Released on: February 13, 2008, 1:01 am

Press Release Author: Carina Chatlani / Spa Wellness Council

Industry: Healthcare

Press Release Summary: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Following its inaugural Strategic
Planning Forum in Bali in March last year, APSWC established five industry task
forces, to address the most pressing needs and challenges: People,
Professionalisation, Products, Profit and Planet.

Press Release Body: The 2nd annual STRATEGIC PLANNING FORUM 2008 - The Next Step
Forward is scheduled for February 22 - 23, 2008 in Kuala Lumpur. Hosted at Mandarin
Oriental, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, the forum is expected to attract key management
executives, directors, general managers and owners in the spa and hospitality
industries to shape and improve the industry and discuss outcomes resulting from the
past year. Presentations and panels led by leading industry professionals will
outline key areas that have been developed and implemented in each of our countries
and companies. We will also be reporting on APSWC activities, and planning 'next
steps', including task force scope and priorities for the year to come. Due to the
highly interactive nature of the event, we need to limit attendance to a level that
permits participation by all.

"Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur is more than pleased to be a part of the Asia
Pacific Spa & Wellness Council Strategic Forum 2008", says General Manager, Jonas A.
Schuermann. "Our timely participation comes with the region's rapidly evolving spa
industry; this forum is an excellent platform for spa industry leaders and
professionals to share ideas on the abundance of spa culture and heritage that exist
in Asia Pacific and address industry challenges. We look forward to welcoming APSWC
forum delegates with warm Malaysian hospitality"

ABOUT ASIA-PACIFIC SPA & WELLNESS COUNCIL
The Asia-Pacific Spa & Wellness Council (APSWC) was formed in March '06 - the
outcome of an informal roundtable meeting held in Singapore in February '06. The
roundtable was initiated by the heads of spa associations with a view to bringing
the region together; to identify common problems and opportunities, and find ways to
improve the business for all. Asia-Pacific Spa & Wellness Council (APSWC) is a
regional body which links the national spa associations of the Asia-Pacific nations.
The Council was formed to meet the challenges presented by the evolution and growth
of the Asian Pacific spa industry. In addition to gathering and communicating
market information and resources, APSWC\'s planned activities for the region include:
identifying and recommending appropriate standards, training resources, and
performance benchmarks and establishing a code and best practices format to be
adopted throughout the region. It\'s important that local representation becomes a
focus while looking at the region guides in it\'s entirety including a range of
topics relevant to Asia-Pacific countries. More info www.spawellnesscouncil.com
MISSION
TO ACT AS A BRIDGING MECHANISM BETWEEN COUNTRIES TO PROMOTE, PROTECT, EDUCATE,
AND DEVELOP THE SPA & WELLNESS INDUSTRY IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION.
ABOUT MANDARIN ORIENTAL KUALA LUMPUR
Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur enjoys a prime location in the heart of Kuala Lumpur
City Centre. Featuring 643 guestrooms, guests can select from an array of
international and local cuisine. The conference and banqueting facilities features
one of the largest Grand Ballroom in Malaysia and function rooms are supported with
a wide range of audio-visual equipment. A Business Centre offers a full range of
secretarial services, while those looking to relax can do so at the hotel spa, an
outdoor swimming pool, an aerobics studio, tennis and squash courts, Jacuzzi, sauna
and steam rooms, and a fully equipped gymnasium. More info
www.mandarinoriental.com/kualalumpur/

OBJECTIVES
1. Growth and development of the industry through collaboration and sharing of
knowledge and resources.
2. Support national associations to identify and resolve local market issues.
3. Improve professionalism by promoting international standards and practices.
4. To be a strong united voice that provides a consistent message to media,
government and others throughout the region who may influence the industry. Also to
use this voice to educate consumers, regulators and industry.
FIVE PILLAR TASK FORCES
Following the Strategic Planning Forum held in Bali in March 2007, the APSWC
established five industry task forces to pursue areas of priority for the industry:
Professionalisation - \'Professionalisation\' is the process of becoming more
professional. Priority for this Task Force is Accreditation.
People - This Task Force aims to structure the industry, providing guidance to both
employers and employees regarding skill sets and minimum working conditions. It also
includes initiatives to help attract and retain good staff.
Product & Equipment - This Task Force aims to demystify products & equipment,
improving the quality of information to help operators to make the best choice for
their businesses and customers.
Profit - This Task Force aims to improve industry information for owners, operators
and investors; establishing benchmarks & KPIs.
Planet - Review different standards available (e.g.: ISO14000, Green Globe 21, and
best practices in other industries - liaise with WWF, Green Peace, etc.) and develop
a \'toolkit\' of standards and guidelines to bring the spa industry into line with
these international best practices, with a pathway to accreditation if desired.

ORGANISING COMMITTEE
. CHAIRMAN: Samantha Foster - founder and VP of Spa & Wellness Association
(Singapore) and Business Development Director for Chiva-Som International Health
Resorts
. TREASURER: Jon Tay - VP Spa & Wellness Association (Singapore), Director for
Education & Development, Arome Concepts, S.E. Asia regional representative for
International Federation of Aromatherapists.
. SECRETARY/MEDIA RELATIONS: Carina Chatlani - APSWC, Co-Chair Spa & Wellness
Association (India), President/CEO, BODY BISTRO and Asana Spa.
. COMMUNITY RELATIONS: Jacqueline Le Sueur - MD of Creative Health & Training Pte
Ltd in Singapore and freelance spa and wellness writer.
. COUNCIL SUPPORT: Mary Darling - former ExCo Bali Spa & Wellness Assoc.,
independent spa consultant.

Web Site: http://www.spawellnesscouncil.com

Contact Details:
ASIA-PACIFIC SPA & WELLNESS COUNCIL | CARINA CHATLANI | Media Relations |
www.spawellnesscouncil.com | T: +1 818 789 2020 | em
c.chatlani@spawellnesscouncil.com