As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting displaced communities, global apparel retailer UNIQLO has donated over 10,200 pieces of pre-loved clothing to benefit approximately 2,000 refugees in Malaysia. This marks the seventh year of UNIQLO’s collaboration with UNHCR (the UN refugee agency) under its RE.UNIQLO programme, a global initiative that collects used clothing for reuse, repair, and recycle.
The donation drive is made possible by customers who drop off pre-loved UNIQLO LifeWear items at UNIQLO stores across the country. These contributions were distributed during a five-day event held from 30 June to 4 July 2025 at UNHCR Malaysia Headquarters, with around 20 volunteers supporting each day. In addition to volunteer staff from Fast Retailing, UNIQLO’s parent company, the initiative was supported by partners including NTT Data, PKT Logistics, and Ramatex, who provided logistics and on-ground support.
“As we mark our third year of this meaningful partnership with UNHCR and our 15th anniversary in Malaysia, we’re reminded that restoring dignity can begin with something as simple as a clean shirt or a warm jacket. Through RE.UNIQLO, 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,” said Dawn Chow, Director of Sustainability and Corporate Public Relations, UNIQLO Malaysia.
Louise Aubin, Representative of UNHCR, said, “Clothing is more than protection from the elements. For people who have lost everything after fleeing conflict and violence, clothes restore a sense of dignity and identity, and a sense of normalcy in a time of great uncertainty. UNHCR is deeply appreciative of UNIQLO’s longstanding commitment to improving refugees’ lives around the world, including in Malaysia.
Additionally, 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.”
In conjunction with World Refugee Day, a new addition has been introduced to further support the initiative. Starting 20 June through 31 December 2025, new embroidery designs are available at RE.UNIQLO STUDIO, giving customers the chance to refresh their favourite garments while supporting a meaningful cause. The designs symbolising peace and support for refugees were created by Wessam Matouk, an Amsterdam-based geometric artist who himself escaped the violence of war.
The RE.UNIQLO programme is part of UNIQLO’s broader sustainability and circular fashion initiatives. Beyond refugee support, the programme also benefits welfare homes, community shelters, and those experiencing hardship in Malaysia and around the world. All donated clothing is carefully sorted, either responsibly recycled or delivered to those in need — creating both environmental and social impact. As part of the broader RE.UNIQLO, the programme also supports a circular economy that encompasses recycling, reusing and repairing through RE.UNIQLO Studio. Customers are able to bring their torn or damaged UNIQLO garments to stores with RE.UNIQLO STUDIO for repairs or to breathe new life into the clothing with embroidery and Sashiko stitching.
As UNIQLO Malaysia celebrates 15 years of improving everyday life through LifeWear, initiatives like RE.UNIQLO reflect its long-standing belief that the power of clothing can create a better, more inclusive society.
For more information about UNIQLO and its sustainability initiatives, please visit www.uniqlo.com/my.