A Look At AICA Asia

A LOOK AT AICI ASIA: ITS PASSAGE & PROGRESS

BY CAROLINA D. TAN, AICI CIP

There’s a Chinese proverb that says: “To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping.”

Nothing is easy, and certainly, things do not happen by chance. For image consultants in Asia, our profession was not a common phenomenon when it began. Unlike other more established professions which can be passed on from one generation to the next, or easily advertised via word-of-mouth, ours was something that involved body, heart, mind, and soul. It is a 24/7 career that, perhaps like many other careers, wasn’t very clear when it all started.

Business requirements depend on where one is from. In the Philippines, I needed to register our trade name the moment I decided that it was time to be on my own. The institution at which I had stayed with for 16 years with a solid reputation and brand suddenly had to transition to: personal advertising, marketing to various companies, phone calls, sending email proposals, requesting referrals, online presence, and eventually positive testimonials. The clients and representatives who participated in my sessions, who experienced transformation and achieved positive results are the reason why I sustained the business.

I am also blessed to share the insights of some of our hardworking and noteworthy personalities from various parts of Asia:

"I've been in the image consulting industry for 15 years now. Being a member of the cabin crew of Singapore Airlines for ten years motivated me to become one. It was part of my job as a flight attendant to be wellgroomed and look immaculate at all times. Training the front-line staff at Resorts World Sentosa is one of my biggest achievements so far.”

– ASNAH YEO Etiquettexcel Consultants, Singapore

"I am the President-Elect of AICI Thailand and have been working under The Reflectionist Image Consulting. People of Thailand are now interested in all areas of soft skills and also know the importance of Personal Image and Branding, which is on the rise every year. Therefore, there are many opportunities to grow and become successful in our careers."

– KARIMA CHIWACHAT

"I am the VP of Education of AICI Thailand and have been working as an image consultant for two years, and I plan to become a CIC by next year. Image consulting is continuously growing, and I have seen many consultants graduating from various schools both in Thailand and abroad. Although it's not as strong as other careers, our local chapters are solving this issue of sustainability.”

– KHEMAKORN APICHATIYAKUL

"THERE’S A CHINESE PROVERB THAT SAYS: TO GET THROUGH THE HARDEST JOURNEY WE NEED TAKE ONLY ONE STEP AT A TIME, BUT WE MUST KEEP ON STEPPING.”

“I have been teaching personality development at the university from 2008 and took an image consulting course in 2015. I'm from Chiang Mai, and many people here are concerned about the importance of image. However, most of them do not know how an image consultant can help them. My role is to enable graduating students prepare for work, business owners achieve success, and individuals to be a better version of themselves.”

– NICHAPHA TAPINGKAI

Image Essential, AICI Thailand Chapter

“I have spent over 20 years in image and business consulting in Asia and Europe, and now I have expanded my services in African countries as well. The Asian market is evolving. With the Chinese traveling everywhere, there is a need to prepare them to become ‘educated tourists’ by conducting cross-cultural communication and international manner classes. Chinese society is affluent with increasingly 'big spenders,' raising the need for personal image consulting classes. There is still so much to do; the image consulting business is only at its beginnings in Asia.”

– CARMEN OKABE

INNO-DaO, Beijing China

“I have been in this trade since 2009 in Singapore. In 1993, I had my first encounter with image consulting in Japan, and my impression was that it is 'imported.' Today it has grown to adapt needs for Asians through consultation & analysis methods and emphasis on cultures and values of individuals. I hope that this does not stop here, and image consulting can help Asia step further up, not only in this industry but also in others."

– KANAKO MORI, AICI CIC L’Atelier K, Singapore

"Have been an Image Consultant for the past five years. Although considered a very niche industry, image consulting has seen the fastest rate of growth in the Asian market. What was once considered a personal need has now become an essential element in image management and corporate branding. The industry will see a significant change as the image and presentation assisting Baby Boomers and GenXs will be replaced by the relaxed and casual Millennials and iGens.

– ELIZABETH HOR, AICI CIC

Elizabeth Image Branding, Penang Malaysia

"I'm VP of Education from AICI Shenzhen Chapter, China. As an image consultant for over six years, I find that the market of image management for both personal and corporate in Asia is booming. In an event organized by the Shenzhen Chapter on October 19-20, there were around 90 participants, and China already has a base of more than six AICI Chapters. Many image consultants have an opportunity to upgrade their knowledge and skills, especially in the service management field. The training market for us is also flourishing.”

– DOREEN YE Hongkong

Today, a career as an Image Consultant has evolved and is now one of the most in-demand fields in a niche market. Slowly but surely, we are getting mainstream and staying for good. We assist individuals in all areas from landing the right job, making a favorable impression, finding the right spouse, to feeling good about themselves. Similarly, we help companies in bringing their brand to the next level, retaining loyal employees, satisfying clients, and monetizing referrals to help them grow the business. It all starts with creating an attractive, authentic, and appropriate image, beginning with the inner and extending to the outward appearance, both at a personal and professional level. This is what we do best, and our passion and contribution is what helps us continue to go forward.

CAROLINA D. TAN, AICI CIP, is a Private Coach, Group Trainer, Corporate Consultant, Keynote Speaker & PRC Licensed Real Estate Broker. Her clients include Philippine-based companies and global brands such as BMW, DHL, Ferrari, San Miguel Purefoods, GSK Wyeth, & Megaworld Corporation. She is an IITTI (International Soft Skills Standards & Testing) Master Trainer from 2015 to present. Carolina is also currently VP Marketing of the AICI Philippine Chapter and is President of ENHANCE YOUR IMAGE Training Consultancy established in 2011.

www.enhanceyourimage.asia