Chairperson's Note

As I left Manila airport, with Christmas decorations being put up all around me, it reminded me of how fast time is passing. The APSWC had just held its fourth and final meeting for 2007 at the SpaAsia Wellness Summit – a very enjoyable and action-packed three days. Our meetings were fast and furious - jammed into any and every break in the Wellness Summit schedule. They say that if you want something done, give it to a busy person, and this could not be truer of our Council volunteers. My heartfelt thanks go to all those who have made the time to participate in APSWC activities over this year:

• The national representatives, who act as liaison between the Council and the spa industry in their home countries;


• The five Task Force Leaders, who have stepped up to lead our industry working groups and provide tangible tools and guidelines for the benefit of all;


• Task Force participants, who each volunteer time and effort to assist in our ambitious scope of work;


• Industry supporters, such as Michael Loh and C.P. Saw, who by sponsoring our meetings help to make our work possible; and last but not least …


• APSWC's wonderful Organising Committee: Carina Chatlani, Mary Darling, Jacqueline Le Sueur and Jon Tay, each of whom seem to have at least double the normal hours in the day, to achieve all that they do.

I'm very proud to be part of such a self-less and dedicated team.

Thanks to all, and I look forward to our continuing journey in 2008.

Warmest regards,

Name our Newsletter Competition!

It’s new, it’s a little different and we hoped that you would give us a funky name for our newsletter. And you did not let us down…we received 53 entries into our ‘Name The Newsletter’ competition! Our thanks to all who shared their inspiration with us! Voting was tough but a majority vote in the initial voting stage gave us the name FUSE.

CONGRATULATIONS to Sheila McCann of Hong Kong who submitted the winning entry. FUSE was chosen because it represents the essence of the APSWC mission to bring together spa associations across the region for the benefit of the industry as a whole. We hope that you enjoy your stay at the Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay and Sayan! A photo please from your trip for the newsletter would be great!!!

APSWC Action

Two Spa Industry Awards for APSWC Chair Samantha Foster at the Wellness Summit in Manila in early October APSWC chair Samantha Foster was the recipient of an industry peer-voted Crystal Award. In November, at the Asia Spa Baccarat Awards in Hong Kong, Sam received the ‘Spa Personality of the Year’ award.

Both awards recognise Sam’s lengthy contribution to the spa and wellness industry in the region and for her commitment and inspiration in driving the APSWC forwards. They are both well-deserved…congratulations from all in the APSWC, Sam!

Name Change: There has been a request from ROSES (the Registry of Societies) in Singapore for the APSWC to change its name so that it does not include the word ‘Council.’ As there had already been dialogue about this prior to applying for registration we are in further discussions with ROSES about the need for change as we have already been gazetted and our application accepted. There would appear to have been some miscommunication along the way but we are hoping that this can be resolved in a meeting we are scheduling with ROSES for the end of November.

Bank Account: The APSWC now has a bank account and as such is able to receive the donations kindly put forward from the Bali Spa & Wellness Association and CP Saw, as well as the fruits of future fundraising/sponsorship efforts. Thanks for organising all the paperwork, Jon!

Board Meeting : SpaAsia Wellness Summit October 4, 2007No mention of this meeting would be complete without commenting on the groovy salsa music that was blasting away outside the door! The space was kindly sponsored by SpaAsia and our meeting just happened to coincide with a post-summit salsa class. Great accompaniment but a little challenging to hear what we were discussing!Discussions revolved largely around the change in venue for the 2008 Strategic Planning Forum (details see below) as well as reviewing input from the task force meeting the previous day. Minutes will be forwarded shortly to all Council Reps and thanks to all who attended. We are delighted to welcome Sheila McCann to the fold… Sheila is informally representing the Hong Kong contingent who are in the process of establishing a spa association.

Stop Press: Victor Rinaldi has stepped up to the plate to take on the challenge of establishing a spa association in China.

Strategic Planning forum 2008:
Due to logistical and regulatory challenges in Vietnam the venue for the 2008 has been changed to the next option on the previously voted list – Malaysia. We are working with AMSPA to identify potential locations and will advise the chosen venue by email as soon as we have negotiated the deal we need. Be assured that we will choose a location that is easily and cheaply accessible from as many centres within the region as possible. Watch this space!

Round’ About

Happenings, Events and APSWC Meetings:

With October each year being declared as Wellness Month, the Philippines Government and SAPI have been very busy supporting, staging and attending numerous spa-related events over the 8 weeks. Thailand is hosting 4 events this month including an international conference on Gross National Happiness.
Recent Events… (These are also events that could be earmarked in diaries for next year)

SEPTEMBER 2007

SAPI (The Spa Association of the Philippines)
SAPI held their General Membership Meeting and Learning Session on September 26, 2007 in Manila. Several topics will were discussed including a lecture on employee discipline to enable members to understand the basic requirements mandated by law. Other topics discussed were the power of reception and different types of spa consumers.

LEISURE FAIR MOSCOW September 25 - 29, 2007, Moscow, Russian Federation
The Philippines were present at the conference to give sample treatments of Hilot Massage and Dagdagay, traditional foot massage.

