together.

The “MoneyBack Family” characters — “MB Captain”, “WatsBag”, “Best Guy” and “Forte Bee” — made their first joint appearance at the surprise event, delighting customers with joy and infectious energy.

MoneyBack launched a “MoneyBack Family” claw machine activity together with the Group’s four retail brands on the same day to celebrate the 185th anniversary. Customers who spent HK$185 in a single transaction could try their luck at winning plush toys of “MB Captain”, “Coin B”, “WatsBag”, “WatMui”, “Best Guy” and “Forte Bee”. The event was met with enthusiastic participation and lively atmosphere.

AS Watson Group’s loyalty programme “MoneyBack” today (24 January) celebrated the Group’s 180 millionth loyalty member worldwide together with four retail brands — Watsons, PARKnSHOP, Fortress and Watson's Wine — by hosting a surprise event at the Festival Walk stores. The celebration also kicks off a series of exciting events for AS Watson Group’s 185th Anniversary.

“MoneyBack Family” characters — “MB Captain”, “WatsBag”, “Best Guy” and “Forte Bee”— made their first-ever joint appearance to meet and greet at the surprise event. There were joined by Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, and Clarice Au, CEO of Retail Hong Kong of AS Watson, to congratulate the 180 millionth member, Ms. Lui, and her friend at the Watsons Festival Walk store. Ms. Lui received exclusive gift package worth over HK$18,500, including a fully complimentary purchase, the first-released 185th Anniversary Special Edition Gift Coupon, as well as gift vouchers from the four retail brands.

AS Watson Group’s 185th Anniversary celebrations will be rolled with MoneyBack and the retail brands to continue walking alongside with customers and bringing them more new shopping experiences and exciting activities. One of the highlights is the upcoming 185th Anniversary Special Edition Gift Coupon, featuring a design inspired by the classic products of Watson’s The Chemist, making it a unique collectible. The vouchers will be available in limited quantities at all retail stores across Hong Kong from late February. Stay tuned to the MoneyBack Facebook page for updates.

AS Watson Celebrates 185 Years of Growth, Resilience and Purpose

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:44:38 +0000

From a single store in Hong Kong to a global leader with 17,000 stores across 31 markets, AS Watson looks ahead by staying true to what matters most

AS Watson Group CEO Dr Malina Ngai stands in front of a 6-meter-tall mural depicting the company's evolution from a single store in Hong Kong to a global health and beauty retailer, as the Group marks its 185th anniversary.

AS Watson, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, announces the kick-off of its 185th anniversary today, celebrating nearly two centuries of growth, resilience and reinvention.

Founded in Hong Kong in 1841 as a single store, AS Watson has grown into a global retail powerhouse operating over 17,000 stores across 31 markets in Asia and Europe, serving millions of customers every day through trusted brands in health, beauty, personal care and wellness.

Sustained Momentum in a Fast-Changing World
AS Watson continues to demonstrate strong growth momentum driven by customer relevance, operational excellence and a clear long-term strategy regardless of an increasingly complex global environment.

In 2025, the Group delivered 8% growth in health category, with double-digit growth in Europe; and 6% growth in beauty category, with double-digit growth in Asia. With continuous investment strengthening its O+O (Offline plus Online) ecosystem, O+O sales achieved double-digit growth, reflecting strong customer engagement across channels. Its loyalty member base grew by ten million in the year, from 170 million to over 180 million.

Building for the Future
Looking ahead, AS Watson plans to open about 1,000 new stores this year, underpinned by a total investment of HK$3.8 billion (approximately US$490 million) across new store openings, store upgrades, technology and supply chain, as it continues to strengthen its global presence and O+O capabilities.

In an environment where consumer expectations, technologies and markets evolve rapidly, AS Watson views change not as a barrier, but as an opportunity — to innovate faster, operate smarter and serve customers better.

Purpose-Driven Growth
Alongside commercial success, AS Watson remains deeply committed to doing good for people, community, and the planet. Sustainability continues to be embedded across its operations — from reducing environmental impact and promoting responsible sourcing, to supporting community wellbeing and health education in the markets it serves.

As part of its commitment to its communities, AS Watson reached a major milestone in its global youth employment pledge - recruiting over 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. In addition, the year also marks a major achievement in its “Give a Smile” campaign with Operation Smile, surpassing its goal of 10,000 free surgeries for children with cleft conditions ahead of schedule, reaffirming its commitment to brighter futures for our next generation.

Throughout its 185th anniversary year, AS Watson will host celebrations and initiatives across all 31 markets, recognising colleagues, partners and customers who have shaped the company’s journey and continue to drive its success.

Dr Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, reflects on the company’s incredible journey while looking ahead to the future: “When we think about the next century, the truth is this: we have never been able to see 100 years ahead — not then, and not now.”

“Today, change moves faster than ever. Markets shift overnight. Technologies redefine industries. Expectations evolve constantly. So, when we talk about building the next century, it’s not about predicting the future. It’s about preparing for it.”

“And we prepare the same way we always have — by staying grounded in what does not change: our commitment to customers, our people, our partners, and to doing business responsibly.”

