
ECOHAIR ACADEMY was founded in Bayan Lepas, Penang in March 2024. Since its inception, ECOHAIR ACADEMY has progressed by leaps and bounds although they faced many challenges and difficulties, especially during the early stages of their journey. They had to overcome limited resources and a small team but they persevered and never gave up.
A couple of days ago, Mr. Tan Kean Boon, Founder of ECOHAIR ACADEMY proudly watched as ECOHAIR ACADEMY’s 1st batch of students who had completed the course, Professional Certificate in Hairdressing Full Course (PCIHFC) in collaboration with Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), received their certificates. 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 these 10 students enrolled.

How do you feel seeing the first batch of graduates complete their course and receive their certificates at Utar today?
Mr. Tan: I am very proud to watch these 10 students receive their certificates and feel satisfied that they have gained the knowledge to equip them for their future.
What inspiration has this moment brought to you, having been in the hairdressing industry for over 20 years?
Mr. Tan: When we were young, parents told us that if we can’t study, take up hairdressing. It was not a professional course then as you’d train as an apprentice in a salon and pick up the technical skills there. Nowadays, stylists not only learn the technical aspect of hairdressing but also theory such as scalp care, SOPs and products. A lot of industries rely on Ai but the hairdressing industry cannot as it relies on human interaction to provide a good style.
What are your future plans for developing ECOHAIR ACADEMY and its professional hairdressing courses?
Mr. Tan: I hope that every person who wants to be a stylist can receive professional training and education unlike in the past where they had to start from shampooing. Hopefully, the government can recognise the Professional Certificate in Hairdressing Full Course (PCIHFC) in collaboration with Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) as the first professionally certificate in the hairdressing industry.
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