MAS Founders ranked among Top 20 Asian progressives

With the corporate sector increasingly being looked to in matters of national interest, the World Business Magazine took a look at Asia's Top 20 Progressive Leaders "who are the modernisers and reformers steering the region towards good business practice, transparency and management excellence".

Led by China's President Hu Jintao, who is increasingly recognised for improving distribution of wealth among China's poor and promoting transparency and press freedom, the Top 20 includes a variety of personalities from country leaders to prominent business people and reformists whose work to bring about rules-based civil societies and better governance in business or government has impacted people's welfare.

Ranked 14th among the Top 20 were the Founders of MAS Holdings - Mahesh, Ajay and Sharad Amalean - for their progressive leadership in running a professionally managed responsible private entity while adhering to the core values of integrity and fair play which culminated in their CSR initiative championing women's empowerment.

A Sri Lankan-based intimate apparel maker, the three Amalean brothers founded MAS Holdings in 1986.

It is the largest supplier to Victoria's Secret and other customers include Gap, Marks and Spencer, Tesco and Reebok. In March 2007, MAS unveiled 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) program. Women comprise more than 90% of MAS' employees and so the company established the Women Go Beyond program 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.