Juniper
ECOHAIR ACADEMY, based in Bayan Lepas, Penang, is proud to be the first hairdressing centre and academy in Malaysia to establish an educational collaboration with Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). This partnership, formed through UTAR’s Centre for Corporate and Community Development (CCCD), led to the development of the Professional Certificate in Hairdressing Full Course (PCIHFC). The course commenced in June last year at ECOHAIR ACADEMY, with a total of 10 students enrolled. All of them have completed the course and were awarded a Certificate of Completion accredited by CCCD. This interview is with Mr. Teh Wei Chuan, Principal of ECOHAIR ACADEMY.
Can you share the bittersweet memories of teaching this first batch of graduates?
Mr. Teh: The graduates came to ECOHAIR ACADEMY from high school. They started from scratch like a blank piece of paper. We had to teach them the basics such as interaction with clients. They had to change their attitudes. It’s not like an office job in front of the computer. The hairstyling industry is different nowadays. We taught them how to manage a salon, i.e. business management skills, how to manage social media, how to manage accounts, not just knowledge per se. We taught them how to dress and style themselves and portray a better image. With some students, it was difficult as we had to accommodate to their styles.
How do you feel seeing them graduate and receive their certificates at UTAR today?
Mr. Teh: It felt very emotional, and I hope they will continue down this path even though it is time-consuming and always having to placate customers. As newbies, 1st impressions are important, and they have to be confident.
What would you like to say to them?
Mr. Teh: I hope they will continue in this industry. If they face problems, they are always welcome to come back to us to help them solve problems. Each of them have their own dreams and I hope they will find success. Even if they are not working at ECOHAIR, they can come back to us at any point in their careers.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Mr. Teh: Before, it was a cut and paste method in hairdressing. Then I went to Vidal Sassoon in Shanghai and I adopted their method here – what is the real meaning of cutting hair. Each student has a different story and I hope they will all be successful. As I nurture each student, I sincerely hope they all achieve success.
