Self Storage Association Asia (SSAA), a trade association dedicated to assisting self-storage operators and industry suppliers working in emerging markets along the Pacific Rim, launched recently during Self Storage Expo Asia 2014 in Hong Kong. The SSAA will provide members with access to industry statistics, networking opportunities, legal documentation and news, officials said in a press release.
"The potential of this industry is massive. It is growing quickly from a low base and has a long way to go to match penetration rates in developed markets like the United States, [Europe] and Australia," said John Perrins, executive chairman of Steel Storage Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia, who will serve as association chair. "Our association is happy to work with successful self-storage associations around the world to bring the best of class to Asian operators seeking to exploit this exciting new market."
A provisional board featuring operators and vendors from Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore was selected. In addition, new members were signed from Australia, Philippines and the United Kingdom, SSAA officials said.
"My regional colleagues and I are honored to accept this responsibility to provide a platform for industry players to learn from each other, share best practices and raise industry standards," said Helen Ng, CEO of Lock+Store in Singapore, who was elected the association’s deputy chair. "Rapid industry growth will drive interest from investors and entrepreneurs as Asia's growing consumer class discovers the convenience of self-storage."
Marilyn Leslie, president of MiniCo Asia Ltd. in Hong Kong, was elected treasurer. Other board members include Gary Beadell, owner, The Store House (Hong Kong); Kevin Chan, CEO, Store Friendly Self Storage Group Pty. Ltd. (Hong Kong); Michael Hagbeck, founder of Extra Space Self Storage [not affiliated with the U.S. self-storage real estate investment trust Extra Space Storage Inc.] (Singapore); Jes Johansen, managing director, Store Friendly Self Storage Group Pty. Ltd. (Singapore); and Stephen Spohn, president and representative director, Quraz Ltd. (Japan).