HEALTH, BEAUTY, FITNESS & LIFESTYLE ASIA 2007
PICC Forum, Manila. September 28-29, 2007
This two-day event aimed to develop and professionalize the industry by creating and establishing industry standards and by fostering unity and cooperation among the people and companies involved in the industry

Cosmobeaute 2007 Trade Show and Exhibition, 7-9 September 2007, Jakarta.
The BSW (Bali Spa & Wellness Association) was offered a booth at this exhibition free of charge that enabled members to display PR/ marketing materials.

OCTOBER 2007

Spa Asia Wellness Summit, Manila 0ctober 3-5 2007
APSWC : The APSWC held their 4th and last meeting for 2007 at the SpaAsia Wellness Summit in Manila on October 4. ..For details please see the APSWC Update above.
SAPI' took an active role in supporting the Philippine Department of Tourism and Wellness Media both in the run up to and during the Spa Asia Wellness Summit held in Manila October 3-5 2007. This participation was given in the areas of SAPI’s members core competencies.

One of the major objectives of the Summit was to showcase the traditional healing modalities in the Philippines, the anchor of which is "Hilot". A retraining day was held in September that enabled therapists to give sampler Hilot sessions throughout the 3 days of the Summit event. The process was educational and enjoyable for all concerned and the feedback received from Summit delegates was very positive and encouraging.

In the future it is hoped that more and more spa operators in the region will recognise the wealth of healing traditions in the Philippines and the nurturing warmth of their people so that in time we will see more Filipino people working in spas across Asia-Pacific delivering to the wider public wonderful therapies like Hilot.

MARPE’S NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS EXPO, Mandaluyong City October 5-7, 2007

MARPE is a Hebrew word signifying health and wellness which this event aims to promote through the use of natural health products and alternative healing therapies. BFAD-registered exhibitors only were allowed to be part of this event ensuring that all products presented to the public were produced following Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP),are safe and are helpful to people’s health and wellness. Likewise, only PITAHC-approved alternative healing therapies were allowed to be showcased in this expo. This was a positive step forwards to seeing wider regulation of the spa industry in the Philippines for the benefit of all concerned.

HEALTH WORLD EXPO Metro Manila October 25-27, 2007

The most comprehensive health and medical show ever staged in the Philippines

SPA & WELLNESS PHILIPPINES 2007 and BEAUTY & FITNESS WORLD
Metro Manila October 25-27, 2007

This trade and consumer exhibit is dedicated to spa and wellness professionals; it also focuses on cosmetics, skin, hair and personal care products and services.

Upcoming Regional Events

1-4 November 2007 the 2nd International Spa, Herbs and Natural Cosmetics Exhibition Denpasar, Bali

7-11 November 2007, Thailand Health & Beauty Show Bangkok, Thailand www.thaitradefair.com

11-14 November 2007 International Small Business Congress, Bangkok Thailand www.isbc2007

12 - 14 November World Smart SMEs 2007 Exhibition, Bangkok Thailand Website: http://www.isbc2007.com

14-16 November 2007 Cosmoprof Asia 2007 Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre http://www.cosmoprof-asia.com/content.asp?p=&s_id=2&subid=7

22-28 November 2007; 3rd International Conference on Gross National Happiness, Nongkhai Bangkok, Thailand http://www.gnh-movement.org/

4 December 2007 Nurture, Knowledge & Networking – Bali Spa & Wellness Association’s Annual Educational Day, Royal Pita Maha Hotel, Ubud, Bali. All welcome. http://www.balispawellness-association.org/

15-17 January 2008 Cosmoprof Shanghai New International Expo Centre Shanghai, China http://www.cosmoprofshanghai.com/

22-23 February 2008 APSWC Annual Strategic Planning Forum, Malaysia http://www.spawellnesscouncil.com/

20-23 March 2008: Proud Asia, Thailand http://www.proudsiathailand.com/ - postponed from November 2007.

Upcoming Global Events

15-18 November 2007; Estetist 2007- 5th Medical Aesthetics, Skin Care and SPA Products Show, Istanbul, Turkey http://www.cnr-estetist/

Please advise Jacqueline on j.lesueur@spawellnesscouncil.com of any upcoming events in your region that may be of interest to our readers.

Regional Association News

Local government news, laws etc

ASEAN Harmonisation Update

The ASEAN Harmonisation Act is coming into force on Jan 1 2007 and will effect any in the industry who either import or export spa products or cosmetics. Please refer to www.aseancosmetics.org <http://www.aseancosmetics.org/ for further information and details. In the February 2008 Newsletter Norman Jones, Products Task Force Leader, will provide us with a summary of the salient points of the act as they pertain to spa operations.

Update on Asia Invest

The EU has approved an application for a grant to assist the spa and wellness industry in Asia. The objective of this grant is to enhance the capacity of 200 spa operators from the spa associations of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand in providing spa services that conform to European standards of spa operations and safety and to organise business meetings between spa operators and travel operators in the same countries to increase spa visits by European travellers…A power point presentation with more information about the grant is available on the website and members will be updated as soon as more information becomes available.

The Five Pillars: Task Force Update

The past 3 months have seen more people coming forward to volunteer for task forces. Not all are from our region nor from our industry – it would seem that the word is out globally that we are looking for passionate folks to help us all in our myriad of tasks!

