The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) and the AS Watson Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 23 November 2023 to support the academic and career development of HSUHK students by providing scholarships, internships, an early careers programme, and for the first time, AS Watson Group will offer a “store manager for a day” experience to local university students. The collaboration will also offer opportunities for joint applied research projects.

This is the first time AS Watson Group is signing a comprehensive MoU to partner with a local university. The collaboration will realise the potential of the new generation, help students apply theory and knowledge in practical work environments, and cultivate more management talent for the retail industry.

The agreement was signed by Professor Simon S M Ho, President of HSUHK, and Ms Malina Ngai, Group Chief Operating Officer, AS Watson Group and CEO, AS Watson (Asia & Europe). In his address, President Ho expressed his gratitude to the AS Watson Group for supporting the University and its students. He said, “Through this collaboration, we believe that we can nurture more young professionals with critical thinking, innovative minds, caring attitudes, moral values and social responsibility. Together, we can also nurture more future leaders for the retail industry, and in doing so, propel our society forward.”

Ms Malina Ngai said, “As the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, AS Watson Group strongly believes that young people are our future. They not only have potential but also radiate energy and creativity. That’s why the Group has been dedicated to actively fostering the next generation. Last year, the Group announced its commitment to providing 200,000 job opportunities and 5 million hours of training for young people globally by 2030, specifically targeting youth in our global workforce to embrace the future. Through this collaboration, we aim to provide students from different levels at HSUHK with more learning and practical experience opportunities, enabling them to acquire a deeper understanding of the retail industry, nurture their talents, and equip them to become future retail leaders.”

The collaboration will cover a variety of opportunities for students. The early careers programme will provide short-term workplace experiences for first and second year HSUHK students, and to help young talents gain early frontline retail management experience, students will have the opportunity to be a “store manager for a day”.

AS Watson Group will also offer its signature internship programme, through which HSUHK students can work on most cutting-edge business initiatives in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and overseas. Students will also be able to receive industrial training, experience job shadowing alongside senior management, and have opportunities to be mentored. Return offers will be given to students with stellar performances during their internships, enabling them to begin their professional careers.

To further develop talent, a scholarship programme will be offered to outstanding HSUHK students who pursue studies in fields that align with AS Watson Group’s focus areas. AS Watson Group will also organise company visits for HSUHK’s staff and students to enhance their understanding of industry practices. Participants will be able to observe operations and interact with industry professionals to foster a stronger connection between academia and industry.

HSUHK and AS Watson Group also place importance to joint applied research projects. To achieve successful knowledge transfer, faculty, and students from HSUHK will utilise theoretical knowledge and scientific methods to develop solutions and recommendations for the AS Watson Group’s significant business issues.