BAT Rothmans CEO Song Young-jae, right, poses with Korea Welfare Services Chairman Kang Dae-sung after signing a memorandum of understanding on continuing support for the country's socially vulnerable through the organization, at the cigarette company's office in central Seoul, Friday. The company donated 60 million won to the organization that day. Courtesy of BAT Rothmans

BAT Rothmans CEO in Korea has extended its almost decade-long social outreach campaign by renewing its partnership with the Korea Welfare Services (KWS), according to the global cigarette maker's Korean office, Monday.

CEO Song Young-jae and KWC Chairman Kang Dae-sung signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the company's office in Seoul, Friday, agreeing that BAT will continue its support for vulnerable members of society through the organization this year.

Under the MOU, the company donated 60 million won ($41,000) for the organization's outreach services this year. The organization supports single parents and their children facing financial hardships, as well as children and young adults in orphanages who must leave the facilities at some time between the ages of 18 to 24.

This year, the two sides agreed to expand supports for young people who are seeking jobs or careers. They will also open a career experience camp for single parents and their children to help their jobseeking efforts.

"Keeping in close communication with our local communities and supporting the vulnerable among them to boost their financial independence is our company's valuable objective," Song said. "We plan to further bolster our supports for vulnerable citizens to shape a more sustainable society."

BAT Rothmans' partnership with KWS began in 2016 when the company started donating to the organization to help single parents find careers and improve their financial competence. In 2022, the company expanded its support to include orphaned youths, introducing new programs to aid their mental and financial growth.

Last year, the company hosted a consulting session for people in need to understand their actual needs and provide them with practical supports. KWS awarded the company an appreciation plaque that year acknowledging its investment for mutual growth with the local community.

BAT Group, which operates BAT Rothmans, is currently active in 175 countries. The group said it hopes to see 50 million consumers using noncombustion, electronic smoking devices it sells by 2030.

The group in 2002 built a manufacturing plant in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, which currently exports both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarette products to nine countries.