It is not always easy to find the time to do all the work we would like to. The most important thing for task force volunteers is to be clear in your own minds about the time and energy you have to contribute – it does not matter how large or small that may be…as long as it does not put you under undue pressure. We are all part of the greater whole and it is the synergy of our combined offerings that generates the output we have committed to achieve.

If for any reason you need to pull away from your task force, permanently or for a short while, and then please do so. It is as simple as updating your TFL with the project you is working on so that it can be handed over to someone else to continue in your absence. In addition, you’re your equilibrium has been regained your TFL will be waiting with another task for you, should you so choose to take another on board!

Updates from Task Force Leaders

People
Leader: Anthony Bowers (abowers30@hotmail.com)

Several members of the People Taskforce got together at the Wellness Summit. We are starting to compile a comprehensive guideline for contracts in the Spa & Wellness industry and can I thank all members for their support and input. We will be holding our first conference call this week (Skype may not be the best solution - anyone tried Sight Speed yet?) to keep the momentum going. We are also formulating plans for Career in Spa & Wellness day to be co-ordinated between Asia-Pacific countries. We will keep you posted.

Professionalisation
Leader: Sheila McCann (Sheila.McCann@Shangri-La.com)

This is the last task force to get off the marks due to the busy-ness of its original leader…we all know that feeling when we have just that bit too much on our plates! Thank you Marc for stepping up to the plate initially and for agreeing to retain an active place on the TF. The TF is now under the leadership of Sheila McCann (thanks Sheila!) with Jacqueline Le Sueur remaining as 2IC. The scope of work is being reviewed and tasks have already been sent out for acceptance by the pillar’s volunteers. The Planet TFL, Andrew Jacka, has thrown down the gauntlet by saying that his TF will have more to present in February at the Forum than the Professionalisation TF. The Traditional Therapies working group is integrated within this task force and is under the guidance of Carina Chatlani (cchatlani@bodybistro.com) and Carroll Dunham (carroll@wildearthnepal.com).

Products
Leader: Norman Jones (Norman.jones@sensara.biz)

The Products Task Force (PTF) is now working on six Areas of Interest (AOI), each with an Area of Interest Leader (AOIL), who will commence reporting on work to date early November, 2007: Terry Herman defining different types of spas; Samantha Foster identifying the different products used in spas; Carina Chatlani identifying the key educational and audit issues related to different products; Motti Essakow developing the key educational needs; Norman Jones is reviewing the ASEAN Harmonization Act. A Leader is still required to lead developing the key audit needs…my email address is above if you would like more details or would like to volunteer!

Profit
Leader: Donald Cha (donaldspa@hotmail.com)

The Profit Task Force aims to improve industry information for owners, operators and investors; establishing benchmarks & KPIs. Such information will allow for better business planning, thereby reducing risk to owners and investors, and giving manager’s benchmarks by which to improve performance. A variety of benchmarks in the area of facilities, revenue, expenses & profitability, productivity and business profile are being developed.

Planet
Leader: Andrew Jacka (Andrew@horwathspa.com)

With 19 members, we have a large taskforce that is working hard to meet the February 2008 presentation deadline. Members are working on key issues including Green Globe, ISO, Carbon Footprinting, Water Management, Waste Handling, Air Quality and Design & Land Use.

Sponsorship

What we have received and what we still need
Update by Jacqueline Le Sueur – Community Relations Rep

Sponsorship Directions

The EXCO and Board of the APSWC are currently reviewing a ‘Sponsorship Directions’ document that provides guidelines on how to define the type of sponsorship or philanthropy the Council is seeking and the parameters that define how that sponsorship is sought and managed. This will ensure that the sponsorship we accept is in keeping with our stated mission and constitution and will also enable step by step processes to be established for all matters relating to fundraising. I am hoping, once we have collectively agreed on the way forward, to have both the Sponsorship Policy and the Sponsorship Strategy written and approved in the next 2 months.

National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) – New Initiative Grant (NIG)

Mary Darling (thanks Mary!) brought our attention to this grant! Through the month of August I negotiated long and hard with the NVPC in Singapore for the ability to apply for a share in a 200,000SGD New Initiative Grant. This is a grant that is given to volunteer organizations to support their function and contribution to society. One of the rules for application is that the organization concerned cannot have been operating for more than 12 months. Given that the APSWC was only officially incorporated in the middle of this year we were confident that we would be allowed to enter the application process. However, because we have stated publicly on many occasions that we were formed n February 2006 we have not been able to proceed with our application as the NVPC chose to take this date as the date we started. However, nothing is ever for nothing because unless you ask you can never be told ‘yes’ and the entire process has been very educational.

STRATEGIC PLANNING FORUM 2008

With input from AMSPA we are in the process of negotiating the venue for our 2008 Forum. We will also be seeking items for a Silent Auction and/or goodie bags…watch this space and your email box for details as support from across the region would be most welcome! Any suggestions you have, please let us know!

ANY IDEAS THAT YOU HAVE ARE MOST WELCOME FOR ALL KINDS OF SPONSORSHIP AND FUNDRAISING! It does not matter how little or how much a fund-gathering idea raises, or whether it is putting some money in the bank or products, treatments or room nights in the Barter Bank…every little bit counts. Jacqui can be contacted on j.lesueur@spawellnesscouncil.com.

