From its beginnings in Hong Kong in 1841 to its presence around the world today, AS Watson celebrates its 185^th anniversary with one thing remaining unchanged: its commitment to caring for the community. To celebrate this important milestone, AS Watson Elderly Visit 2026 was held, bringing together over 1,200 volunteers from its office and store teams and 58 business partners to visit 1,850 elderly people across different communities in Hong Kong, making it one of the city’s largest volunteer elderly visits.

Sharing Warmth Through Companionship
AS Watson Elderly Visit 2026 goes beyond a large-scale volunteer activity. It continues our long-standing commitment to growing alongside the community, bringing people together through meaningful interaction and companionship to share care and warmth with elderly people.

Before setting off for the visits, Dominic Lai, Chairman of AS Watson, and Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, joined the Group’s management team and all volunteers at TungPo for a kick-off ceremony to launch the annual event.

Supported by Hong Kong Christian Service (HKCS) and St. James’ Settlement (SJS), volunteers visited elderly people across nine districts in Hong Kong, including Wan Chai, Eastern, Central and Western, Southern, Sham Shui Po, Kwai Tsing, Wong Tai Sin, Kwun Tong and Tsuen Wan. Ahead of the visits, AS Watson colleagues also came together to pack 1,850 goodie bags, adding a personal touch for the elderly people they visited.

Malina said, “Since opening our first Western dispensary in Hong Kong in 1841, AS Watson has always cared for people in need. Our commitment to caring for our customers and communities has remained unchanged. For many elderly people, particularly those living alone or with limited social interaction, a simple greeting, a smile or a moment of companionship can bring warmth.”

“Care goes beyond a single day of visits. It is part of how we serve the community every day. Through Watsons’ participation in the Government’s Community Pharmacy Programme, we are leveraging our retail network and professional pharmacy services to make health support more accessible, particularly for elderly people. Being able to use our expertise to serve the community is a responsibility we deeply value.”

Karrie Chan, Deputy Director (Elderly, Rehabilitation & Community) of HKCS, said, “We are pleased to see companies bringing together volunteers and using their professional expertise and community networks to support elderly people. With its extensive network and pharmacy expertise, Watsons’ participation in the Community Pharmacy Programme will make it easier for people, particularly elderly people and those with chronic illnesses, to access healthcare support close to home. By working together across sectors, we can build a more caring, inclusive and healthy community.”

From Elderly Visit to the Community Pharmacy Programme, AS Watson extends care into everyday life, using its retail network and pharmacy expertise to meet practical needs.

185 Years of Care, Extending from Hong Kong to the World
Giving back has long been an important commitment of AS Watson. To mark its 185^th anniversary, the Group is partnering with 185 charity organisations worldwide on a series of community initiatives, bringing together colleagues and partners around the world to support their local communities and extend the spirit of care across the globe.

The 185^th anniversary is both a moment to reflect and a new beginning. AS Watson will continue to join hands with colleagues, business partners and charity organisations, turning individual acts of kindness into a collective force for good and carrying its spirit of care forward.