Malaysian beauty industry gets a boost

OVER 200 exhibitors participated in Beauty Professional 2014, with three national pavilions from South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore. Over 8,700 beauty industry professionals were eager to see over 55 new products that were being showcased as well as learn about opportunities offered by 15 companies to set up their own beauty business. Many exciting stage and seminar programs held through the four-day event included movers and shakers of the industry trading not only products, but also skills and techniques.

The focus of this year’s exhibition was on improving the skill and quality of beauticians, therapists and even beauty salon owners, said organizer GLOW Exhibition Management Sdn Bhd. “It was really an experience being able to see the level of standard that is anticipated in order for Malaysia to reach a global merit in the beauty industry,” remarked project director Selina Goh.

Holistic therapy seminars

On the first two days of the exhibition, the Special Skills Seminar was conducted to enhance their knowledge and skillsets to elevate Malaysia as one of the world’s top wellness and spa destinations.

Among the experts to share their experience and knowhow was Christine Fisk, a clinical aromatherapist and reflexologist who is also the vice-president of Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT). Ms. Fisk focused on natural facelift massage and demonstrated of specific treatment techniques, and also conducted a seminar on the effects of painful disorder, fibromyalgia.

Professional aromatherapist and reflexologist, Julia McCarthy, spoke on the benefits of providing holistic therapies to expectant clients as well as adaptations for massage therapy during pregnancy.

Liam Harkness, a household name in the Hong Kong fitness industry, focused on Pre and Sports Massage where he demonstrated how to turn a masseur into a body therapist.

The Association of Malaysian Spas (AMSPA) also sponsored seminars, which included “How to Upgrade Your Salon to a Spa” conducted by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MOTAC).

Skills competition

The Global Skills Championship organized by the Federation of Holistic Therapists (Malaysia Chapter), Malaysian Association of Cosmetologists (MACs) and Beauty Professional 2014 was another highlight of the event. The competition’s Facial Skin Lifting Therapy and Detox & Relax for Stress Releasing Body Therapy categories drew participants from Russia, Taiwan, Singapore, Viet Nam and Malaysia.

On the fourth and last day, the Malu Wilz Spring’s Brides Make-Up Competition organized by exhibitors Phletora Sdn Bhd showcased astounding techniques and skills in four categories – Most Creative, Best Make-Up, Best Hair Do, and Best in Overall. The winners were:

·       Lee Kae Wen of Aiko Makeup Academy Kuantan took home grand prizes in the Most Creative and Best Hair Do;

·       Angel Ling Yi Lu of Perfect Point Makeup and Hair Academy Sunway bested everyone to take the title for Best Make-Up; and

·       Patsy How Seow Chwee of Perfect Point Makeup and Hair Academy Sunway was the champion for the Best in Overall category.

Beauty Professional 2014 was also the first exhibition in Malaysia to feature the “Proton Saga Lucky Draw” sponsored by exhibitor, Frontline Cosmeceutical (M) Sdn Bhd, for their top buyers during the exhibition. Catherine Lau, a beauty specialist from Johor, drove home the much coveted prize.

The next Beauty Professional will be held from March 23 to 26, 2015 at Putra World Trade Centre, where more exciting products and educational programs will help develop the beauty industry.