A BIG thank you to…

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in Bali and John O’Sulliivan for providing the generous prize outlined in the previous issue for the competition to Name the Newsletter.

Wellness Media / SpaAsia and Michael Loh and for their generous support for the APSWC at the Wellness Summit in Manila Oct 3-5 2007. Michael generously supported the attendance of Councillors at the Summit as well as providing space and refreshments for our Task Force and Board Meetings. Thank you, also, to all the SpaAsia team for creating the mechanisms that allowed our conference registrations and meetings to occur without a hitch.

Who’s Who

Interview by Jacqueline Le Sueur (JLS) with: The Therapist Team at Spa Alila Cha Am (TT): from left to right…Khuns Gan, Phi Pui, Nan, Mod, Tuk, Kig, Su, Nang, Pim, Lek, Nong Pui, Bum

The team above are all in the middle of three months of pre- opening technical, service, language and life skills training for a new spa in Cha Am, Thailand. It struck me, as someone who frequently interviews people for spa/wellness-related articles, that journalists rarely turn to the teams at the ‘sharp end’ of our business for their thoughts and views. So, one morning, after we had done our ‘funk & groove’ movement exercises, meditation and self-massage I thought I would ‘interview’ the team before we got immersed in another day of therapy training. Armed with the questions below they sat together, whilst I was at morning brief and attending to admin, and discussed with great passion and intent their responses. When we sat together to translate these from Thai to English the entire team dug deep into their dictionaries and debated intensely to ensure that I had captured not only the translation of their words but their very essence as well.

As you read what follows please consider that the team were not given any indication at all as to how to answer – they could take as few or as many words as they liked and answer however they saw fit to interpret the questions…

JLS: Why did you decide to become a massage therapist in a spa?

TT: Want to have a new / more experience. Want to help people have good health. Wanted a job that makes me happy because I know that I am helping people. Want to learn more knowledgeWant to do this work because it is beautiful and it inspires me to be the best in spas. This job challenges me and makes me want to learn more and more. I want to understand what a spa is and what experiences it offers to me and to its guests.

JLS: What benefits does your job bring to you?

TT: More knowledge – I want understand techniques and products. I learn lots of new things – new skills and techniquesI learn and understand the systems of running a spa. I learn about the body and also about the body’s energy and how they work. I am learning how an industry works and that is good for my future. Doing this work makes me healthy in body and mind and energy. This work makes me very happy when I massage people and see how good that makes them feel. It improves my personality and makes me better at working in a team. It gives me a good life – at work and at home, for me and my family.

JLS: How would you like to progress in your spa career?

TT: Trainer, Consultant, Manager, Spa Owner, and Supervisor: I like being a therapist

JLS: What do you need to help you to do achieve your career goals?

TT: I must be enthusiastic to learn and educate myself. I need to be patient and get experience in different areas in the spa. I need to be disciplined so that I can find the time to learn and practice new skills. My employer can provide me with the opportunity to learn and provide me with stability in my job so that I can educate myself. My employer can provide me with annual training so that I can maintain my skills and learn new ones that will benefit the company and its guests. I need to believe that I have the potential to learn and improve

JLS: What can the spa industry do to educate the wider public that a career in spa is a rewarding and positive career?

TT: By creating a Code of Ethics that is very clear and that companies and employees work to Spa employees and owners and managers must all work with honesty from the heart; with integrity. We can communicate our integrity in the way we carry ourselves, the way we speak, the way we dress and the way we work. This way the public will realise that spa is not about sex, it is about health and wellness. We can educate the public about spa by doing workshops in the community. There needs to be a set of standards that all spas work to. These spas must be inspected to make sure that they are doing what they are supposed to be doing.

JLS: My heartfelt thanks to this team whose voices are representative of many, many therapists in our spas across the region.

Focus On (Products, treatments, news and views…not publicity)

CAMPAIGN FOR REAL BEAUTY:
A landmark study of more than 2,000 women in 10 Asian countries reveals deep divides between nations when it comes to women's self-esteem, body image and sense of beauty. The study, sponsored by Dove, is called “The Real Truth About Asian Beauty: Asian Women's Attitudes Toward Self-Esteem, Body Image, and Media Portrayal.” While Asian women overwhelmingly feel that beautiful women have greater opportunities in life, few consider themselves beautiful. When asked how they would choose to describe themselves, nearly a third chose “simple or natural” followed by “average or normal.” But fewer than 3% said “beautiful.” Is it an issue of low self-esteem? Of media and advertising stereotyping? Of cultural influences? The entire report is available at http://www.campaignforrealbeauty.com.sg/

NEW PRODUCT TESTS FIND LEAD IN LIPSTICK:

“Top brands L’Oreal, Cover Girl and Christian Dior test positive for lead
– Toys made in China aren’t the only products laced with dangerous heavy metals: lipstick manufactured in the United States and used daily by millions of American women also contain surprisingly high levels of lead,” according to new product tests released by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. The lead tests were conducted by an independent laboratory over the month of September on red lipsticks bought in Boston, Hartford, Conn., San Francisco and Minneapolis.
More info at http://safecosmetics.org/newsroom/press.cfm?pressReleaseID=26

Newsletter Content

You may notice that we have a lot of editorial this month from the Philippines and Thailand. Space in the newsletter is allocated to any associations who provide us with relevant information…the ball is in your court!!! We would love to feature events, happenings etc in your country…we are just an email away!
Please send all editorial submissions to Jacqueline Le Sueur on j.lesueur@spawellnesscouncil.com . Deadline date for the February 2008 issue is 30 December 2007.

