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
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
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
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
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.
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.
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.
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.
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