Meet The Team
Wai Kuan and Chi-Chang were happy teaching Yoga and Tai Chi respectively. Then a workshop at Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary (SBS) in Taiping, Perak in 2015, changed their lives…
Wai Kuan
Founder
Wai Kuan, 56, was already a 500-hour yoga teacher then. She ran her own home studio, taught at MNCs and was a regular relief teacher at leading yoga school Manasa Yoga.
But she wanted more, to heal her neck and back pain and thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) and many more problems that her students had; and she found the tools she needed at the workshop.
She continued to learn Stretch Therapy from Kit Laughlin’s books and videos for the next 2 years, seeking clarification from him via emails. Later, she was accepted as a Laughlin apprentice and obtained a scholarship for the Teachers' Intensive Course in Australia.
Prior to yoga, Wai Kuan spent over 20 years in financial services as an auditor, financial controller and investment banker, and ran a translation business. She is a UK-trained Chartered Accountant.
She has taught yoga to members of Malaysian Association of the Blind since 2014; Malaysia Parkinson’s Disease Association and National Council of Senior Citizen Organisations Malaysia centre.
Chi-Chang
Founder
Chi-Chang, 51, used to run, swim, play squash and work out in conventional gyms. He now practises only Stretch Therapy and Wú-style 吳家 tàijíquán 太極拳 including tuī shǒu 推手 (push-hands) and “I’m in the best shape of my life!”
Chi-Chang was a conventional high achiever who earned his degrees from the Universities of Warwick and Cambridge under scholarships. He developed and managed well-regarded investment research teams and was a highly-rated analyst himself.
Then he retired from the rat race at the age of 37 to help build a better Malaysia. He helped revitalise the policy research centre REFSA, wrote 2 best-sellers on the federal government budget and served as a city councillor.
But most of all, he wanted to teach, so he obtained the CELTA teacher-certification and taught English, then tai-chi at the Royal Lake Club and since 2017, Stretch Therapy. He finds Stretch Therapy exceptionally effective in exploring and deepening his understanding of the martial roots of tàijíquán.
Besides teaching Stretch Therapy, Chi Chang and Wai Kuan are nurturing a 3.5-acre sustainable organic Biodynamic farm.
Our Journey
For over 35 years Kit Laughlin and Olivia Allnutt (the founder and co-director respectively of ST in Australia) have been researching, investigating, teaching and perfecting the world’s most complete stretching and relaxation methodology.
1986
Kit started teaching “Posture and Flexibility” classes at Australia National University
1990
Kit started Monkey Gym, the strength and coordination part of Stretch Therapy
1995
Published Overcome Neck and Back Pain, now in 4th edition
1999
Published Stretching and Flexibility, now 2nd edition and e-book edition
2001
Published Stretching and Pregnancy, now 2nd edition
2013
Ended teaching at ANU after 27 years. Set up own gym in Greenwell Point, New South Wales
2014
Conducted first International workshops. In North America & Europe, then Asia
2015
Started Roll Stretch, the explicit fascial part of Stretch Therapy
Wai Kuan attended Kit’s Workshop in Taiping
“Posture and Flexibility” renamed as Stretch Therapy
Relaunched Stretch Therapy website to reflect global reach. Teachers in over 20 countries listed
2016
Started Deep Well Being, the meditation and relaxation part of Stretch Therapy
Wai Kuan qualified as Stretch Therapy Teacher
Wai Kuan and Chi-Chang founded Stretch Therapy Centre Malaysia
2017
Chi-Chang qualified as Stretch Therapy Teacher
2020
Pioneered online teaching, with Malaysian and overseas students.
2022
Relocated to a new studio in Damansara Jaya, Petaling Jaya.
Hear what our students say about us
”“I fell and hurt my left leg so badly I could barely walk. I could not straighten my knee. The doctor prescribed painkillers and muscle relaxants and said I might need surgery.
Came to Stretch Therapy where Wai Kuan taught me multiple body-weight exercises to strengthen my leg muscles. I repeated those exercises everyday at home for about 1 hour and after less than a week, I was able to walk normally again!
No meds, no surgery, amazing results. Thank you very much Stretch Therapy!”
Khoo Jia Wen
”“I suffer from cervical and lumbar spondylosis, which was made worse when I hurt my shoulders. I had been going for physiotherapy.
Then I decided to try Stretch Therapy and they have helped me to manage my pain and stiffness much better.
Before attending the sessions I could not move my neck from right to left and vice verse. Now I have no pain!”
Lim Swee Hoon
”“I thought my base knowledge of yoga and regular study of pilates would make Stretch Therapy classes a breeze.
I was sorely (no pun intended!) mistaken.
It was one of those rare examples of a class/teaching structure that aims to change not only the way you view and respect your body but also your mind.
It was a life-affirming and cathartic experience – words I do not throw around lightly. If you are looking to develop a strong, limber and elasticated mind & body – this discipline is the answer.“
Radhika Mohendas
”“Most of the techniques were new for me even though I have been working out for last 20 years.
I found them extremely useful truly effective in improving my ROM (Range of Motion). I felt it during my next day yoga workout.
I definitely recommend this for everybody (age 8 to 88). They have varieties for everybody & every type (regression to progression).”
Manoj Khanvikar
If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.
~ Isaac Newton
Chi-Chang and Wai Kuan are immensely grateful to the many teachers who have guided them on the journey of a meaningful life, including:
The late S.N. Goenka, a most effective teacher of meditation and the dhamma; Guru Manoj Kaimal of Manasa Yoga, who taught sound anatomy and classical yoga philosophy; Master Wong Chee Kay, for opening Chi-Chang’s eyes to the martial roots of taijiquan; And, of course, Kit Laughlin, for skilful teaching and commitment to development and dissemination of his knowledge.