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.
Fifi was born in Shanghai, studied psychology and graphic design in Tokyo, and is fluent in English and Japanese. From 1999 to 2004, Fifi worked as the Design Director at SinoMedia and was in charge of the bilingual publication STARDOM for the Starwood Hotel Group. She rose from designer to become Editor-in-Chief of SpaChina Magazine, which this year celebrates its 19th anniversary. As the key opinion leader of China’s spa industry, she has hosted the annual SpaChina Wellness and Spa Summit and Awards and published industry reports for the previous 16 years. In 2009, Fifi won the Most Creative Woman Director award from China Sorority, and also won silver medals at the Hong Kong International Wushu Festival in 2008 and 2009. She is an accredited international nutrition consultant with IARI (International Accreditation and Registration Institute).
Phrapakorn is the Director of the Thai Traditional Medicine Center, Journal of Thai Tinakornnimit Temple, Class 9.
Phrapakorn approaches massage through Contemporary art of Thai massage. He’s also teacher of various massage techniques: Mixed massage, Thai massage mixed with tapping techniques and bending stretching technique.
Katherine Droga is Chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s Wellness Tourism Initiative and founder of several successful global wellness platforms including Well Traveller, Wellness Tourism Industry Summit and Wellness Wander Festival. She is also the Executive Producer of Well Traveller TV. Her consultancy firm, Droga & Co., specializes in wellness and sustainable visitor strategies and capacity building for destinations, tourism experiences, and events worldwide. Katherine has worked for over 25 years, successfully leading teams and brands in the tourism and media sector. She was previously part of the executive leadership team for Tourism Australia and led the organizations international operations, distribution platforms, and partnerships for over a decade.
Michelle is an inspirational hotelier with a passion for connecting people on a purpose, combined with the tenacity to bring pioneering concepts to life. Her background experience includes launching Asia’s first Spa-Inclusive resorts in Vietnam, leading the operations of 15 spas in Thailand and the Maldives, and she also comes with years of international hotel management expertise from across the globe. Her projects have gained global recognition, significant financial returns, and numerous accolades and awards under her forward-thinking leadership. She is also a qualified Practitioner of Systemic Constellations, which is a unique approach to explore the hidden dynamics that influence our lives and aims to restore natural harmony to our systems. Her vision for building an authentic wellness ecosystem embodied within hospitality guides the Lumina Wellbeing brand to be perfectly placed to lead the market with next-generation wellness hospitality concepts that truly deliver ‘return on wellbeing’ for both the guests and the owners/investors.
Dr. Nichamon Samantarat, widely known as Dr. Nicha, is a pioneering US-licensed naturopathic doctor based in Thailand. She holds a doctorate degree in naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University and a B.Sc. in biochemistry and pre-medicine from the University of Winnipeg, Canada. With memberships in international professional associations, Dr. Nicha brings a wealth of experience to the healthcare industry in Thailand.
Specializing in hormone imbalances, autoimmune disorders, allergies, and complex chronic conditions, Dr. Nicha adopts a comprehensive treatment approach. Her methods encompass clinical nutrition, medical exercise, lifestyle counseling, botanical medicine, nutraceuticals, IV therapy, hydrotherapy, and physical medicine. By integrating these diverse modalities, her goal is to help patients achieve optimal physical, emotional, and mental health through sustainable approaches.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Nicha is the founder of the Naturopathic Integrative Center for Health & Education (NICHE Natural Health). She is also renowned as a wellness business consultant, university lecturer, speaker, and health columnist. Her expertise extends to pre-opening and training for international wellness retreats.
Driven by her extensive knowledge and unwavering commitment, Dr. Nicha inspires and empowers individuals on their wellness journeys. With a deep passion for promoting sustainable health and wellness, she actively works towards making a positive impact in society.
Direct team and daily operations of M-SPA International, encompassing 45-plus projects across Asia’s hotel spa units and extend support to all other regions and Minor Hotel Brands across Middle East and Europe.