© APSWC 2007 All Rights Reserved
Edited by Jacqueline Le Sueur
Layout & Distribution by Carina Chatlani

Chairperson's Note

Welcome to the first edition of the APSWC newsletter! Next quarter we will be bringing you this missive under a sexy new name, so please take a moment to enter the 'naming competition' at the end of this newsletter and be in the running to win a fabulous 3 night, 2 centre stay for 2 at the Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay and Sayan.

A lot has happened since the March Strategic Planning Forum in Bali. National representatives have been confirmed as board directors, and we have officially incorporated in Singapore.

Five Task Forces have been assembled, with many of the industry's 'best brains' set to apply their talent and experience to our priority areas of People, Product, Professionalisation, Profit and Planet.

True to our mission, we strive to unite the industry through the sharing of knowledge and resources. Our aim for this newsletter is to bring you the latest news from every country in the region. We encourage you to forward this email on, and to send us any news items that may be of interest.

APSWC Action: We're Official!

After receiving a general mandate from attendees of the APSWC Strategic Planning Forum in Bali in March, APSWC has subsequently applied and been approved as a registered not-for-profit society based in Singapore. This means that we can engage as an official entity with government and other organisations that influence our industry.

Asean Harmonisation Law

This law, designed to create favourable trade conditions for ASEAN members, comes into effect in January 2008 and the labeling laws appear to be causing confusion. Please visit this link to learn more Asean Harmonization.

Resource Box (sharing of knowledge, educational news)

TSPA 'The Spa's Schools Day' 17 July Bangkok, Thailand
The aim of this free event was to introduce the spa industry to school goers as a positive career choice. An exhibition of institutes certified by the Ministry of Public Health showcased curriculums and a group of speakers shared their knowledge of Thailand's healing traditions with the audience. It is events such as this one that not only help to quash the perceptions of 'spa' as a career but they will also hopefully alleviate the ever-worsening shortage of staff in the industry across the region.

Focus On (Products, treatments news and views; not publicity)

The Compact for Global Production of Safe Health and Beauty Products is the platform for companies to create and manufacture cosmetics and personal care products anywhere in the world that meet the formulation standards and deadlines set by the European Union Directive 76/768/EEC. Under this directive products are to be free of chemicals that are known or strongly suspected of causing cancer, mutation or birth defects.

Sensara Limited, Sensatia Botanicals, Pevonia Botanical and Body Bistro are some companies that produce and sell here in Asia. Has your company, or the company that sells you products, signed the Pledge? Go to http://www.safecosmetics.org/ for further information and details.

Looking for updated information on sunscreens? http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ hosts the Environmental Working Group's latest report.

Newsletter Content - Please send all editorial submissions to Jacqueline Le Sueur on j.lesueur@spawellnesscouncil.com . Deadline date for the November issue is 30 September 2007.

Who's Who (Interview with Andrew Jacka)

Andrew Jacka: President of the Thai Spa Association, Director of Horwath Spa Consulting, APSWC Councillor for Thailand and APSWC Task Force Leader for Planet. Interview by Jacqueline Le Sueur

JLS: Andrew, first of all, our thanks to you for being the first person to volunteer to lead a task force. We all really appreciate you bringing your expertise and personality to the table. I guess the first question I would like to ask you is how do you find the time to juggle your consulting commitments with the work that you do for the Thai Spa Association and the APSWC?

AJ: Juggling work and TSPA/APSWC commitments is not as easy as I had thought it would be. Fortunately APSWC work is not so involved or time consuming at this stage, but being President of TSPA means that I have to spend at least 1/2 of each working day dedicated to TSPA; in turn that means some late nights in the office to get everything completed. However it is something that I enjoy immensely and am very happy to do. The added support of my fellow TSPA Board members is invaluable in being able to get everything completed in a timely manner as I can delegate a significant amount of work to them also.

JLS: What do you think is the major environmental issue facing the spa/wellness industry the region at the moment? What do you think we, the industry can do, to have an immediate impact on this?

AJ: The major environmental issue facing our industry can be juggled between water and organic. Water - even though we are told that global warming is contribution to rising water levels (thereby meaning more water - correct?), we see countries in severe drought. Regardless, we need to look at our use of water and ensure that it is being used wisely, even in countries where there is plenty. Are we recycling it with filtration systems onto our gardens/landscaping, or just pouring it down the drain after it has been used once? Unfortunately most are just pouring it down the drain and we do seriously need to review this matter. The element of organic can apply to water as to every other element of our industry's operations. If we are polluting our water, applying chemicals to our body, living in a chemical laden world - our overall level of health can only suffer. With the emphasis of our industry now starting to focus on longevity, and with many countries around the world now having major sections of their citizens in the 'over 60' categories, we are living long lives, so if we want to live them more productively then we have to do so as 'organically' as possible so that we maximize these new-found years rather than just being a burden on our communities and becoming a hospital statistic.

