L'Oréal

How Is L’Oréal Strengthening Its Presence in Malaysia?

As L’Oréal Malaysia celebrates its 30th anniversary, the company is not only marking three decades of success in the country’s beauty sector but also reinforcing its role as a committed partner to Malaysia’s economic, social, and environmental progress. Established in 1995, the French beauty giant has grown from a small local team into a leading player in the industry, directly employing 590 people and supporting over 21,600 jobs nationwide through its extensive ecosystem of suppliers, retailers, and partners. Each L’Oréal job in Malaysia is estimated to generate 36.6 jobs across the value chain, underscoring its profound multiplier effect on the economy. With 30 brands catering to 6.7 million consumers and partnerships with over 47,000 retailers, the company has become an integral part of Malaysia’s economic fabric.

What Does Long-Term Commitment to Local Talent and Communities Look Like?

Beyond numbers, L’Oréal Malaysia has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to nurturing local talent and uplifting communities. Diversity and inclusion remain at the core of its workforce strategy: women make up 72% of employees, including 62% of senior leadership positions. The company also invests in education and training through initiatives like the “BE L’Oréal” programme, launched in partnership with the Ministry of Education, which provides cosmetology students with real-world work experience. Early results are already visible, 11 students have been upskilled and three hired as permanent beauty advisors in its pilot phase. Such initiatives not only support Malaysia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agenda but also create pathways for young Malaysians to join a thriving industry. L’Oréal’s flagship Beauty for a Better Life programme, meanwhile, has empowered more than 249 women from underprivileged backgrounds since 2016, achieving a 90% job placement rate within three months of graduation. The company recently expanded this project by launching Asia’s first BFBL Salon in Kuala Lumpur, offering free grooming and wellness services to vulnerable communities, with the goal of empowering 5,000 beneficiaries by 2027.

How Is Sustainability Shaping L’Oréal’s Future in Malaysia?

Sustainability, too, has become central to L’Oréal’s operations in Malaysia. The company was the first beauty player in the country to join the Malaysian Recycling Alliance (MAREA), aligning itself with the nation’s circular economy ambitions. Each year, more than 500 Malaysian SMEs are integrated into L’Oréal’s supply chain, adhering to strict environmental and ethical standards. Employees also dedicate time to community-focused initiatives through “Citizen Day,” participating in activities such as tree planting and beach clean-ups. On top of that, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme has invested over RM1.5 million in research grants for 57 Malaysian women scientists since 2006, further reinforcing the group’s mission of advancing both sustainability and social progress. Looking ahead, L’Oréal plans to establish a new Centre of Excellence in Kuala Lumpur by 2026, creating around 100 new jobs, while continuing to roll out beauty tech innovations tailored to Malaysia’s digitally savvy, youthful consumer base.

For L’Oréal Malaysia, beauty is more than skin deep - it is about creating ripple effects of empowerment, opportunity, and responsibility. As the company deepens its roots in Malaysia, its strategy remains clear: to combine global expertise with local partnerships, ensuring growth that is not just profitable but inclusive and sustainable.