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

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.

Teeraphol Ambhai, a distinguished marketing innovator, with his exceptional contributions himself through his commitment to knowledge dissemination within academic environments while maintaining active industry engagement. His role as an adjunct lecturer at multiple prestigious institutions, including Bangkok University, UTCC, TU and SPU, demonstrates his dedication to connecting theoretical frameworks with practical applications in digital communication. He is also recognizes as the winner of TOYP2024 from JCI Thailand.

Chanisara Wongdeeprasith is a Thai entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Brunchtime Co., Ltd., a company renowned for creating health and beauty brands such as Diamond Grains, Moleculogy, Hometomyheart

Beyond her business endeavors, Chanisara is an advocate for inclusivity and equal opportunities in the workplace. She actively promotes self-love and confidence through her social media platforms, offering honest business advice and sharing real-life experiences to inspire others

In recognition of her achievements, she was featured in Tatler Asia’s Gen.T list of young leaders in 2023, highlighting her as one of Thailand’s influential changemakers.

Suvita Charanwong, CEO & Co-founder of Tellscore , a leading influencer marketing platform in Thailand, adeptly blends technology, marketing, and design to solve marketing challenges, enhancing marketing campaign performance and reducing costs for businesses. Tellscore boasts over 85,000 registered content creators and manages clients like PepsiCo, Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT), and Siam Commercial Bank (SCB). Additionally, Tellscore is an integral part of the gig-economy job creation aspect for the evolving Thai economy. 

Suchen Lee is a Senior Director of Sales, APAC at Meiyume, with over a decade of experience in the beauty, personal care, and home fragrance OEM/ODM industry. I have worked with leading global MNCs as well as prominent local and emerging brands across Malaysia, Thailand, and China. Collaborating closely with our internal marketing insights team and leveraging Meiyume’s proprietary Beauty Innovation Platform (BIP), I also work closely with Innovation & Development (I&D) team to customize and deliver trend-driven, insight-backed proposals—some of which have led to award-winning product/packaging launches. 

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.

Robert Brockman is a seasoned Information Technology professional with over 15 years of experience driving digital innovation and transformation. His expertise lies in developing and executing strategic digital initiatives, leveraging emerging technologies, and fostering a digital-first culture to deliver sustainable business growth. Robert also drives research projects within the data analytics centre in Meiyume such as generative AI for consumer insights mining and AI-assisted graphic design . He is currently overseeing cross-functional teams in marketing & data analytics and has built lasting partnerships with stakeholders to align digital strategies with overall business objectives.

 

KinShen is a Principal Analyst who joined Mintel in 2022 and looks after the South APAC region. Prior to Mintel, he spent close to 8 years in R&D at Procter and Gamble, delivering on multiple upstream skincare innovation initiatives. He is a well-rounded expert in the beauty space, possessing extensive knowledge of APAC markets and consumers’ insights across the region

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.

• 2019 | CO-FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR DIVANA INNOVATIVE WELLNESS SCHOOL
• 2014 | CO-FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR DII REGENERATIVE AND WELLNESS SPA, BANGKOK
• 2014 | CO-FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR DIVANA SPA, BANGKOK
• 2011 | CO-FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR DIVANA CLINIC, BANGKOK
  – SPECIALIST IN ANTI AGING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
  – STRATEGIC MARKETING CONSULTANT, DIVANA CLINIC
• 2009 | CO-FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR DVN INTERNATIONAL, BANGKOK

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).

Kanjana Thana is an assistant professor in the Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University. She has experience working as a registered nurse, a risk-management officer, and an oncology nurse specialist in both a university hospital and a private hospital in Thailand. She has had a continually participated in funded program research since 2017. Her research focuses on improving the quality of life of cancer patients and their informal caregivers. She is more recently interested in areas include integrative therapies and the economics of incorporating integrative therapies into mainstream health care.

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.

• 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

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

• 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

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.