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!