Forum takes on the health and beauty industry

Izah Azahari

Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) recently continued its 10-part SME360 series virtual forum with a discussion on the health, fitness and beauty industry in Brunei.

The February 8-9 event saw discussions on the market overview during the restriction measures and the current transition phase, reflecting market sentiments and challenges faced by industry players.

The first session saw a panel of speakers that included Cantik Spa founder Farah binti Abdullah; Guardian Managing Director Jennifer Yang; and owner of Aman Optimum Fitness Center Sherry Abdul Karim. Farah binti Amer Hishamuddin, credit analyst at BIBD Securities and Asset Management, also joined the panel, which discussed the beauty and fitness industry from a consumer perspective.

Stakeholders during the discussion acknowledged the initial hesitation of customers during the early reopening period, but stressed the importance of adhering to precautionary measures and government standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The virtual forum also covered a topic on Strategies for the “New Normal” discussed by industry players including Conquest General Manager Gaurav Shrotriya; owner of Denise Wellness, Kimchi Restaurant and Deseo Denise Chai; Children’s coach and founder of Project Wonders, coach and co-owner of Cardio Club and coach of GetFit Brunei Rachael Lee.

The discussion focused on how business owners in the sector have had to pivot to adapt to changing conditions, with some holding online courses when possible, and others reaching out to customers via social media.

The final session of the first day of the forum focused on community empowerment was attended by Brunei Swimming Club Founder and Instructor Isabel Keasberry; founder of Fera Health and Nursing Care Lailatul Zubaidah binti Haji Mohd Hussin; and senior hairstylist at Moore’s Hairstylist Moore Iman.

Speakers highlighted the importance of using their business platform to give back to the community, and not just during the COVID-19 outbreak. The panel spoke about their experiences working with the special needs community and how to use their business network to connect different groups for impact.

The second day of the virtual forum saw Omni Sports founder Ken Han; co-owner and trainer of 673 Jerudong Liyana Sidek; and founder of Hood Chops Barbershop Fakhrul Islam, who explained how they adapted their businesses during the second wave to adapt to the current situation and the needs of their customers, many choosing to improve themselves and use the media to keep their customers engaged.

In the following session entitled “Protect your employees in the high touch industry”, the importance of cleanliness and maintaining a safe environment in fitness centers to ensure the premises are safe for customers was highlighted. by panelists including Marilyn Yap, Head of Jab Gym, and As Salwaa Beauty Spa. General Manager Edy Zurina binti Awang.

The final forum session was attended by The Obs Session Enterprise founder Raymond Chin; SWM Enterprise Founder and LaGree Fitness Head Trainer Maria Taha; and fitness instructor at ELITE Piloxing SSP, Piloxing Booty, Zumba & KpopX Fitness Tiffany Lai, who discussed trends, usage of social media platforms and virtual sessions in the health and fitness industry during the period transition from COVID-19.

All of the topics discussed were in line with BIBD’s efforts to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) recover sustainably amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Over 100 participants from the health and fitness industries attended the sessions.

The SME360 series, which runs from January to May 2022, features two industry highlights each month. The series of virtual forums aims to bring together thought leaders and industry experts from 10 major business sectors across Brunei in engagement sessions with business owners and stakeholders to discuss challenges, best practices, perspectives and opportunities to come back stronger.

The program is organized by BIBD with DARe (Darussalam Enterprise) as strategic partner, co-organized by Firelight Sdn Bhd and Curious Mind. It is jointly supported by 10 of Brunei’s leading business association partners and key market players – the National, Malaysian Brunei, Chinese and Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, LiveWIRE Brunei, BIMP-EAGA, the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Brunei (YEAB), Royal Brunei Catering (RBC), McDonald’s Brunei, Serikandi Group, GoMamam, Ghanim International Corporation (bruneihalalfoods), Jab Gym, Hua Ho and Soon Lee.