Accomplished and Results-Driven Professional with Over two Decades’ Experience in Luxury Hospitality, Spa, Fitness & Medical Wellness Management.
Winner of multiple awards and recognised as a thought leader in the industry. A strong track record of driving operational excellence and revenue growth across diverse global environments. Known for overseeing multiple spas, fitness, medical wellness, and private club membership facilities, managing diverse and disparate teams, and deep experience in forging strategic partnerships. Unique expertise in pre-opening six hotel/resort properties, demonstrating a proven ability to navigate complex operational challenges and deliver successful launches. Skilled in fostering culture of excellence and delivering unparalleled service, whilst achieving outstanding results in revenue generation and brand development.
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.
Position
Monika Opoldova is a wellness operator specialized in massages and alternative therapies. A lover of complementary medicine, she is currently a student of Osteopathy. Since 2021, she has been a co-author and teacher of the Gaia rituals protocol and member of EMA scientific committee.
Mr. Uten Lohachitpitaks joins Pruksa in January 2022 with over 28 years of multi-disciplinary experience in banking, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions in technology, telecom and real estate sector, property fund and assets management, tech venture capital, building business and transformation, strategy and execution across Southeast Asia, Australia, United Kingdom and Europe. At Pruksa, he oversees strategic growth of the group, set up Pruksa’s first corporate venture fund to pursue outside-in innovations in proptech, healthtech and sustainability.
Prior to joining the group, he held key leadership positions as Group Chief Investment Officer at Frasers Property, Managing Director at DBS Bank Ltd. (Singapore) and Director of Investment Banking at United Overseas Bank (Thai) Plc.
Wulan Tilaar, a holistic beautifier, visionary in Indonesian beauty, dedicated to enhancing both the outer and inner beauty of Indonesian women. Her 100% home-grown beauty business embodies the motto of beautifying Indonesia while empowering women at its core. Leading the Spa Company, with 40 branches across Indonesia, Brunei, and Sri Lanka, she also spearheads a SPA therapist scholarship for underprivileged girls. Women empowerment is a fundamental principle, transcending typical corporate philanthropy. Wulan’s holistic approach ensures women forge their own paths to development.
Graduated Ph.D. in Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, United Kingdom. He is a Research Officer for Expert Centre of Innovative Herbal Products at Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research. He has done research in Polymers for Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Applications, Hydrogels & Cryogels, Antimicrobial Polymers, Biomaterials & Polymer Blends, Transdermal & Transmucosal Drug Delivery, Cosmeceutical Formulations and Nanocosmetical Formulations fields.
Ms. Baoxia Zhuang is currently the Chairman of Better Way Group and the General Manager of Better Way (Asia) Ltd. Better Way Group is mainly engaged in the research and development, production and sales of cosmetics. It has a Sino-Thai joint venture brand MISTINE, as well as its own brands such as ROPO and ispeak. According to the business attributes of the Group, there are several companies such as Better Way (Asia) Limited, Better Way (Shenzhen) Cosmetics Limited and Shanghai Mistine Marketing Services Limited. Currently, BWG has more 700 employees located in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Vietnam and Indonesia. The Group is committed to providing professional and safe products to our female users. We have 3 major R&D Lab around the world, which are located in Shanghai, China, Bangkok, Thailand and Hamburg, Germany.
MISTINE has been introduced into China since 2016, and opened its flagship store on Tmall Global. In 2017, it has successively entered into mainstream e-commerce platforms and expanded into supermarket and CS channels, and its double-eleven (all channels) sales exceeded the previous year’s sales by 8 times. In 2018, MISTINE Wing’s Powder and 4D Super model Mascara were awarded the Best Base/Eye Makeup Product Award by the China MeiYi TOP List. In 2019, the company had deepened its product R&D layout, foundation formula upgrade; MISTINE won the Tmall Golden Makeup Award, Golden Mai Award in the quality category, China Beauty Brand Footprint Leap Brand and Top 10 Preferred Brands by Consumers, etc. In 2020, the company had jointly organized the online fashion week with ELLE, leading the new trend of Thai makeup and winning many awards. In 2021, MISTINE sunscreen ranked top, cut into the new skin care segment, brand image was also being re-upgraded. MISTINE has become the new leading Chinese and Thai people’s beauty brand. Its Little Yellow Cap sunscreen has been the No. 1 Top seller in China for 4 consecutive years (2021-2024).
