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, 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. 

In support of this commitment, Watsons Malaysia is actively strengthening the pipeline of young  talent. The company is working toward achieving 50% youth employment by 2030 and is  dedicated to offering meaningful career pathways for interns, including opportunities for  conversion into permanent roles. Watsons Malaysia also collaborates closely with universities,  colleges, and beauty academies to seed early interest in the industry. Through career fairs,  campus talks, and ongoing partnerships, the company promotes internship placements and 

specialist career opportunities, helping to equip young talents with the skills and exposure  needed to thrive in the retail and beauty sectors. 

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 

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