Unilever, a global leader in fostering sustainable positive impact, is steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Thailand. Through its "Wall's Thailand" brand, Unilever is continuing the "Wall's Happiness Ambassador" initiative. In collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), this initiative seeks to employ Thai individuals as happiness ambassadors, tasked with spreading joy through distributing Wall's ice cream, thus reinforcing the brand's mission of creating smiles. Additionally, it aims to offer career development and stable income opportunities to vulnerable groups, with a goal of recruiting 600 individuals nationwide in 2024.
The partnership announcement ceremony, held at the Department of Social Development and Welfare, MSDH, was graced by Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, along with Mrs. Nattinee Netraumpai, Head of Corporate Affairs at Unilever Thai Group of Companies, and Unilever employee representatives.
Mr. Abhijit Kulkarni, Ice Cream Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam Lead, and SEA Innovation Lead at Unilever Thai Trading Limited, remarked: "Unilever aspires to be a global leader in sustainable business. We are committed to creating positive impacts that add value to the world, communities, and society. The 'Wall's Ambassador' initiative is a testament to Wall's core mission of linking ice cream with happiness for people of all genders and ages. Wall's Ice Cream, cherished in Thailand for over 35 years, relies on 'Wall's Happiness Ambassador' to distribute happiness and smiles via our delicious ice cream in every community. Each year, Wall's generates over 3,000 jobs in Thailand. In 2024, we aim to expand our network of happiness couriers, offering opportunities to acquire essential skills in ice cream commerce to at least 600 vulnerable individuals nationwide. This initiative not only supports and empowers the unemployed with career paths but also ensures they have access to Wall's quality welfare benefits."
Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Social Development and Human Security, stated: "MSDHS actively partners with the private sector to support over 60 million people in Thailand. In collaboration with Unilever, we are seeking applications for 600 'Wall's Ambassador' positions. These ambassadors will bring smiles and spread joy through Wall's ice cream. The initiative focuses on empowering vulnerable groups to secure employment and sustainable income, along with access to basic welfare, for themselves and their families, ensuring no one is left behind. I am grateful to Unilever Thailand for their dedication to improving life quality, fostering equality, preserving the environment, and alleviating people's suffering. This imitative sets a commendable precedent for future endeavors."
The "Wall's Happiness Ambassador" initiative will roll out in two phases in 2024. The first phase, from January to April, will recruit 300 happiness couriers in the Northeastern region. The second phase, from May to December, will enlist another 300 couriers from other regions, totaling 600 positions. Applicants of any gender and educational background, aged 18 or older, are welcome. Recruits will receive comprehensive benefits including life and health insurance, accident insurance with disability coverage, child scholarships, sales equipment, uniforms, and a Wall's tricycle.
Mr. Abhijit added, "Our gratitude goes to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security for partnering with Unilever in the 'Wall's Happiness Ambassador' initiative. This collaboration aims to uplift and enhance the quality of life for Thai people. Wall's is committed to strengthening communities and empowering individuals nationwide through various projects and activities, driving positive change, creating smiles, and delivering enduring happiness."
Since 2022, Unilever has been working closely with MSDHS agencies to develop initiatives aligned with the ministry's mission, focusing on specific target groups. In 2023, a joint initiative supported diverse groups including low-income individuals, single mothers, and the elderly. Various Unilever brands donated 66,000 consumer products worth over 3.5 million baht to the Ministry's target groups. In 2024, the 'Wall's Happiness Ambassador' initiative gained further support from MSDHS in assessing and recruiting potential applicants.
Vulnerable individuals aged 18 years and older interested in the initiative can contact the Social Assistance Center via the toll-free hotline 1300, available 24/7 for more information.
Source: Hill & Knowlton