In 2021, Better Way Group started to lay out its own brands. Its efficacy skincare brand ROPO, the series of lip care products launched by Better Way Group had gained popularity among consumers upon its launch, and its new make-up brand i speak has also been launched, and Better Way Group is moving towards the direction of multi-brand development.
The company, under the leadership of Ms. Baoxia Zhuang, started from 0 and introduced MISTINE into China to deliver the beauty of tropical youthful energy to Chinese consumers. At the same time, she led the team to develop many innovative products suitable for Chinese consumers, such as sunscreen and air cushion foundation, according to Chinese consumer habits.
With more than 20 years of experience in the beauty industry, Ms. Baoxia Zhuang has great passion and keen insight into the cosmetics industry. She upholds the principles of honesty and mutual benefit, and has won the trust of customers and the love of employees.
Dr Preecha-korn received his Master Degree in Management and a PhD in Polymer Engineering from Bradford University in the United Kingdom.
He started his career with Unilever in the UK and followed a career path with Unilever for 25 years on international assignments to the Philippines, Ghana, China, Turkey and Bangladesh. He has been involved in Supply Chain, Project Management and Innovations before returning to Thailand in 2004 to take up the position as Regulatory Affairs Counsellor, Unilever Asia PTE.
Since returning to Thailand, Dr Suvanaphen has worked with ASEAN Regulators to set up a Harmonised Cosmetic Regulations for 10 ASEAN Countries. He has served as Secretary of the ASEAN Cosmetic Committee and a President of the ASEAN Cosmetics Association.
In addition, Dr Suvanaphen was a member of Thai FDA Cosmetic Committee, and a Vice Chairman of Thai FDA Liaison Committee. He was also a part-time lecturer on International Business Management at Mahidol University.
He is currently an Honorary Adviser of Thai Cosmetic Manufacturers Association, Board of Trustees of ASEAN Cosmetic Association and the Adviser to the Chemical Group and Cosmetics Group of the Federation of Thai Industries.
Mahek Pachnanda is a knowledge professional with more than 12 years of experience in the consulting domain with expertise in Consumer Goods with a focus on Beauty, Health and Hygiene. She has previously been associated with firms like The Boston Consulting Group and KPMG in similar roles, She holds degrees from Indian Institute of Management Lucknow and IMT Ghaziabad.
A member of the top management of Karmarts Public Company Limited, Ms. Kat Wei from Singapore comes with years of experience spanning across IT, Strategic Planning and General Management fields in various industries including land development, healthcare and most of all, beauty. Ms. Wei is also well versed in legal aspects of businesses with her educational background in business law, and is a valuable member of the company, supporting domestic and international expansions and negotiations. When it comes to GEN Z & Millennials, Kat not only works alongside these generations of young people from various countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, China and Taiwan, but also constantly seeks to engage consumers of such age groups through social media. She quoted that the support of her young, fun and adventurous multinational teams are her pillars to lean on when it comes to social media marketing, but Kat has certainly garnered her personal perspectives regarding how business could or should target the GEN Z & Millennials in Beauty Innovation via new social platforms. With that, Kat shall be sharing her personal points of view in this time’s event.
My lifetime experience and expertise covers a span of more than 30 years in the cosmetic industry through joint-ventures, both in Malaysia and China. Leading these companies in the research, innovation and manufacturing of personal care, toiletries, makeup and skincare cosmetics to serve our most valued brand customers, is a continuous source of learning, achievement and satisfaction.
