MASsive feather in Lanka’s cap

By Antony Motha

The World Business magazine has ranked ‘The Brothers Amalean’ among Asia’s Top 20 progressive individuals. Mahesh, Ajay and Sharad Amalean are the founders of MAS Holdings, a multinational operating 28 facilities across seven countries and employing over 40,000 people.

Mahesh, Ajay and Sharad Amalean, Sri Lanka

The three Amalean brothers founded MAS Holdings - a Sri Lanka-based intimate apparel maker - in 1986. It is the largest supplier to Victoria’s Secret; other customers include Gap, Marks & Spencer, Tesco and Reebok. In March 2007, MAS announced plans to launch its own brand this August.

The company has 17 plants in eight countries and 35,000 employees. But what’s remarkable about it is its home-grown corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme. Women comprise more than 90% of MAS employees and so the company established the ‘Women Go Beyond’ programme to educate and empower its employees. A beauty, health and hygiene certificate is offered, and there are classes on reproductive health, domestic violence and traditional crafts. Nearby schools and hospitals are funded and scholarships are awarded.

Sharad and Mahesh

MAS set up its plants in rural locations near villages so that women would not have to leave their families to find work, and all employees must be aged at least 18. (In contrast, Chinese factories can take on employees as young as 14.) The company also invests in developing clear career paths: its ‘Ready to Unleash’ programme aims to guide graduates into the company and on to management levels.

Ajay

MAS has faced intense competition from China. The international ‘Multi-Fibre Agreement,’ which ended in 2005, ensured that at least some of the clothing and textiles from the West are sourced from smaller developing countries. Since then, the Amaleans have shown that it is possible to compete with sweatshops in China by emphasizing their CSR programme, which has made MAS a more attractive source for retailers with ethical buying policies.

The Top 20 list includes some of the continent’s prominent business people who are notable for their forward-looking approach.
The philanthropic nature of these business people has also been acknowledged. Philanthropy is essential in Asia, the article observes, where “governments… lack sufficient resources to do all that should be done to take care of society’s most vulnerable.”

The Amalean brothers have been recognised for their progressive leadership in running a professionally-managed and responsible private entity. They have done this while adhering to the core values of honesty, integrity and fair play.

The nomination of the Amaleans, ranked 14th, is even more creditable because this listing is not restricted to business persons. The magazine has assessed the entire spectrum of individuals who are driving Asia forward, from country leaders to business people to reformists. The list identifies those who are helping to bring about rules-based civil societies and those advancing the cause of better governance – be it in business or government.

Other South Asians featured on the list are Narayana Murthy (4th), Muhammad Yunus (6th), Ratan Tata (12th) and Pushpa Kamal Dahal – alias Prachanda (20th).

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