3 days ago
Over 10,000 garments donated to refugees in Malaysia in Uniqlo–UNHCR partnership
GLOBAL apparel retailer Uniqlo donated more than 10,200 pieces of pre-loved clothing to support around 2,000 refugees in Malaysia, as part of its ongoing commitment to assisting displaced communities.
This marked the seventh year of Uniqlo's collaboration with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) under its initiative, a global programme focused on collecting used clothing for reuse, repair, and recycling.
The donation drive was made possible through contributions from customers who dropped off their pre-loved Uniqlo LifeWear items at stores nationwide.
These garments were distributed during a five-day event held from June 30 to July 4, 2025 at UNHCR Malaysia Headquarters, with approximately 20 volunteers participating each day.
In addition to volunteer staff from Fast Retailing, Uniqlo's parent company, the effort received logistical and on-ground support from corporate partners including NTT Data, PKT Logistics, and Ramatex.
UNHCR Representative Louise Aubin together with Uniqlo Malaysia, Sustainability and Corporate Public Relations director, Dawn Chow, at the clothing donation drive held at UNHCR headquarters. Photo - UNIQLO
Uniqlo Malaysia, Sustainability and Corporate Public Relations director, Dawn Chow reflected on the initiative's impact, especially as the company marked both several years of meaningful partnership with UNHCR and its 15th anniversary in Malaysia.
'Through we extend the life of our garments while supporting the communities that need it most.
'We are deeply grateful to our customers, volunteers, and partners who help us continue this important work,' she said.
UNHCR Representative Louise Aubin highlighted that for people who had lost everything due to conflict and violence, clothing helped restore dignity, identity, and a sense of normalcy during times of great uncertainty.
'Clothing is more than protection from the elements.
'UNHCR is deeply appreciative of Uniqlo's longstanding commitment to improving refugees' lives around the world, including in Malaysia,' she said.
Additionally, she stated that Uniqlo has remained steadfast in its commitment to refugees in Malaysia through various humanitarian programmes and activities, including skills training projects, self-reliance programmes, and awareness-raising activities.
'UNHCR deeply values this partnership, which has brought comfort and hope to thousands of people forced to flee,' she added.
To mark World Refugee Day, a new feature was introduced to enhance the initiative. From June 20 to December 31, 2025, new embroidery designs became available at Studio, allowing customers to refresh their favourite garments while supporting a meaningful cause.
The designs, representing peace and solidarity with refugees, were created by Amsterdam-based geometric artist Wessam Matouk, himself a refugee from conflict.
Refugees browsing through shelves, selecting their favourite pieces while volunteers help out with their pickings. Photo - UNIQLO
The programme forms part of Uniqlo's wider sustainability and circular fashion efforts.
In addition to supporting refugees, the initiative also benefits welfare homes, community shelters, and individuals facing hardship in Malaysia and worldwide.
All donated garments were carefully sorted, with unusable items responsibly recycled and the rest delivered to those in need, creating both environmental and social impact.
Through Studio, the programme also supported a circular economy by encouraging recycling, repair, and creative reuse.
Customers were invited to bring their torn or worn Uniqlo garments to selected stores for repair, or to revitalise them with embroidery and traditional Sashiko stitching.
As Uniqlo Malaysia celebrated 15 years of improving daily life through its LifeWear philosophy, initiatives like reflected the brand's enduring belief in the power of clothing to help build a better, more inclusive society.