JLS : Do you think that the industry will be committed enough to self-regulate on environmental issues or do you see, looking into the future, that regulation will have to come from Government?

AJ : The demands for change that have been initiated by consumers have been taken on board by the industry, but long term success can only work with the support of Government. We can regulate our industry, but we are but a very small sector of the business community and unless there is a unified approach for all industries, our impact on the health of the environment will be minimal - united we stand, divided we fall!

JLS : Lastly, do you have any tips on how we can reduce our personal impact on the environment on a daily basis...one or two things we can all embrace that take little time or money to implement?"

AJ: Actually is not that difficult. It is widely known that switching off electrical appliances does not stop electrical consumption - appliances have to be unplugged - something that we can all do with a little thought. There are plenty of 'energy efficient light bulbs on the market - so why are we not using them? Surely it is a case of putting our money where our mouth is; as this is an obvious environmental consideration we can all action TODAY! Use of cleaning products - do they need to be as caustic as we have become accustomed? TV programmes show that lemon and salt (and a little elbow grease) can clean even some of the most grotesquely dirty bathrooms, yet we persist with toxic bleaches and solvents; and the list goes on. What it needs is a few minutes thought about our actions and we can all contribute to the overall health of our environment in very simple ways. Strong and wise words, Andrew. As leader of the Planet Task Force we look forward to receiving on-going pointers from you all that we can implement without delay! Thank you.

Round' About (Happenings, Events and APSWC Meetings)

APRIL 07

• Spa & Wellness Association of Nepal (SWAN)
  Founded through the hard work of a number of committed spa professionals in Nepal including Donald Cha and Carroll Dunham, the Spa & Wellness Association of Nepal (SWAN) officially incorporated in April 07. The Founding President is Mr. Prakash Shrestha. As with all associations in their infancy, SWAN is on an active membership drive at the moment and is accepting membership from all interested parties. Congratulations!!!

MAY 2007

• NSPA Conference Tokyo, Japan - The Nippon Spa Association hosted 8 APSWC representatives (Andrew Jacka, Datin Ramona Suleiman, Dr Theresa Chew, Jacqueline le Sueur, Alexandra Sutopo, Marjorie Lopingco, Shenyn Wang, JB Lee) to its conference that was attended by delegates from Japan and Korea. Each representative gave 2 presentations and several also gave workshops. Our welcome was so warm, our input so welcome and all APSWC reps agreed that in terms of organization and thought this was one of the best events we had attended even though in terms of size it was relatively small. It certainly brought home the value of what we do in the Council when we had people lining up to ask questions as we circulated during the buffet Gala Dinner! Our thanks to Dobashi-san and all at NSPA for such a fruitful and enjoyable time.


• APSWC Meeting NSPA Conference, Tokyo, Japan - Minutes of the meeting have been circulated. The Baccarat Award was handed to NSPA and Mr. JB Lee brought formally Korea into the APSWC though the auspices of KISPA (the Korean International Spa Association). He has stepped to the helm as its Councilor until formal nominations and selection take place at a future date. Welcome!


• Global Spa Summit New York City, USA - On May 21 & 22, around 250 leaders of the spa industry gathered in New York for the inaugural Global Spa Summit. Speakers included APSWC Chairperson Samantha Foster and Secretary/Media Relations Director, Carina Chatlani. Hosted by Spa Finder Magazine, the objective was very similar to APSWC's plan for its Bali meeting: to identify key issues affecting the industry. 'People, Profit & Planet" were recently announced (in Spa Opportunities) as the three key areas of concern, proving that the issues we face in the Asia-Pacific are not specific to our region. It is uncertain at this point what actions will transpire from the Global Spa Summit; however you can be assured that APSWC will play a part of it!

• LOHAS California, USA - Lohas 11 was hosted at the Marriott Hotel in Marina Del Rey, California on May 14-16th, 2007. Kudos goes to the Lohas Planning Committee for their well put together conference which attracted visionaries from Asia to the shores of Canada. The 'Lifestyles of Health & Sustainability' consumer was surely not disappointed and with sponsors ranging from Office Depot to Walmart, expectations were focused on the alignment to core ethics and values to be demonstrated.

JUNE 2007

• KISPA - Inaugural Conference, Korea - Attended by delegates from the immediate region, KISPA held their inaugural conference at the beginning of the month. KISPA aims to foster exchange of information amongst members of the spa community in Korea to enable the growth of the industry, to promote public health and boost tourism and other related industries.


• SPA LIFESTYLE ASSOCIATION, Hong Kong - The working title arrived at by a working group of spa professionals in HK who are aiming to get a fully fledged spa association up and running in the very near future. "The Hong Kong spa industry includes a lot of small non-hotel beauty operations and so we wanted to include those businesses without alienating them by using words such as "wellness" or "industry" and so on in the name. It's a working title which may change and we have a meeting scheduled for August to discuss this further," said Michelle Ho, the SLA's contact person. Watch this space for more news.


