Terachai Yaoprukchai
Sustainability Business Manager SGS

A highly motivated and results-driven professional with 21+ years of experience spearheading impactful sustainability initiatives and managing business operations across diverse industries. Proven expertise in developing and executing sustainability strategies, conducting audits, managing certification processes, and fostering stakeholder engagement. Background in mechanical engineering, he possesses the technical knowledge essential for understanding energy use and GHG emissions within complex industrial settings.

Dr. Sittha Sukkasi is a designer and developer with a deep passion for sustainability. He is committed to enhancing the quality of life by developing innovative and sustainable
design solutions that are both insightful and creative.

Dr. Sukkasi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from Brown University and a Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States. At MIT, he engaged in research on design methodologies, acquired training in product development, and contributed to the teaching of a product engineering course. Currently, he holds the position of senior researcher at MTEC, a national research center in Thailand.

Dr. Sukkasi has spearheaded and contributed to numerous design and development projects. Prominent examples include an innovative device for treating contaminated drinking water in impoverished regions, upcycled furniture crafted from waste materials, a multifunctional bed designed to promote active aging, fall-prevention devices for hospitalized patients, sensory blankets tailored for individuals with dementia, a concentration-training game, toys that facilitate multigenerational family bonding, toys specifically designed for children with special needs, and home-monitoring technologies that prioritize human well-being. Furthermore, he has developed methodologies for commons-oriented design, environment-community-human-oriented design, and attentive empathetic design. Additionally, he finds fulfillment in multimedia design, encompassing graphics, websites, brand identities, and travel videos.

Dr. Sukkasi is actively involved in research and development that explores the intersection of design and sustainability. Current topics include designing and developing sustainable products, exploring commercial applications of climate-positive and environmentally friendly materials, conducting strategic research on essential skills for organizational sustainability transformation, and analyzing future scenarios for environmental and social sustainability.

Dr. Sukkasi’s research has been published in academic peer-reviewed journals, presented at international design conferences and trade exhibitions, and recognized by organizations such as Grand Challenges Canada and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council

Mr. Xie Yizhang has 20 years’ experience in Cosmetics technical area. He joined Mary Kay (China) in 2010 and now serves as Senior Manager, Technical Services and Commercialization to lead Packaging Development, Formula Transfer, Process Development and Stability Analysis in AP region.

Denice Sy is the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer (CSMO) for Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Inc. (EBCI). Before joining Ever Bilena, she graduated with honors from University of California Berkeley in 2014 where she obtained a simultaneous degree in B.S. Business Administration at the Haas School of Business and B.A. South & Southeast Asian Studies. She was also a recipient of the prestigious Fashion Scholarship Fund in New York, and is currently a regular lifestyle columnist at Manila Bulletin.

As the CSMO of EBCI, the company behind beauty brands Ever Bilena, Careline, Spotlight Cosmetics, Hello Glow, Ever Organics, Hyaloo and Blackwater, Denice has a bold vision of elevating Filipino beauty across all categories, market segments, and retail channels. Ever Bilena is the #1 local color cosmetics brand in the country, and aims to continuously innovate and expand its product portfolio and reach for every beauty.

Dominique Petruzzi is a Research Expert for Non-food FMCG and Retail at Statista. Specifically, Dominique covers the Beauty, Cosmetics and Personal Care industries, primarily analyzing the main market players and the latest trends. Her recent publications include a data-driven report on fragrances, focusing on the most popular brands for key countries in for perfumes and fragrances. She has also published deep-dive reports on market-leading companies in the beauty industry, and she contributes regularly to Statista’s Consumer Trends reports with beauty and cosmetics insights.

Andrew has been involved in the Hospitality industry for over 40 years, of which over 20 has been in the spa & wellness sector.  Based in Thailand, his consultancy company Spa Origins Co., Ltd. has worked in Destination, Cruise ship, Day & Resort Spas across the region.   With a background as a chef and holder of a certificate in Kitchen Management, from the acclaimed Regency College of Technical and Further Education (South Australia).  He has worked in Australia, England, Hong Kong and Thailand, where we was recognised for best spa cuisine in the world 1998-2000. His career subsequently morphed into spa operations and ultimately spa & wellness consulting across Asia and as far afield as Europe and South America.  He has been employed by or consulted with spa & wellness facilities across multiple industry sectors both locally and internationally.

