KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd. has received the Social Empowerment award at the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA) 2026 in recognition of its long-term efforts to improve child nutrition and community well-being through its “Smiles & Health for Children” initiative in Vietnam.
The award, presented by Enterprise Asia, recognises the company’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitment through a programme that combines nutrition expertise with community development to enhance the physical and mental well-being of children.
Guided by its corporate philosophy, “For Ever Brighter Smiles”, Morinaga Milk launched the initiative to promote children’s sustainable development and strengthen community resilience. The programme focuses on improving nutrition, supporting emotional well-being, and fostering self-reliance through school meal assistance, nutrition education, and infrastructure improvements.
Implemented in partnership with an international non-governmental organisation and approved by the Vietnamese government, the initiative brings together Morinaga Milk’s headquarters, local subsidiaries and on-the-ground teams to deliver practical, community-based solutions tailored to local needs.
The programme also places emphasis on building the capacity of parents and teachers, improving school meal environments, enhancing basic facilities, and strengthening communication between schools and families to encourage lasting behavioural change.
As of May 2026, the initiative had reached seven kindergartens and one primary school, benefiting about 900 children, 130 teachers and staff, and 800 parents.
Entering its fourth year this month, the programme will expand its impact through additional infrastructure upgrades, enhanced capacity-building activities, and the introduction of a peer-learning study tour initiative to encourage knowledge-sharing among teachers and local communities.
The AREA 2026 recognition reflects Morinaga Milk’s continued commitment to delivering measurable social impact through sustainable ESG practices while contributing to improved child health and long-term community development.
— MINUTESMY
— SOURCE: PRNewswire
