Andrew Cheong Wang Tan

In Indonesia, our brands not only drive business success but also tackle key public health issues—stunting, anemia, and improving access to clean water.

What makes these two categories so special in Indonesia is their shared purpose: combining science and local relevance to address real health and hydration needs—not just through products, but through lasting impact on families, communities, and the nation’s future.

The combination of innovation, health, and social responsibility is the perfect fit for me. I couldn’t see myself working for a company whose core product I didn’t believe in. Here, I feel proud of what we do every single day.

One project that stands out is the transformation of AQUA’s large water packaging, strategic evolution rooted in innovation and consumer centricity. For over 50 years, our polycarbonate (PC) jugs have been a cornerstone of our distribution system, enabling us to deliver high quality drinking water that adheres to established standards, ensuring the healthy hydration of the Indonesian people. Notably, these reusable PC jugs have contributed to making 70% of our business circular, underscoring our long-standing commitment to sustainability. 

As consumer expectations, regulations, and sustainability standards evolved, we identified a strategic opportunity to future-proof the business. I led the transition to PET jugs — a BPA free packaging solution that offers better user experiences, clarity and quality for consumers.

It’s the biggest packaging shift in AQUA’s history, and a major investment in product innovation and long-term competitiveness. This move required extensive R&I validation, cross-functional collaboration, and operational agility. We’re rolling it out nationally over two years, and I’m proud that it positions us for growth while reinforcing our commitments to safety, sustainability, and consumer satisfaction. 

Health and sustainability are deeply embedded in everything we do at Danone. On the health front, we develop science-based nutrition solutions tailored to local needs, supported by our local based R&I Center as well as global capability for research & innovation.  One of the most exciting areas is precision fermentation. We’re working with our global teams to explore how we can use this technology to reduce the carbon footprint of key ingredients like lactose, whey protein, and casein in our Specialised Nutrition products. It’s a massive opportunity to make nutrition more sustainable, without compromising on quality. 

Aside from the AQUA transformation, I’m very proud of our work with SGM, one of our Specialized Nutrition brands. SGM has been a trusted presence in Indonesia for over 70 years to provide affordable and complete nutrition to Indonesia children to combat iron deficiency and stunting. Beyond product solution, our digital Iron Calculator making it super easy for parents to track their child's iron intake. This handy tool ensures kids get the right amount of iron for optimal growth, showing how we use technology to make a real difference in children's nutrition. Seeing how this innovation is improving the lives of children and supporting national health goals truly makes me proud. It reflects the meaningful role of R&I plays in creating real impact for families and communities across Indonesia. 

It became real for me when I started seeing our products not just as nutrition, but as support systems for families facing critical moments. In Waters and Dairy, the impact is broad and inspiring but in Specialized Nutrition, the purpose becomes deeply personal. Every formulation is designed to respond to specific health needs. Whether for children born via C-section, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, children with allergies, or those at risk of stunting. 

For families dealing with medical or nutritional challenges, these products often serve as a lifeline, providing tailored support when it matters most. That’s when I realized our work at Danone goes far beyond product development.