A Legacy of Resilience, A Future of Opportunity
After 185 years, AS Watson’s story remains one of adaptability, ambition and purpose. From one store to a global network of 17,000 locations, the company enters its next chapter focused on sustainable growth, innovation and continued leadership in health and beauty retail.

AS Watson Marks 185 Years of Caring: Surpasses 10,000 Smiles for Children With Cleft Lips

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 10:16:41 +0000

AS Watson, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, celebrates its 185th anniversary - a journey from Hong Kong’s first western pharmacy to a global retail leader. This milestone also marks a major achievement in its “Give a Smile” campaign with Operation Smile: surpassing its goal of 10,000 free surgeries for children with cleft conditions ahead of schedule. AS Watson now sets a new target - 15,000 surgeries by 2030 - reaffirming its commitment to brighter futures for our next generation.

A Legacy of Care and Purpose
Reflecting on this journey, Dr Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, said, “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 in health and beauty retail. Our journey is defined not just by growth, but by the countless smiles we’ve helped create - for our customers, our people, and the communities we serve. I am grateful to our 130,000 colleagues, our loyal customers, and our partners for their dedication and trust. Together, we will continue to create smiles—one at a time, for everyone.”

185 Years of Inspiring Smiles
From the very beginning, AS Watson believes that health and happiness should never be a privilege. In the early days, we offered free medicines to those in need because seeing smiles on the faces of the people we served mattered most. For 185 years, AS Watson has placed care for customers and communities at the heart of our journey, a commitment that continues to shape everything we do today.

This enduring spirit of care inspired the launch of the global “Give a Smile” campaign in 2018, supporting comprehensive cleft care to improve children’s physical and emotional well‑being. Guided by the belief that “Give 1 Smile, Create 5”, the campaign creates a ripple effect of hope and smile by uplifting not just patients, but also families, surgeons, hospitals, and community outreach.

“Every 3 minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition,” said Kathy Magee, Operation Smile Co-Founder, President and CEO. “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. Congratulations to AS Watson on its 185th anniversary and the achievement of 10,000 smile surgeries, making a transformative impact on the lives of so many families around the world.”

Malina added, “We sincerely thank our customers for their generous support and donations, which have made these life-changing surgeries possible. Looking ahead, AS Watson will continue to raise funds, donate, and actively involve our customers in supporting children with cleft lips - ensuring we create even more smiles together.”

Learn more about AS Watson’s 185-year journey of growth at
https://185-anniversary.aswatson.com/.

Standing Together: AS Watson’s Continued Support for Residents Impacted by the Fire

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 11:09:17 +0000

The fire tragedy happened at Tai Po Wang Fuk Court on 26 November 2025 brings profound sorrow to people across Hong Kong. AS Watson Group extends our deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones, and our heartfelt care to all residents affected. May the departed rest in peace, and may the families find strength during this difficult time.

Yesterday (1 December), our entire organisation observed a one minute silence to honour the victims and to keep the affected families close in our thoughts. That shared moment reminded us that empathy and compassion are among our greatest strengths.

Over the past few days, AS Watson Group and our retail brands have been doing everything we can to support the residents impacted by the fire. Watsons, PARKnSHOP, Fortress and Watsons Water immediately donated more than 30,000 items, including bottled water, food, warm packs, daily necessities and small home appliances. In addition, we set up 11 Care Service Stations at our stores in Tai Po to offer immediate assistance, providing free charging, printing and scanning services for anyone in need. We also created a “Wall of Care” for the public to leave messages of support, and our Watsons pharmacists have been offering free health consultations at community centres and helping arrange prescription medications.

As many affected families will soon move into transitional housing across different districts, we are working closely with government departments and charity partners to allocate resources and help them rebuild their homes. Fortress is donating HKD 1 million worth of home appliances, such as rice cookers, heaters and kettles. Watsons, PARKnSHOP and Watsons Water will also donate more than 10,000 additional items, including cleaning supplies, kitchenware, personal care products and water dispensers, to further support the community.

Starting today, our Hong Kong loyalty programme, MoneyBack, is encouraging members to donate points to support affected families. MoneyBack will transfer all donated points in cash to partnered charities within 24 hours. Every point contributed, every act of kindness, becomes a light for the families who are rebuilding their lives.

Although the pain remains deep, Hong Kong has always been a city filled with compassion and humanity. Let us continue to stand together, walk alongside the affected families through this challenging time, bring them hope, and help them rebuild their future.

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 11:27:28 +0000

Dr. Malina Ngai, takes the stage at the Fortune Innovation Forum 2025 in Kuala Lumpur to share the science and strategy behind AS Watson's 185-year journey of legacy.

Khoon Fong Ang, Asia CEO of Fortune (right) presents the Fortune's The Most Powerful Women 2025 honour to Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, in recognition of her outstanding leadership and influence in the retail industry.

Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, has been named one of Fortune's Most Powerful Women in Asia 2025, ranking 6th 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 185th 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

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 12:46:11 +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