The Intercosmetic was founded through a joint-venture and technology partnership with a world renowned Italian and Swiss cosmetic group. We were the first and only cosmetic OEM in South-East Asia and China serving Italian and Swiss cosmetic innovation, products, OEM and B2B services to brands and private label owners.
In Malaysia, we have established an R&D center with a modern cosmetic manufacturing facility developing and producing halal-certified cosmetic products for our customers.
Ever still passionate in the cosmetic business, I enthusiastically endeavor to serve our customers with continuous innovation and improvement, to enhance our total-solution value proposition to our customers and making great products to their consumers.
Christine Michelle Pangilinan-Reyes is a licensed pharmacist and currently serves as the Technical Regulatory Manager for the Research and Development Department at Amway Philippines, L.L.C.
With almost 20 years of distinguished experience in the pharmaceutical and consumer health industries, Christine has cultivated deep expertise in Community Pharmacy, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and Regulatory Affairs. Her work spans a wide spectrum of regulated product categories—including Pharmaceuticals, Health Supplements, Cosmetics (Beauty and Personal Care), Durable Goods, Home Care Products, and Fertilizers—demonstrating her breadth of knowledge and unwavering commitment to consumer safety and product excellence.
Christine is currently the President of the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP), where she has also led key external committees in Regulatory Affairs, Government and Industry Relations, and Professional Development and Education. She is a Board Member of the ASEAN Cosmetics Association, playing a regional leadership role in advancing industry standards and harmonization across Southeast Asia. Additionally, she serves as a Regulatory Taskforce Member of the ASEAN Alliance of Health Supplement Associations (AAHSA), representing the Philippines in collaborative efforts to shape regulatory frameworks for the health supplement sector.
Her professional development is marked by a distinguished portfolio of advanced training and certifications from esteemed institutions both locally and internationally—further sharpening her ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes with precision, strategic foresight, and a global perspective. A steadfast advocate for regulatory integrity and scientific excellence, Christine remains deeply committed to ensuring that every product under her stewardship meets—and often exceeds—local and regional compliance standards, consistently upholding the highest benchmarks of quality, safety, and consumer trust.
Mr. Thant Zaw Ko
Chief Executive Officer (SHANGRILA-LEAP INT’L CO., LTD.)
Vice President at MCA (Myanmar Cosmetics Association)
President at MBA (Myanmar Barcode Association) GS1 Myanmar
Board Of Trustees at ACA (ASEAN Cosmetics Association)
Managing Director (AVA PACIFIC Co., Ltd.
Mr. Thant Zaw Ko was the CEO and a member of the Board of Directors at Shangrila-Leap International.
SLIC manufactures skincare, toiletries, and household items. All of these items are manufactured under license by Cosmecreate items Inc., Osaka, Japan. He has been a visiting lecturer at Yangon University’s IC Department for over a decade, in addition to his volunteer responsibilities as Vice President of the Myanmar Cosmetics Association and Executive Committee member of the Myanmar Barcode Association (GS1 Myanmar). His talents and interests include marketing, new product development, innovation strategies, personal care and skin care products, manufacturing, and industry sustainability.
Andrew Gan is the past-President and life-time honorary member of the SCSS (Society of Cosmetic Scientists, Singapore). He holds an MBA with distinction from Aalto University and a BA with Honours at the National University of Singapore. For over a decade, he has taught innovation, packaging, product design & development as adjunct lecturer. He draws on his inter-disciplinary background and experience of over three decades in the personal care, cosmetic and medical device industry. Professionally, he co-creates functional cosmetics and medical devices with a team of over seventy R&I scientists and experts in regulatory affairs and quality assurance across three countries.
Juanita Aditiawan is the President of ASEAN Cosmetics Association and Vice President in charge of External Affairs and Business Development of Indonesian Cosmetics Association (PERKOSMI). She is active in cosmetics business in Indonesia ranging from own brands, contract manufacturing as well as distribution of cosmetics ingredients. She has developed large international as well as national network in the industry during her 20 years of experience.
