Year after year, M.A.C. Cosmetics has raised millions worldwide via the sales of their Viva Glam products for the M.A.C. AIDS Fund. The Viva Glam products first became available in 1994 (that was way before M.A.C. made its way to Malaysia) and started with lipsticks until 2008 when Lipglass became available under the Viva Glam Collection. This year, you can purchase Viva Glam lipstick, lipglass and lip conditioner. The M.A.C. AIDS Fund is the heart and soul of M.A.C. or as Mr. Paul Slavin, MD of Estee Lauder Companies Malaysia put it, “the DNA of M.A.C.”. I had the opportunity to chat with Mr. Slavin about M.A.C. Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to raise more funds for the Malaysian AIDS Council (the donations are channelled towards various AIDS-related causes and projects) and about several other issues related to this worthy cause.
You’ve mentioned in your speech that M.A.C. Malaysia has raised RM2.5 million since the M.A.C. AIDS Fund was started in Malaysia in 2000. Which organisations benefit from the donations?
We channel all the funds to the Malaysian AIDS Council. Organisations which need it request for the funds from Malaysian AIDS Council. There is a consensus between M.A.C. Cosmetics and the Malaysian AIDS Council on the rigorous criteria for granting applications. Malaysian AIDS Council is the umbrella organisation for distributing the funds. This year’s funds will be distributed among 5 projects, e.g. providing support for a number of homes within and outside of KL. Last night, our staff and myself visited a home for transgender people living with HIV. In January 2013, they will be receiving funds from the amount donated by M.A.C. today to the Malaysian AIDS Council.
Can you please explain the history and concept behind the M.A.C. Viva Glam lipstick? How do the lipsticks benefit the AIDS cause?
The Viva Glam Collection was started when Estee Lauder Companies bought over M.A.C. Cosmetics. These products are sold at a non-profit – retailers do not receive any profit and our staff do not receive any commission from the sale of Viva Glam products. M.A.C. Cosmetics bears the entire cost of production of Viva Glam. 100% of the proceeds are channelled towards the AIDS Fund.
In your opinion, what ways can celebrities use their star power to raise the level of AIDS awareness and help raise money for AIDS research so that a cure can be found?
Estee Lauder Companies has 2 main causes – breast cancer fund raising and the AIDS Fund. Between the two causes, breast cancer has a much bigger awareness. Celebrities can help take AIDS awareness to the same level as breast cancer awareness. They can help create awareness on how to prevent the spread of HIV, precautions to be taken etc. Fund raising is vital to support communities and education. These 2 pillars are equally strong.
Do you think there is any chance we will see an Asian/Asian American celebrity being selected to front the M.A.C. AIDS Campaign?
Why not?
What do you think of the level of AIDS awareness in Malaysia compared to US/UK? What do you think are the differences in perception of AIDS here in Asia and in the West?
People are less aware across all of Asia. Culturally, it is more challenging as this is a more hierarchical society. It’s harder to talk to some men as it is a more difficult subject to raise here.
What do you still hope to achieve?
Detection rates of people infected with HIV is increasing. We need to educate more people of the choices and the consequences. Estee Lauder Companies and M.A.C. Cosmetics will continue with our efforts until a cure is found and everyone is aware of the risks.