• VIETNAM- Setup of Vietnam Spa and Wellness Association
  Vietnam is undergoing the process of applying to the authority for the formal set up of the Vietnam Spa and Wellness Association. In addition to liaising with the relevant authorities to understand the actual process of setting up an association in Vietnam, we have already submitted an official letter of intent to the Ministry for approval of the spa association. We are excited to be fronting the development of the spa association for Vietnam and will be inviting relevant players in the spa and wellness field in Vietnam to join us in the Pro-Tem committee. We are also registering the website domain address for the association and will keep the council updated once the website is up. Watch this space!


• BALI - Bali Spa & Wellness Association Task Forces
  Following on from the models established at the Strategic Planning Forum this year, the BSWA has set in motion five task forces of their own - Education, Standards & Procedure, Website, Membership and Survey/Statistics. These are aimed at identifying and improving areas of common concern in the industry in Indonesia as well as fostering closer cooperation with ASPI (the Indonesian Spa Association in Jakarta).

JULY 2007

• APSWC Meeting and Seminar at Cosmobeaute, KL, Malaysia
  A meeting of the Council in the morning, with 13 Board Members and Councillors plus 3 observers in attendance from 7 countries, was followed by a 'meet the press' luncheon. In the afternoon the APSWC held a seminar on Trends in the Spa Industry in the region as well a the impact these trends and the growth of the industry is having on the Five Pillars - People, Professionalisation, Products, Profit and Planet. As always, it was good to get together with friends and colleagues; a productive and enjoyable time had by all. Thank you to all who brought collateral for the Council booth and to the team members of AMSPA who manned it for the duration of the event.

• ASPA Annual Conference 28-31 July Sydney, Australia
  An interesting platform of speakers included APSWC Chairperson Samantha Foster and Dieter Buchner, member of the People & Professionalisation Task Forces. Delegates came from around the region and this is fast becoming a 'not-to-be-missed' event in the spa/wellness calendar.

Upcoming Regional Events:

• 27-30 September, 2007: Proud Asia, Thailand http://www.proudsiathailand.com/
  
• 3-5 October, 2007: SpaAsia Wellness Summit, Philippines http://www.spaasia.com/events/saws/
  
• 5-8 October, 2007: Health Wellness Spa, Malaysia http://www.interexpo-my.com/
  
  Please advise Jacqueline on j.lesueur@spawellnesscouncil.com of any upcoming events in your region that may be of interest to our readers.

Sponsorships:

Sponsorships have been received from the following individuals and companies:

This has come in many ways from the creative design of the Task Force Pillar logo and a cash sum to cover air tickets or part thereof to speak at a conference to lunch sponsorship, the provision of a promotional booth at a regional beauty event and a place to stay in someone's home when we are in town for a Council meeting. This demonstrates the wide variety of ways the Council can be supported. In order to move the APSWC to the next level we need to garner further sponsorship, not just from within our industry but from the wider business community.

As Community Relations Representative of the Council, Jacqueline Le Sueur is responsible for bringing potential sponsors to the Council's table. To this end an extensive sponsorship proposal is being prepared that will be used to approach large multi-nationals with Corporate and Social Responsibility Programmes as well as smaller companies such as those that supported the Strategic Planning Forum in Bali this year to such a great extent.

ANY IDEAS THAT YOU HAVE ARE MOST WELCOME! It does not matter how little or how much a fund-gathering idea raises, or whether it is putting some money in the bank or products, treatments or room nights in the Barter Bank; every little bit counts. Jacqui Le Sueur... can be contacted on j.lesueur@spawellnesscouncil.com

Regional Association News (Local government news, laws etc.)

MALAYSIA:

Traditional Complementary Medicine Act - is expected to be tabled in Parliament soon. With this in view, the Traditional Complementary Medicine (TCM) Department of the Ministry of Health gave a briefing to AMSPA members and fellow spa industry players on the TCM Act. With this Act, therapists must be properly certified to practice. Therapists found to be working without a Certification of Practice, will be fined and Spas found to have therapists that working without a Certification are likely to loose their license.

Retreat organised by Tourism Malaysia - July 2007 - a retreat is being organised at the end of the month by Tourism Malaysia in Cherating where representatives of the Spa Industry can bring out each and every grievance that is hampering the spa industry. The Head of various Government Departments, namely Tourism Malaysia, City Hall, Immigration, Police and other related regulatory bodies are expected to be present. This retreat is organised for the benefit of spa operators by bringing together Government Department and Officials and spa operators in order to discuss various regulations that are posting difficulties to operators and are hampering the healthy growth of the spa industry.

PHILIPPINES:

Presidential Decree - On 24 April this year President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines declared "October 2007 and each year thereafter Health and Wellness Tourism Month." This is an important commitment to tourism in the Philippines, most especially in the spa and wellness arena.

Hilot Massage Definition - SAPI has been meeting intensively with various government agencies (the Dept of Trade, Dept of Health, TESDA etc) and the various Hilot experts to make a definitive description of the benefits and treatment content of Hilot Massage. This will be used in all overseas marketing and is an effort that will be mirrored by the work that will be done in coming months by the Traditional Therapies sub-group of the Professionalisation Task Force.

