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Philip Morris International’s (PMI) bold journey to a smoke-free future is shaped by its people, inspired by leaders, and supported by an empowering workplace. As a PMI subsidiary, Philip Morris Asia Limited shows how culture, care, and innovation create a future-ready workplace.
This article is brought to you by Philip Morris Asia.
At Philip Morris International (PMI), transformation is more than a vision – it is a lived and shared experience. Guided by the belief that when employees thrive, business thrives, PMI is committed to creating a workplace where every voice matters, every idea counts, and every individual feels empowered to make a difference.
As the proud recipient of three accolades at the recent HR Excellence Awards in Hong Kong, Philip Morris Asia Limited (PMAL), a subsidiary of PMI, demonstrates how converging culture, care, and innovation can cultivate a resilient, purpose-driven, and future-ready workplace.
“Hong Kong is more than a city – it’s a talent hub and a launchpad for global careers at Philip Morris,” says Krista Tse, Director P&C China, HK & Macau Cluster, Philip Morris Asia Limited.
“We celebrate this moment with over 300 Hong Kong-based colleagues across Hong Kong Market, Regional Headquarters, Global Travel Retail, as well as our Electronic Product Development Center – while being part of a global network of 83,000 colleagues in 170+ countries, with opportunities to grow across roles and geographies. This achievement is a powerful testament of what happens when everyone plays a part in shaping a culture that truly matters.”
Smoke-free commitment and innovation
Globally, PMI is committed to delivering a smoke-free future, developing and focusing on smoke-free products (SFPs) as better alternatives to traditional cigarettes. This bold vision is powered by innovation and technology – and Hong Kong plays a pivotal role in this transformation.
Hong Kong team, as part of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) R&D hub, drives the production of related electronic devices to create seamless integration with Innovation & Technology development in GBA, establishing an ecosystem that fosters talent, knowledge exchange, and technological advancement across the region.
Culture by design, not by default
PMI’s transformation is anchored in its cultural framework ‘PMI DNA’, co-created with employees globally. Its three core values – “We Care, We Are Better Together, We Are Game Changers” – guide PMAL’s daily decisions, behaviours, and leadership, aligning its people with the business goals.
Making care a cornerstone of its culture, PMAL’s human-centred engagement strategy ensures inclusive policies and initiatives are rolled out consistently. Culture comes alive through immersive experiences, storytelling, and peer-led initiatives – from the ‘PMI DNA Activation Campaign’, the ‘PMI DNA Awards’, or the vibrant office transformation at Two Taikoo Place.
These thoughtfully-curated initiatives fuel transformation, empower employees, and support their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
Leadership as a catalyst
At PMI, leadership drives change by role-modelling the company’s core values, embracing challenges, and fostering collaboration.
With thousands of People & Culture leaders worldwide, PMI operates like a global learning space for HR innovation – allowing experiment, quick learning, and sharing what works across markets. This size, scale, and global reach mean real career growth for people who want to make a difference locally and internationally.
“And because learning is in our DNA, we invest in it – big time,” Tse explains. “From corporate training to capability-building programmes, and revamped early careers initiatives, we are committed to building a multigenerational workforce equipped for the future.”
PMI is also preparing to leverage AI – not as a buzzword, but as a tool to make work more human. Its proximity to Shenzhen, a global tech hub, gives PMI access to cutting-edge technology. From smarter hiring to better workforce planning, the company is exploring how AI can help understand and support people. Its goal is clear: leadership ensures these tools help people, not replace them.
“At PMI, People & Culture isn’t a back-office function – it is a strategic partner because our leaders help us push boundaries, stay relevant, and deliver solutions that matter. We’re not just along for the ride – we’re helping drive the future,” Tse affirms.
The best proof of this commitment comes from employees’ voices, many of whom have shared as below:
Many people think we are just doing combustible cigarettes. They don’t know we have a broader innovative portfolio in PMI beyond our Hong Kong business. That’s something outsiders don’t know.
With a 4.5-day work week and a flexible benefits platform, we feel empowered to balance work and life in ways that truly fit our needs.
The company has the patience to let you make mistakes, but also the determination to achieve change. It’s not just about speed – it’s about being progressive and practical.
Even though we’re based in Hong Kong, we work with teams across Asia and Europe. You don’t have to relocate to get global exposure.
Having been touched by these heartening testimonials, Tse concludes: “Don’t just take my word for what makes Philip Morris International who we are. Hear directly from the people who make it all happen – our employees. Their voices tell the real story of our culture, values, and what it means to be part of PMI.”
About PMI in Hong Kong
PMI has a long-standing presence in Hong Kong, having served as its Asian Regional Headquarters for nearly 40 years since 1971. Today, PMI employs around 300 highly skilled professionals in Hong Kong across diverse functions, including engineering, finance, and commercial operations. The continuous growth of PMI in Hong Kong is poised to help the city to bring in further talents especially on the R&D and hi-tech front.
Photos / Philip Morris Asia
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices – head over to our Behind the Win section!
Want to be part of the celebration next year? If you’re ready to showcase your achievements and join the ranks of our winners, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to Gloria Yam to learn how you can enter the awards and stand a chance to win.
Are you a respected industry leader? We’re also inviting senior HR professionals to join our esteemed panel of judges. If you’re passionate about recognising excellence and shaping the future of the industry, contact Selina Kwok to explore judging opportunities.
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