Dieter Buchner is the co-founder and retreat leader of Vietnam Detox, the first provider of Buchinger Fasting retreats in Vietnam since 2016. With a background in hospitality and wellness across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, Dieter is a certified wellness coach and Buchinger fasting coach (dfa). He leads transformative retreats in locations such as Hue, Hoi An, and Yen Tu, empowering individuals to achieve sustainable health and well-being through fasting, movement, relaxation, and education. Dieter is dedicated to advancing evidence-based wellness practices and is recognized for his expertise in integrating traditional and modern health approaches. 

Position

• Medical Director of RAKxa International Wellness Retreat (RxW)
• Head of Data and Integrative Wellness Platform Development of RAKxa
• Counselor on Lifestyle medicine for Ministry of Public health, Department of Health
• Committee of Integrative Medicine Faculty of Ramathibodi Medical University

Dr. Puneet Dhawan (BAMS), Founder & Director Of Karma Ayurveda

Holding more than 12 years of expertise, Dr. Puneet is a founder and an Ayurvedic Specialist at Karma Ayurveda and has been serving the society actively and persistently. Offering true and genuine Ayurvedic treatment to people for numerous diseases and disorders, he has consulted 1,50,000+ patients so far and has delivered tremendous results.

His vision & mission remains to prosper every home with best possible health, unequalled vitality, and a stress-free lifestyle.

Asia Liu
As a Thai-born Chinese who has spent her teen years living in China and graduated from the Faculty of Arts in Chinese Studies at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, Asia possesses a profound knowledge of both Thai and Chinese culture. Now she seeks to share one of the most treasured practices from Chinese culture with those searching for organic, natural wellness across the world. That starts by awakening new audiences to TCM’s life-changing powers in a fresh approach. Her deep knowledge of Thailand’s social fabric and business landscape gives her a strong foundation for success within the community.

A second generation of doctor’s family, continues to carry knowledges, rooted from “Balavi’s nature-based healing approaches, and integrate all east-meet-west practices of physical, biological, psychological the rapies with nutrition care to treat and transform our patients into a healthier and better living 

Mr. Sunai graduated Bachelor’s Degree from Assumption University, Bangkok in major of General Management in October 1997 and graduated in Master of Science in anti-aging and regenerative medicine from Dhurakit Bundit University, Bangkok. He started to learn wellness business in Suuko Spa Executive as a General Manager (2004 – 2006) Took care of 260 staffs in total and held the responsibilities of planning, developing, and setting up the 10,000 Square Meters of day spa operations. After that he stepped forward as an operation Manager of (South East Asia) of MSpa International Limited (2006 – 2008), he took care of the operations and management of 13 Spas in Thailand, 3 Spas in Maldives, 1 Spa in Vietnam and 1 Spa in India.

After collected experiences in wellness and hospitality business, Mr. Sunai had changed his role to freelance Spa Consultant for Akaryn Management and ESENSw, Mr. Sunai took care of operations strategies, spa rebranding, spa retail development, and human resources development for 2 spas in Phuket and Pranburi. Two years later he operated his own business “Spanovator”. The wellness business consultant that he has been exerted his talent and ability on it. And Mr. Sunai is appointed as Vice President of Spa Professional Association (Thailand) and Vice President of Thai Spa Association as well.

Brief Biography
With over two decades of experience in the tourism industry, began a career in marketing roles at various hotels in Thailand before being appointed as Sales Manager at Chiva-Som International Health Resort Co., Ltd. in 2001. Currently serves as an Advisor to Mr. Krip Rojanastien, Chairman and CEO of Chiva-Som International Health Resort Co., Ltd., while also holding positions as a Committee Member for Hospitality and Chairperson of the Subcommittee on Wellness Business at the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Premjit Phothiwaraparn 
Regional Director of Spa & Wellness – Minor Hotels 

With over 23 years of experience in the spa and wellness industry, Premjit currently serves as the Regional Director of Spa & Wellness for Minor Hotels, where she oversees wellness strategy and development across a diverse portfolio of luxury hotel brands including Anantara, Avani, and NH Collection. 

