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.