Because of constant manpower shortage situation, it's an excellent time for those who want to serve in the spa industry, top entrepreneur and spa owner Ms Siti Ong reveals.

'Do not go into a service-based industry if you do not have a passion to serve others. Your personality traits are just as important as your skill traits,' warns Ms. Siti Ong who, in her 20s, has already made an impressive mark in the hospitality industry with her Wayan Retreat Balinese Spa in Kampong Glam. It was for this that she received the Women Enterpreneur of the Year (2006) Award from the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

'My education background is in accountancy, which has nothing to do with the spa business,' she candidly tells JobsDB. 'I spent several years in both audit and commercial accounting before deciding to set up my own business.' She has since gathered enough knowledge about the industry - which she believes is beginning to mature.

'I'm sure everyone has noticed that many spas have mushroomed all over Singapore in the past two to three years. It is starting to mirror a 'Bubble Tea' syndrome… I think the medium- to long-term macro landscape of the spa industry in Singapore is a bright one. With the upcoming Integrated Resorts and the doubling of tourist arrivals in the near future, the spa industry in general, would experience an enlargement of the existing pie, which presently stands at over $150-million a year,' she explains.

She also notes a Straits Times report early this year on the country's Top 10 most in-demand jobs. Spa therapist is one of them. 'The industry is faced with a constant manpower shortage situation,' she warns. 'Many spa operators are forced to take in unskilled and unqualified staff just to meet their short term needs.' And so, for those who are thinking of entering into the spa industry, this is indeed an excellent time.

What does it take to be a spa therapist?

'In general, equipping yourself with a recognised spa qualification would suffice,' says Ms Ong. Some of the commonly accepted qualifications include CISDESCO, ITEC, NSRS and World Masters. 'However, to truly excel in the spa industry, it is not just solely about the paper qualification.'

Natural touch. 'To be very honest, an excellent spa therapist must have a very good pair of hands. His/her hands must be warm, firm and have great control of his/her strength.'

Pleasing personality. 'Additionally, it is important to have a nice personality with a [patience] to serve. Sometimes, I feel that Singaporeans are brought up in a culture preferring to be served than to serve - resulting in many service establishments preferring to hire foreign workers who are incredibly polite and proud to serve.'

Ability to smile. 'You must enjoy meeting different people from all walks of life and be able to smile even if the customer is not nice - it happens!'