Malaysia’s skincare market is evolving beyond beauty, with health and science now at its core.

Bringing this shift to life, KAO Malaysia and Universiti Malaya (UM) recently announced the successful completion of the “Skin Protection, Life Perfection” campaign with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formalising their commitment to advancing public health through skincare education and research.

**Yamazaki Hirobumi, President of KAO Malaysia, delivering his speech on the company’s commitment to advancing skin protection through its partnership with Universiti Malaya.**

“With daily exposure to UV rays, heat, and dust, the real question is how we can take skin protection to the next level,” said Yamazaki Hirobumi, President of KAO Malaysia. “Through this partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to go beyond product innovation by driving science-backed solutions that safeguard both individual well-being and community health. Skin protection is more than personal care — it is a shared responsibility.”

**Professor Dr. Yahaya Ahmad, Associate Vice-Chancellor Corporate Strategy, Universiti Malaya, delivering his speech at the Skin Protection, Life Perfection Closing Ceremony event.**

“We are honoured to be KAO Malaysia’s first academic partner, and this MoU reflects the growing recognition of Malaysia’s strength in both research and community engagement. Together, we are not only building new knowledge in the field of skin health, but also creating lasting impact on the community, said Professor Dr.Yahaya Ahmad, Associate Vice Chancellor, Corporate Strategy, University Malaya.

Representatives from KAO Malaysia, UM and Watsons Malaysia with the symbolic donation handover to mark the commitment of all parties towards meaningful collaboration. 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

As part of this collaboration, KAO Malaysia, through its leading skincare brand Bioré, is contributing RM50,000 to two flagship initiatives led by Universiti Malaya.

Investing in community well-being
The first initiative, “Beautiful Change Begins with Us”, will be led by UM’s Community Engagement Centre (UMCares). The programme will focus on hygiene awareness, environmental sustainability, and mental wellness across different age groups — teenagers, adults, and children.

Turning research into real-world impact
The second initiative strengthens UM’s research capabilities through a project titled “Innovative Clean Skincare Formulations for Skin Protection and Healthy Living.” Conducted by the Faculty of Science, the study will explore new pathways in clean skincare innovation, supported by KAO’s funding for advanced equipment and resources.

“This MoU marks a meaningful step forward, opening doors to transform academic research into real-world solutions – from advancing clean formulation development to fostering greater community engagement,” said Associate Professor ChM. Dr. Noraini Ahmad, Director of UMCares.

A milestone for industry-academia collaboration
The MoU was signed by Yamazaki and Universiti Malaya’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, in the presence of Watsons Malaysia.

This collaboration builds on the campaign launched earlier in May 2025, when Bioré and Watsons championed skin protection as the key to confidence. With expert-led education, consumer engagement, and a 1% pledge of Biore sales to local research, the campaign set a new standard for community-driven skincare initiatives.

Towards a healthier Malaysia
With KAO’s global expertise, UM’s research leadership, and Watsons’ nationwide reach, the partnership is laying the foundation for lifelong skin health in Malaysia.

It signals a future where skincare is not just about appearance, but about resilience, confidence, and community well-being.

Discover more about KAO’s initiatives in Malaysia at www.kao.com/my