Dermique Founders – Phyllis Chin, Vincy Chan & Thew Swen Ye
In this interview, Dermique founders Phyllis Chin (marketing director), Vincy Chan (chief academy director / business development) and Thew Swen Ye (operations director) share their beginnings in the skin care industry, favourite products and skin care routine.
What do you do?
Phyllis Chin: I enhance brand awareness, strengthen market positioning, and lead the promotion of our products and services.
Vincy Chan: I oversee beauty knowledge and technical training, recruit dealers, and providing training or classes for our dealer and assistant.
Thew Swen Ye: I manage staff, oversee inventory, and handle dealings with dealers.
How did you get into the industry?
Phyllis Chin: I struggled with severe acne since I was 16. Frequent visits to beauty salons with my mother helped improve my skin, boosting my confidence. This experience inspired me to enter the beauty industry to help others overcome skin problems and regain their confidence.
Vincy Chan: My journey started with personal struggles with skin issues that persisted despite numerous treatments and consultations. At 16, I even learned makeup to cover acne but found my condition worsening. Eventually, I met a skincare expert who transformed my skin in eight months, restoring my self-esteem. This motivated me to shift from IT studies to skincare, focusing on helping others achieve healthy, beautiful skin.
Share a story from behind the scenes.
Phyllis Chin: I frequently explore different beauty services, from spa treatments to medical aesthetics, as I believe in learning from each company’s unique offerings. The devil is in the details – paying attention to the smallest details drives my continuous improvement.
Vincy Chan: Many ask how I’ve stayed in the beauty industry for 25 years despite early challenges, including client skepticism. The education system, mentorship, and family support helped me grow. Winning the national sales championship marked my first major success. This strengthened my resolve to lead and inspire others.
What beauty memory from your childhood or travels stands out?
Thew Swen Ye: Every experience, from simple street food stalls to scenic encounters like the Magical Southern Lights, is a memorable part of life’s journey. Each moment carries its unique beauty.
What’s the best/worst part of your job?
Vincy Chan: The best part is accurately diagnosing skin concerns and offering tailored, effective solutions that meet clients’ needs.
What’s one of your favourite products and why?
Thew Swen Ye: Repairing Hydrogel Treatment Masque. Known as our emergency mask, it provides instant soothing and calming effects for the skin. Infused with calendula, centella asiatica, and chamomile, it quickly alleviates dryness, itching, and redness while reducing inflammation and strengthening the skin barrier. Featuring a unique Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Mask sheet – it is soft, delicate, and perfectly conforms to every inch of the skin. Whether at home or on the go, it is compact and easy to use.
What’s your personal beauty routine?
Phyllis Chin: With oily skin, I exfoliate every two to three days and use mildly acidic products to remove dead skin cells. Daily hydration and masking keep my skin radiant and plump, even during busy days.
Which treatment offers the best value for money?
Thew Swen Ye: Our Dermique Custom Skincare treatments address various skin concerns. Most clients love our signature Essential Oil Detox Sculpture Therapy, which tightens skin and relieves stress through essential oil massages. Paired with home care products, the results last longer.
What’s one of the most touching moments behind the scenes?
Vincy Chan: Seeing our team’s passion and patience reflected in successful client transformations—from acne to wrinkle and sensitivity issues. The joy of witnessing our dealers receiving performance awards and sharing their inspiring journeys is truly heartwarming.
The perfect day off would be…
Thew Swen Ye: I prefer balancing work and relaxation. Learning sessions and company trips recharge my energy since I love my job.
A day in the life of a Dermique founder…
Phyllis Chin: My day starts with preparing breakfast and sending my children to school. After tackling planned tasks and marketing meetings, I consult clients, train aestheticians, exercise, enjoy family dinners, brainstorm marketing ideas, watch movies, and rest.
What do you do for fun?
Vincy Chan: Relaxing activities like soaking in a hot bath, meditating, driving while listening to music, journaling, reading, and simply daydreaming.
What would you like readers to know about Dermique?
Phyllis Chin: Dermique is Malaysia’s premier cosmeceutical skincare brand. We specialize in root-cause solutions for skin issues like acne and pigmentation. With over 25 years of expertise, we combine advanced techniques with rigorously developed products for outstanding results. In a world of overwhelming online information, discerning consumers should seek personalized 1:1 skin analysis for effective treatment. Dermique offers not just products and treatments but also education on proper skincare.
How have the Dermique founders grown professionally? What have you learned?
Vincy Chan: In the beauty industry, growing requires improving skills, great customer service, staying updated on trends, and building a personal brand. It’s not just about experience and technique — it’s also about adapting to changes and presenting a professional image to stand out from the competition.
I’ve learned how important it is to keep learning, practicing, and refining my skills. Getting certifications and industry qualifications helps boost professionalism and trust. It’s also key to stay current with the latest beauty technologies and master in aesthetic beauty to expand my services and better meet clients’ needs.
What misconceptions exist about your profession?
Vincy Chan: People generally think of us as beauticians, but our title is Skin Care Specialists, which differs significantly from that of a beautician. A Skin Care Specialist is a professional in the beauty industry who focuses on providing skin care and management services using scientific techniques and methods. They help clients address skin concerns and maintain healthy skin. Skin Care Specialists combine knowledge of beauty care and dermatology to create personalized skin management plans tailored to the unique needs and skin types of each individual.
What’s your view of the beauty industry in Kuala Lumpur?
Thew Swen Ye: Kuala Lumpur offers an excellent market with high consumer acceptance and purchasing power.
What sustainable practices do the Dermique founders try to follow?
Phyllis Chin: We are committed to social responsibility and sustainability through various initiatives. Currently, we avoid animal testing for all our skin care. Additionally, we focus on creating products that support ocean health and conservation, implementing sustainable practices to protect marine ecosystems. Looking ahead, we plan to increase our use of ethically sourced, eco-friendly raw materials and strengthen partnerships with responsible suppliers. We also aim to innovate biodegradable product formulations to further minimise our environmental impact.
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