KAO Malaysia and Universiti Malaya (UM) has completed the “Skin Protection, Life Perfection” campaign with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing public health through skincare education and research.
KAO Malaysia is contributing RM50,000 for two key initiatives. The first is the community engagement programme “Beautiful Change Begins with Us,” focusing on hygiene awareness and mental wellness, managed by UMCares. The second initiative is a research collaboration on “Innovative Clean Skincare Formulations for Skin Protection and Healthy Living” conducted by the Faculty of Science at UM. These initiatives align with KAO Malaysia’s commitment to devote 1% of Bioré product sales to local skin health research.
“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.”
The MoU marks KAO Malaysia’s first academic partnership in Malaysia, aimed at enhancing public awareness of skincare as a key aspect of community health. Under the shared vision of “Skin Protection, Life Perfection,” KAO’s funding will support UM in expanding community engagement and improving research capabilities. This collaboration will focus on sustainable skincare, leveraging UM’s research expertise to drive long-term benefits in skin health and wellness education.
“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 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.”
The MoU was officially signed between the President of KAO Malaysia, Mr Yamazaki Hirobumi and the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman with the exchange taking place today witnessed by Watsons Malaysia. The event was further highlighted by a symbolic donation handover, marking the shared commitment of all parties towards meaningful collaboration.
Launched in May 2025, the “Skin Protection, Life Perfection” campaign, in collaboration with Watsons, focused on skin protection to boost confidence. It was based on Bioré’s “Cleanse. Protect.” philosophy and included expert education, consumer experiences, and a 1% sales donation for local research. With support from Universiti Malaya and skincare professionals, Watsons implemented the campaign nationally, offering exclusive rewards and member benefits. The partnership, backed by a signed MoU, aims for a long-term commitment to improving skin health.