In the name of wellness
THE Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital (Thoneh) recently launched THES Wellness Centre. he centre is a joint effort between the Malaysia Association for the Blind (MAB) and Thoneh. It serves as a platform for the blind community, providing them an opportunity to operate a business in the health service industry.
The establishment of this centre is also supported by the Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (PNS). Through its programme, Business in Transformation (BIT), consultation services and financial aid are provided to those interested in buying into the THES Wellness Centre franchise.
OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP
Under the THES brand, therapeutic massages are conducted by the blind. From massages for those with lumbar problems and slip discs, to traditional, post maternity, facial and scalp massages, including the ones catered to those with ailments and physical injuries – the BIT programme opens up countless opportunities for qualified handicapped and blind candidates to run their own business.
Today, there are over 800 franchisees that have flourished from the BIT programme. Shared Thoneh chairman and MAB president Tan Sri Tengku Azlan Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar, “In line with our vision and mission, we at MAB strive to continue helping the blind community. The Wellness Centre creates job opportunities and gives them a chance to thrive and earn a decent living for both themselves and their family.”
BUSINESS VENTURE
THES Wellness Centre’s director Hasidi Hassan is himself an accomplished blind businessman. He is both a capable and certified massage therapist, a graduate of the Massage School of Beijing Massage Hospital. Hasidi informed that all therapists at THES will be certified by the government as they will need to undergo the courses prior to employment with THES.
“Our plan now is finding the next right location as our current prototype of the THES Wellness Centre at Menara Mara has been in operation for the past seven months. We are leveraging on a kiosk and mobile concept that will allow us to open up in strategic areas to attract customers,” Hasidi added. Future plans include the opening of some 50 outlets within the next five years.
In the near future, Thoneh plans to start a training centre for those interested in learning massage techniques, mastering the English language and learning computer application skills.