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.
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
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.
Dr. Neeranard Jinachai
Professional Experiences:
Executive Advisor for the Thai Cosmetic Manufacturers Association (TCMA)
Former ASEAN Cosmetic Scientific Body (ACSB) Secretariat
President of Thai Soap, Detergents, Household & Personal Care Association (TSDA)
Head of Regulatory Affairs, Johnson & Johnson (Thailand) Ltd. (Kenvue)
Publications:
2016: Exploring Competitiveness of Thailand’s Cosmetic Industry using Porter’s Diamond Model, Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Science
2014: ASEAN harmonization; Compliance of Cosmetics regulatory Scheme in Thailand within 5 years, IOSR Journal in Humanities and Sciences
2003: Global Counsel Handbooks of the Law and Leading Lawyers worldwide for the article of Country Q&A for Thailand in the Life Sciences Industry Report 2003.
Rujira Trakulyingcharoen is an acclaimed perfumer and the co-founder of S&S, a scent design studio renowned for crafting emotionally resonant fragrances that blend artistry, culture, and innovation. With a deep-rooted passion for olfactory expression, her creative excellence has earned international recognition, including an Honorable Mention from the Art and Olfaction Awards, one of the industry’s most prestigious global honors. She is also the Winner of the Aesthetic of Scent Awards and the Beauty Shortlist Awards, affirming her position as a leading voice in the intersection of perfumery, wellness, and sensory branding
Ms.Nathporn Boonbuppa
CEO, MP Group (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Ms. Nathporn Boonbuppa is a distinguished leader in Thailand’s medical technology and healthcare & wellness industry. She is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MP Group (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a premier provider of diagnostic laboratory products, medical technologies, and preventive & wellness health care innovations aimed at empowering Thai people live an excellent life.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, and an Executive MBA from the Sasin Graduate Institute Of Business Administration Of Chulalongkorn University. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Technology and Innovation Management for Entrepreneurs at Chulalongkorn University.
Her commitment to excellence and leadership in the healthcare sector has been widely recognized. In 2025, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Medical Technology by Nation University.
Dr. Monthaka Teerachiisakul, Ph. D
Director of Division of Herb Economics
The Department of Thai Traditional
and Alternative Medicine, Thailand
Aik 在商業談判和亞太市場進入方面擁有 12 年以上的經驗，目前擔任 Meiyume 的高級總監。Meiyume 是馮氏集團旗下的一家 B2B 採購公司，為世界頂級美容品牌開發產品。他還擔任新加坡化妝品、盥洗用品及香水協會 (CTFAS) 執行委員會的名譽財務主管。
Robert Brockman 是一位经验丰富的资讯科技专业人士，在推动数位创新和转型方面有超过 15 年的经验。他的专长在于制定和执行策略性数位计划、新兴技术的应用，以及推行数位优先文化以实现持续性的业务成长。 Robert 也会带动 Meiyume 的资料分析中心内的研究项目，例如用于消费者洞察挖掘的生成式 AI 和 AI 辅助图形设计。他目前负责监督行销和数据分析的跨职能团队，并与利害关系人建立了持久的合作伙伴关系，以使数位策略与整体业务目标保持一致。
KinShen 是首席分析师，于 2022 年加入Mintel，负责南亚太地区的业务。在加入 Mintel 之前，他在Procter and Gamble从事研发工作近 8 年，实行了多项前阶段护肤创新计划。他是美容领域的全面专家，拥有对亚太地区市场和对该地区消费者的广泛了解。
Donald 喜欢以目标为本解决问题，拥有超过十年在亚太地区建立数字业务的经验。他始于渣打银行，然后加入McKinsey，开始创业，带领一家独角兽企业上市，为东南亚顶级的科技公司开发电子商务平台，亦成为一家风险投资公司的一部分，将世界各地的美容和时尚品牌引入亚洲地区。他热衷于在世界上发展得最快的地区继续学习和合作。