MENU

09/10/2025

  • News Release
  • Sustainability

KAO Malaysia and UM Partner to Advance Science-Backed Skin Health Through Research and Community Initiatives

image

Kao Malaysia presents RM50,000 contribution to Universiti Malaya, reinforcing its commitment to skin health research and community initiatives, witnessed by Watsons Malaysia. From left to right Tan Poh Ling, Vice President of Marketing KAO Malaysia, Yamazaki Hirobumi, President of KAO Malaysia, Professor Dr. Yahaya Ahmad, Associate Vice-Chancellor Corporate Strategy, Universiti Malaya, Caryn Loh, Managing Director Watsons Malaysia and COO of Health & Beauty Asia, AS Watson Group and Dr. Noraini Ahmad, Associate Professor ChM, Director of UM Community Engagement Centre (UMCares), Universiti Malaya.

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 September 2025 – Kao Malaysia today announced its first-ever academic partnership in Malaysia with Universiti Malaya (UM), marking a new milestone in advancing science-backed skincare and community wellbeing. The collaboration was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), following the successful completion of Bioré's "Skin Protection, Life Perfection" campaign.

Through this partnership, Kao Malaysia, via its flagship skincare brand Bioré, is committing RM50,000 to support two major initiatives by Universiti Malaya:

  • "Beautiful Change Begins with Us" – a community engagement programme managed by UM Community Engagement Centre (UMCares) that focuses on hygiene awareness, environmental sustainability, and mental wellness.
  • "Innovative Clean Skincare Formulations for Skin Protection and Healthy Living" – a research project led by UM's Faculty of Science to develop sustainable skincare formulations that promote healthier living.

image

This partnership is also part of Kao Malaysia's 1% pledge from Bioré product sales to fund local skin health research and education initiatives. "This partnership reflects Kao's commitment to going beyond product innovation to create meaningful, science-driven impact in the communities we serve," said Mr. Yamazaki Hirobumi, President of Kao Malaysia. "We believe that skin protection is not just a personal care choice, but a public health responsibility. Together with Universiti Malaya, we are proud to advance this vision for the benefit of all Malaysians."

A Milestone Collaboration

The MoU was signed by Mr. Yamazaki Hirobumi, President of Kao Malaysia, and Professor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya, with Watsons Malaysia as a witness. A symbolic donation handover further marked Kao's commitment towards research and community engagement in skin health.

"We are truly honoured to collaborate with Kao Malaysia in strengthening the bridge between science and society," said Associate Professor ChM. Dr. Noraini Ahmad, Director of UM Community Engagement Centre (UMCares). "This MoU opens doors to transform academic research into real-world solutions – from advancing clean formulation development to fostering greater community engagement."

image

Highlights from the closing ceremony of the 'Skin Protection, Life Perfection' campaign – featuring the opening speech by Professor Dr. Yahaya Ahmad, Associate Vice-Chancellor Corporate Strategy, Universiti Malaya; the MoU exchange between Kao Malaysia and Universiti Malaya; and a celebratory group photo with representatives from UM, Kao Malaysia, and Watsons Malaysia.

Laying the Foundation for Lifelong Skin Health

The "Skin Protection, Life Perfection" campaign, launched in May 2025 with Watsons, championed skin protection as the key to confidence and wellbeing. Powered by Bioré's "Cleanse. Protect." philosophy, the initiative combined expert-led education, interactive consumer engagement, and exclusive Watsons member rewards.

With the MoU, Kao Malaysia and Universiti Malaya are extending this effort beyond the campaign, laying the foundation for long-term research, sustainable skincare education, and meaningful community transformation.

Media inquiries should be directed to:

Corporate Communication Division
Ms. Jenny Yong / Ms. Ong Sheng Yih
Kao (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
19th Floor, Menara Access World,
No.1, Jalan 19/3,
46300 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

+603-79574488
FAX
+603-79574487

Page Top