Released on: July 5, 2008, 12:45 am

Press Release Author: Carina Chatlani (www.spawellnesscouncil.com)

Industry: Healthcare

Press Release Summary: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - International Spa & Wellness
Exhibition & Conference (ISWEC) is the leading international exhibition in the
region of exchanges and business for professionals centered on a common interest:
spas and wellness.

Press Release Body: ISWEC KL 2008 presents a complete overview of this
fast-expanding section and brings the world's leading manufacturers together to
introduce their latest products and equipment, discovers the latest trends in beauty
and treatments, design, construction and spa management.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Samantha Foster, President of Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness will give the Keynote
Address and provide an update on Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness.

Council Andrew Jacka, President of Thai Spa Association will discuss the topic of
'What is a Spa?' which outlines the guidelines that define a professional spa, its
operations and services to help the industry set standards and raise the bar of
professionalism.

Donald Cha, Project Manager - Spa Operations, Sunway International Hotels & Resorts
will present the topic Operating Spas in Malaysia - Challenges & Opportunities which
has a special focus session on issues relevant to the industry in Malaysia, how to
overcome challenges and capitalise on opportunities.

Carina Chatlani, Founder/President/Brand Ambassador of BODY BISTRO Apothecary and
Asana Spa will present on the topic Products & Profit: A Mindful Approach to Retail.
Strategies and approaches for setting up a successful spa retail business including
a range of information to help in conceptualising, developing, starting and managing
the business.

Mary Darling of Distant Harbor will speak Spa-related Travel: An Update on Emerging
Trends. The rising popularity of spa and wellness has birthed a new trend of
spa-related travel. Get updates on this emerging trend and the opportunities
available to spa operators.

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. APSWC now has 17 countries represented, and over
80 people from four continents participating in its Task Forces. The organisation
was officially incorporated in Singapore in July 2007. APSWC has already been
recognized with three industry awards; has attracted interest from many regional
organisations, and has generated tremendous goodwill - testimony the time and effort
contributed by the Council's many volunteers.

Another internal objective is to improve organizational structure, systems and
effectiveness. In 2008, the existing Organising Committee will be replaced with an
expanded Leadership Board. Each board position would have a specific functional
portfolio. The aim is to improve the flow of communications and activity between
APSWC, the national association networks, the task forces, and the spa community in
general.

APSWC will continue to expand its network of associations, and to link more strongly
with other international organisations that share its philosophy of bringing benefit
to the industry. More info www.spawellnesscouncil.com

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL SPA & WELLNESS EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE (ISWEC)

International Spa & Wellness Exhibition & Conference (ISWEC) is the leading
international exhibition in the region of exchanges and business for professionals
centered on a common interest: spas and wellness. ISWEC KL 2008 presents a complete
overview of this fast-expanding section and brings the world's leading manufacturers
together to introduce their latest products and equipment, discovers the latest
trends in beauty and treatments, design, construction and spa management. The spa &
wellness industry redefined is a runaway success with unprecedented growth spanning
the globe. A multi billion universal market captures the world unprepared, resulting
in vague definition and a confused market place. ISWEC 08 KL, conceptualized in
fulfilling the gap in providing a platform in information and education in the Asia
Pacific region.


ABOUT APSWC\'s 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 & Traditional Therapies - \'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.

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