Premjit’s passion lies in creating wellness concepts that harmoniously integrate holistic traditions with modern innovation. She has led the development and implementation of signature wellness programs and strategic brand partnerships- including collaborations with world-renowned institutions such as Clinique La Prairie and VIVID by Verita. She also oversees the creation and execution of Minor Hotels’ in-house wellness brands: Layan Life by Anantara, Anantara Wellness, and AvaniWell- each designed to deliver personalized, integrative wellness journeys tailored to the unique identity of each brand. 

Beyond strategic development, she is actively involved in building and nurturing high-performing spa and wellness teams, curating treatment offerings, and sourcing wellness equipment and products that align with global brand standards and local licensing regulations. Her work bridges creative vision with operational excellence, ensuring compliance, consistency, and impactful guest experiences. 

Premjit areas of expertise includes wellness strategy, brand development, medical wellness integration, guest journey design, and team leadership. She is committed to elevating wellness across the entire hotel experience- from traditional spa services to advanced, results-driven wellness modalities- while driving long-term business growth and innovation. 

Premjit remains dedicated to contributing to the broader wellness community and welcome opportunities for collaboration, dialogue, and collective progress as we shape the future of wellness in hospitality. 

• 15 years practical experience in Integrative and Preventive medicine
• Team builder specialize in multidisciplinary working pear in Integrative medical practice e.g. Medical doctors, Anthroposophic Nursing, Therapeutic massage, Art therapy, Music therapy, Sport science and Physiotherapy instructor.
• Organize Representative, public speaker and Lecturer especially Medical lifestyle prevention and Nutrition wellness workshop.
• Well rounded experience in creation of Marketing content for Media and advertisement 10 years

Barkha Narula
Associate Director, Client Success

With over a decade of experience in market research and consumer insights in Southeast Asia markets, Barkha partners with leading FMCG brands to decode consumer behavior and shape innovation strategies that drive real-world impact. She brings deep expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research across food, fragrances, and beauty categories, combining analytical rigor with a deep understanding of cultural and category trends. She has collaborated closely with different business functions to align diverse objectives and translate consumer insights into actionable strategies that shape successful product innovation.

Fast-tracking international beauty executive with 12 years of experience in US, China and Global markets. Unique career path which includes scaling high-growth “indie”/founder-led brands to multi-billion-dollar legacy brands. Recognized as a visionary leader who inspires and energizes a team to deliver exceptional results.

Sharon Kwek, Director of Consulting, South APAC, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care

Sharon Kwek is a seasoned business consultant with over a decade of expertise driving growth for beauty brands in Southeast Asia. Specializing in retail, sales & marketing, and market penetration, she partners with brands and retailers to unlock regional potential. A certified Neurolinguistic Enneagram Practitioner, Sharon leverages deep insights into human behavior and communication to fuel innovation & insights. Known for her curiosity and thought leadership, she delivers fresh perspectives and solutions within the CPG industry.

Yolanda Ching, Head of Global Business Development, EveLab Insight

Yolanda is a Sales and Marketing professional with over a decade of experience in the industry, including more than eight years specifically dedicated to the beauty tech sector. Currently, she plays a pivotal role at EveLab Insight, a company specializing in advanced skin analysis solutions. Before joining EveLab Insight, Yolanda honed her expertise in digital innovation and user engagement while working for an app development company. Throughout her career, Yolanda has collaborated with numerous global brands to enhance their conversion rates and elevate customer experience. Her forte lies in developing and executing robust omnichannel strategies that seamlessly integrate various customer touchpoints, aligning them towards unified brand goals. Yolanda’s dedication and strategic acumen have consistently driven tangible results, positioning her as a key player in the evolving landscape of beauty technology and marketing.

Barkha Bairagi,  Associate Director of Client Success, Mintel