SINGAPORE:

Workforce Competency Mapping for the Spa Industry - The Singapore government is embarking on the next stage of their national, industry-wide competency mapping exercise, this time in the spa industry. They have appointed a consultant partner to carry out the necessary research in order that qualification guidelines and competency maps can be created and implemented for therapists in holistic spas.

THAILAND:

New Regulations for Overseas Workers - All companies sending workers overseas now have to get paperwork from the Ministry of Labour in order for the staff to be able to board a plane to leave the country; they also have to register when they return to Thailand. The purpose is, supposedly, to keep a track on how many Thai Nationals are working overseas but the system is cumbersome and time-consuming.

TSPA plus other industry bodies have completed English for Spa Therapists and also for Spa Receptionists - a book and a CD are available. The course and test are both free, or at the very least will be available at cost price. The language is spa business related and was taken from the language that researched confirmed is used in spas in the Kingdom. The course will be Government tested. KPIs have been set for its delivery and Government will follow up on how beneficial it has been. Under development is English for Spa Managers.

TSPA is also launching an Advanced Management Training Manual. This training course is for 100 Thai spa managers covering financing, marketing etc with the aim of bringing them up to international standards. It will be conducted in Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. TSPA would like a spa professional from Indonesia to speak in Phuket and one from the Philippines to speak in Chiang Mai. Please contact Andrew Jacka if you are interested.

Email to add other regional news.

Name our Newsletter Competition!

It's new, it's for you and we'd like you to give it a really funky yet relevant name!

We on the Organising Committee could put our thinking caps on and come up with something that would do- but we think it will be much more fun if you, the readership, has the opportunity of naming the 'APSWC newsletter'.

A Name: The only provision is that it is short, punchy and funky, relevant to the mission of the Council and it's in English, the lingua franca of the APSWC. Other than that, it's up to you! Think out of the box and be as creative as you like.

Prize:

A fabulous 3 night stay for 2 including breakfast at the Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay and Sayan, valued at USD2341.00.

"An expansive and elegant private Balinese villa awaits you in Jimbaran Bay - with separate sleeping, bathing and living pavilions and ocean views from your plunge pool. An Indonesian spa. Dramatic hilltop and oceanside dining. All immersed in the mystique of this spiritual land. In Sayan, beneath a lotus pool floating above treetops and Bali's sacred Ayung River, your villa is nestled in the jungle. Spa magic with the secrets of the East. Eclectic dining at the breathtaking valley's edge."

This prize is very generously sponsored by the Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay and Sayan.

Rules:

1. The competition is open to all readers aged 18 years and over other than the Organising Committee of the APSWC and employees of Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay and Sayan, and their families.
2. A maximum of five entries only per person.
3. The name must be in English.
4. Entries are to be emailed to info@spawellnesscouncil.com
5. Entries must include full name, company, email address, day time telephone number of the author of the entry, as well as the suggested name.
6. Entries will be judged by the Organising Committee of the APSWC.
7. The judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the final choice of the winner.
8. The prize is for 2 people, accommodation and breakfast only, taken between Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay and Four Seasons Sayan in Bali. Winners are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from the resort from their home base. Winners are also responsible for visas into Bali if required.
9. The prize is not transferable.
10. The prize must be taken by April 1, 2008, on any date subject to availability, with the exception of between August 1 to September 15, 2007 and December 20th, 2007 to January 20th, 2008.
11. All entries must be received by 31st September, 2007. Proof of email is not proof of receipt. Entries received after this date will be disqualified.
12. The winner will be notified by email by 15th October, 2007 and announced in the November 2007 issue of the newsletter that will carry its new name.
13. Email addresses may be added to the APSWC database for marketing purposes. Please clearly state on your entry if you do not wish to be added to the database.
14. The judges reserve the right to withhold the prize if no suitable entries are received.
    

Submit your names now

All Entries Must be Received: by September 31, 2007

With Gratitude:

Dan Bube of Bube Design for creating the temple logo for the Pillar Task Forces.

Nippon Spa Association (NSPA) for their generous sponsorship for APSWC delegates to their event in Tokyo in May.

Bali Spa & Wellness Association (BSWA) for being the first regional spa association to submit and commit to a sponsorship pledge to the APSWC. The BSWA membership has agreed to donate 5% of their membership fees on an annual basis to the APSWC.

Intelligent Spas donated a portion of the profits made from reports sold to delegates at the 'AP Strategic Planning Forum' in Bali in March 2007.

CP Saw and the organisers of CosmoBeaute for sponsoring the Council meeting held at the event, the APSWC and AMSPA booths, the 'Meet the Press' luncheon and for the donation of part of the admission proceeds to the APSWC seminar.

Donald Cha of Spa & Wellness Association of Nepal (SWAN) for accomodations for council members during CosmoBeaute event in Malaysia.

Michael Loh of Spa Asia and for accommodating Council members during the CosmoBeaute event in KL in July.

John O'Sullivan & Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay and Sayan for sponsoring a 3 night stay for 2, with breakfast as the prize for the Name the Newsletter competition

© APSWC 2007 All Rights Reserved
Edited by Jacqueline Le Sueur
Layout & Distribution by Carina Chatlani