Alpro and Sugi Holdings to introduce Japanese-style drugstores

Malaysia’s largest prescription pharmacy chain, Alpro Pharmacy, and leading Japanese Retail Pharmacy company, Sugi Holdings Co., Ltd, have recently revealed their plans for a new joint venture that will introduce Japanese-style drugstores to Malaysia. The partnership aims to leverage the expertise and resources of both companies in the pharmaceutical sector to enhance business expansion opportunities.

The joint venture will primarily focus on the drugstore business, with the objective of creating a new type of pharmacy that prioritizes health, trust, security, and safety for the people of Malaysia, Japan, and other Southeast Asian countries. Alpro Pharmacy Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Ph. Low Swee Siong, expressed gratitude that the partnership with Sugi Holdings has come to fruition following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding a year ago. He emphasized the goal of evolving their pharmacies to provide a brighter future for all.

By combining our resources, we aim to evolve into a new type of pharmacy that delivers health, trust, security, and safety to Malaysia, Japan, and other Southeast Asian countries, shaping a brighter future for all.” Swee Siong said.

Katsunori Sugiura, Representative Director and President of Sugi Holdings Co., Ltd, highlighted the importance of combining the trust Alpro Pharmacy has built in Malaysia with the latest trends and products from Sugi Pharmacy in Japan.

“We aim to do our best to evolve the stores together with Alpro Pharmacy so that we can provide new value and enhanced services to the people of Malaysia.” Sugiura said.

Furthermore, Sugiura expressed their commitment to expanding this initiative beyond Malaysia and extending its reach to other Southeast Asian countries.

Japanese healthcare and personal care products

Alpro Pharmacy and Sugi Holdings have been collaborating since 2022 to exclusively offer Japanese healthcare and personal care products in Malaysia. The joint venture will enable the introduction of a wide range of popular made-in-Japan brands to the Malaysian market, providing local consumers with access to Japanese healthcare and personal care products. This move aims to better support the local community’s health needs.

Additionally, the joint venture has plans to expand the drugstore business throughout Southeast Asia, including countries such as Brunei, Singapore, and Indonesia. By bringing Japanese-style drugstores to these nations, they aim to provide residents with the same level of quality and convenience that Japanese drugstores are renowned for.

Sugi Holdings Co., Ltd., headquartered in Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, specializes in managing and operating the Sugi Pharmacy Group in Japan. This partnership marks an exciting milestone for both companies as they venture into new markets and collaborate to enhance pharmaceutical services and products.

The joint venture is expected to make significant contributions to the healthcare and retail sectors while strengthening the relationship between Malaysia and Japan. With their combined expertise, Alpro Pharmacy and Sugi Holdings are poised to shape the future of pharmacy services in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.