China Expansion Set for John Robert Powers International
The World’s largest talent, model training and personality development company will open operations in China in the 4th quarter of 2010. Beijing and Shanghai will be the initial flagship training centers with additional openings in 3 more major metropolitan areas in 2011, according to the John Robert Powers International President, Richard C. Upton.
Upton said, “China has been on our expansion list for years. We waited to open this market until we found a partner who understands and is comfortable working in this dynamic and complex market.”
According to Upton, the Franchisee partner for China is Lumina-Looque International Pte. Ltd., based in Singapore. The Executive Director of Lumina-Looque, Calvin Cheng will oversee all expansion activities in China. Upton said, “Calvin Cheng has the background and career experience to lead the John Robert Powers expansion throughout China. His energy, enthusiasm, intelligence and language skills are prodigious. He is the right person to address the challenges and opportunities afforded by the Chinese market.”
Cheng was honoured in 2009 by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader, holds two Master degrees from Oxford University, and was the Head of Elite Models for all of Asia. He was recently selected to fill the position of a Nominated Member of the Singaporean Parliament effective July 20, 2009.
In his statement, Cheng said, “the timing is right for John Robert Powers to enter the market. The comprehensive and totally professional syllabus utilized by the Powers system provides the material for successful training of individuals for personality development, executives and international models and actors. The Powers system will provide training for individuals to interact successfully at the highest levels in the international community enhancing China’s role as a major player on the world economic and political stage. We are already in discussions with major government agencies and media for optimum utilization of Powers training.”
Cheng went on to say, “Powers International is Asia focused since 1982. Although the Company has deep roots that can be traced back to John Robert Powers, the founder of the professional modeling industry in 1923, it has always recognized the importance of the Asian markets. The Company has in-depth knowledge and respect for all the cultures in the Asia region. The curriculum used by Powers International was created in Asia for Asians. All training is culturally sensitive to insure respect for and utilization of the strengths of every culture that the Company is involved with. This is why we are eager to bring this system to China.”
In addition to China, Powers has operations in Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Corporate headquarters are based in Manila.
BACKGROUND - JOHN ROBERT POWERS INTERNATIONAL
The original Powers System was established by Mr. John Robert Powers in 1923. Powers is considered the founder of the modern modeling industry that was brought about to fuse photo technology with mass media printing processes. Powers was the author of 3 best selling books from the 1941 to 1966 that set the standards and precepts for the modeling industry and the curriculum for Powers schools. John Robert Powers International was organized in 1982 to expand the brand throughout the Asian region. Powers schools boast an illustrious list of graduates such as Diana Ross, Farah Fawcett, Faith Ford, Jackie Kennedy Onasis, Henry Fonda, Lindsey Wagner, Princess Grace of Monaco, Betty Ford, and Lauren Bacal. Recent successes in Asia include winners of the Miss Universe Pageant from Thailand and Japan, television and movie personalities and countless success stories within the business sector. The list of corporate clients includes many well known major international brands including, Ford Automotive, Hewlett Packard, Coca Cola, HSBC, General Electric, Nestle, Wacoal, Ernst and Young, Accenture, Pfizer, TV Networks, and Government Agencies. Powers International became a totally independent entity with inalienable rights in the Asia Pacific territory in May 1991. This paved the way for a completely revised instructional approach that is more suited to the needs and demands of the markets where the company operates. The Company differentiates itself from its competitors by using a system that is proven to be unique and successful in the ways of teaching self-improvement, personality development and English language skills. The system offers courses for both men and women that are ideal for teenagers, aspiring business people, performing talent based careers, and individuals involved in career transition. All intellectual properties are copyrighted in favor of John Robert Powers International. More information on the Company may be obtained at www.johnrobertpowers.com.
BACKGROUND - LUMINA LOOQUE PTE. LTD.
Lumina Looque is an integrated media company that owns event companies, model and artiste management agencies, as well as print media. It has offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai and China. Its event management company, Lumina Communications, manages events for leading luxury lifestyle brands such as Louis Vuitton, Audi, Ferragamo, and Moet and Chandon. Lumina Live! is an event origination company that creates unique events that are then developed internationally. Looque Models manages some of Asia's top modelling and acting talent, and also brings Western models to some of Asia's top fashion events. Finally, JUICE media publishes JUICE magazine, Singapore's leading youth and street culture magazine, as well as WANDER, a guide to Singapore's coolest and hip locations. The company’s website is www.lumina-looque.com.