The remarkable story of SK-II began on the day scientists noticed the youthful hands of women working in a sake brewery in Japan over 30 years ago. But in Thailand, SK-II first gained prominence 10 years ago through ambassador Sopidnapa Chumpani, whose iconic short crop drove half the women in the country to the salon asking for a similar hairstyle, and whose crystal-clear skin has been synonymous with SK-II Thailand ever since.
To celebrate this milestone, the "SK-II 10th Anniversary: The Journey of a Miraculous Decade" gala dinner was held at the Plaza Athenee, Bangkok, on a warm night late last month. Business partners, media and guests were welcomed by familiar faces of the SK-II family, led by Sandeep Seth, Procter & Gamble's marketing director of global operations for Team SK-II: Raul Falcon, managing director of P&G Thailand; P&G Thailand PR manager Vorasit Turongsomboon and the two brand ambassadors _ Sopidnapa and Suquan Bulakul. Both lovely ladies switched from dresses in SK-II's signature red to spectacular evening gowns adorned with Swarovski elements to signify the radiance bestowed by SK-II products.
In the 10 years since its arrival in the Kingdom, SK-II has won thousands of hearts, and the success is evidenced by the extensive range of products launched in that time. The company's legendary line was started with a single product _ Facial Treatment Essence, packed with the trademark ingredient known as Pitera, a natural, nutrient-rich liquid isolated from the sake fermentation process. SK-II currently offers a range of skin care products that covers all sectors of the market, including the recently introduced SK-II Men.
Guests were taken back in time through a video presentation to the amazing journey that began in the Japanese sake brewery; then Mr Falcon took the stage to welcome guests and recalled memorable moments that marked the growth of the brand, and how their operation, despite the huge success and expansion, has remained a familial affair. Mr Falcon joked that Sopidnapa's husband no longer needs to nick SK-II products from his wife now that SK-II Men is available.
The five-course dinner was accompanied by live performances which reached a climax when Wichayanee "Gam" Pearklin, the first female winner of The Star reality television singing competition, took the stage and delivered a few stirring tunes.
Then each of the two brand ambassadors took a turn on the podium to talk about their own journeys with SK-II. Suquan, whose eloquence and wit have always enriched SK-II events with fun and warmth, didn't disappoint. "You may be suspicious whether it's a little too ambitious for a skin care brand to dote on the word 'miracle'," said the respected news anchor.
"But in my opinion, when we look into the mirror and we're happy and we feel confident, a miracle happens."
The sentiment presented the perfect opportunity for guests to raise their glasses under the banquet hall's crystal chandeliers and toast the success of SK-II's 10 years in Thailand.
