Negative Perception Hampers Spa Career Appeal

By KURNIAWATI KAMARUDIN The shortage of trained local spa therapists has forced spa operators to look to foreign shores for workers in order to meet demand. This is the final of a two-part feature on the spa industry as a factor to lure tourists to Malaysia. KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- According to news reports, the local spa industry is projected to contribute RM666.2 million (about US$219.8 million) to Malaysia's annual income, apart from creating 6,000 jobs by 2020. However, the negative perception harboured by some in the community, particularly the Malays, has hampered the expansion of this industry compared to that in neighbouring nations such as Indonesia and Thailand. According to Assistant Secretary 2, Industrial Development Division of the Tourism Ministry, Nadia Monira Mohamed Taib, Malaysia currently needs 1,650 spa practitioners but only 1,300 posts have been filled up. However, 60 per cent of these spa practitioners are foreigners. CAREER Nadia Monira says that the ministry wants to align the society's perception to the career of a spa therapist to one similar to that of other healthcare professions, such as nursing. "Spa therapy is the same as nursing where treatment is given to those who need it," she says. "However, the negative perception comes about when a female spa therapist needs to provide treatment to a male client or vice-versa. This profession is similar to other healthcare professions where treatment is given to any gender," she argues. Nadia Monira recollects an occasion when unhappy parents came to a training centre for spa therapists to express their displeasure but later understood the profession when they were informed about the course and the role played by a spa therapist. "The society needs some time to make adjustments to this negative perception but at the same time, the ministry continues its efforts to boost this profession to a more acceptable level," she says. SPA INDUSTRY Despite the local spa industry expanding at a rapid rate, some members of society still view it as an industry similar to one where 'illegal massage centres' operate. Nadia Monira explains that the biggest challenge is to change public perception that the spa and beauty services industry is not degrading, instead it is able to provide generous returns. Aware that the spa services industry has massive prospects to grow, the Tourism Ministry has introduced the spa therapy programme in the Tourism National Key Result Area under the Economic Transformation Programme. This aims to turn the spa industry into a more progressive sector that utilises local expertise, apart from reducing dependence on foreigners for employment as spa therapists. "We want to train more locals, particularly those from the rural areas, Felda settlements and single mothers who need jobs," says Nadia Monira. She says that the Tourism Ministry has recognised 153 spas nationwide. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY She adds that the opportunity for employment is among the benefits enjoyed by those who participate in the spa therapy training programme organised by the Tourism Ministry. Nadia Monira says that a trainee needs to undergo six months of training, including three months each for theory and practical work, before being awarded the Malaysian Skills Certificate (level 2) from the Skills Development Department of the Human Resource Ministry. Later, the graduates will be assigned to work for two years at the respective spas. Since the training programme was launched last January, 55 trainees have attended the programme and the ministry is targeting to produce 150 spa therapists from five training centres. Each of the trainees will receive RM1,000 in monthly allowance and their subsequent remuneration will be between RM1,200 and RM1,800 according to the star rating of the spas where they are employed. APPLICATION Applicants aged between 18 and 40 years do not need good academic results but should have a pleasant appearance. Preference will be given to those from families earning RM3,000 and below. The applicants should be healthy and the successful aplicants need to sign an agreement to work for two years with their respective employer. "They are entitled to a scholarship where the government will pay RM7,000 for the entire duration of the course including the course, lodging and transport fees," says Nadia Monira. For applicants from families earning above RM3,000, the government will provide RM4,500 towards fees while RM2,500 would be provided by the prospective employer and RM500 by the candidates themselves. However, those who only need the spa therapy certificate can attend the course by paying RM7,000. "Those who pay on their own do not need to sign any employment contract," she says. Nadia Monira adds that the opportunities for career advancement are available for those with the talent to move onto positions such as senior spa therapist, supervisor, manager and spa owner. (US$1 = RM3.03125) -- BERNAMA