Learn how to build a strong brand with a short course
- Written byCarys Thomas
- Published date 09 February 2026
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A strong brand can be the most important asset for achieving growth, connecting with clients and building an impactful business.
Marketing professional Shalini Malhotra recently completed our Brand Management Short Course to strengthen her skills as a brand manager in Bangkok.
Shalini tells us about her experience at Chelsea College of Arts and how the course gave her the confidence to propose new ideas in her professional role.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Shalini, and I’m a brand manager based in Bangkok. I’m passionate about building meaningful brand experiences that feel thoughtful, warm, and rooted in real human connection. With a deep-rooted commitment to wellness and sustainability, I bring a unique blend of creativity and strategic marketing ideas to life. My journey spans across diverse industries, from marketing global brands such as Technogym, the wellness company, to founding my eco-friendly activewear label, Shaza by Shalini. Through it all, my passion for wellness and sustainability has remained steadfast, guiding my work and driving me to make a difference in the world.
What do you do day to day?
I currently manage the brand and communications for Little Pea Kids Commons (@littlepeabkk), a children’s community hub located in the heart of Bangkok at the COMMONS Thonglor (@thecommmonsthonglor) offering classes, camps, playgroups, and events. My day-to-day revolves around brand direction, content planning, campaign development, community engagement, and creative strategy. I also collaborate closely with designers, photographers, and educators to ensure every touchpoint reflects our brand values and storytelling goals.
Tell us about your hobbies and interests.
I love anything to do with creative lifestyle experiences — from café hopping (trying all the Matcha lattes in Bangkok) to exploring beautifully designed spaces. I’m also drawn to childhood development, play-based learning, and Montessori-inspired environments, which naturally tie back into my work. Outside of that, I enjoy traveling, running (treadmill since it's too hot in Bangkok), and Pilates.
What inspired you to take the Brand Management Short Course?
I wanted to deepen my understanding of brand strategy beyond day-to-day execution — especially the conceptual frameworks behind building emotional connection, brand identity, and long-term brand equity. More importantly, I also wanted to connect with individuals who share the same passion for branding as I do and learn from them. UAL has always been a dream learning environment for me, and the short course felt like the perfect opportunity to sharpen my skills while reconnecting with creative inspiration. As a brand manager, of course, the name Brand Management stood out to me!
How did you find the Brand Management Short Course?
I absolutely loved it and would recommend it wholeheartedly. The course was incredibly engaging, clear, and practical — a blend of foundational theory and real-world application. I really enjoyed how the sessions encouraged critical thinking, collaboration, and exploration. We not only learnt from the instructor, but also learnt from each person in the class too (I like that the class size was intimate, so we could get to know everyone). It left me feeling energized, inspired, and equipped with tools I could immediately apply to my work.
Has the course helped or inspired you in any way?
Yes, definitely. The course helped me approach branding with a more strategic, future-forward mindset. It sharpened the way I think about customer experience, storytelling, and brand ecosystems, and it gave me the confidence to propose new ideas and improvements within my role. It also reignited my passion for brand building and made me more intentional in the way I plan creative direction and long-term brand development.
It was truly a memorable and enriching course, and I'm grateful to have been part of it.
Shalini shares lifestyle content, creative inspiration, and snippets of her work in branding and community building on her Instagram @shalinimalhotra.
Do you want to advance your branding or business skills? Learn the fundamentals of branding from market research, design and development to brand identity and packaging with a short course. Take a look at our range of branding short courses.
