The highly anticipated OFFLINE 16 mental wellness event is back for its second year—bigger and better than ever! Spearheaded by the Australian-owned supplement company, VitaHealth Malaysia (“VitaHealth”), and community builder and master planner, Tropicana Corporation Berhad (“Tropicana” or “Group”), the initiative champions mental wellness by encouraging participants to disconnect from digital devices and fully engage with the world around them. In line with both companies’ ESG commitments, the event offers a refreshing break from digital overload through a series of interactive challenges, real-life connections, and rewarding activities. The journey unfolds through a series of 4-hour challenges across Malaysia, culminating in the ultimate 16-hour offline experience.

Image above: OFFLINE 16 is back bigger than ever, kickstarting its first event at Penang attracting over 200 participants featuring pickleball challenges as well as other activities

The first offline challenge kicked off on Sunday, 4 May 2025, at GOAT Pickle Club, Jalan Jeti Jelutong in Penang. The event was officiated by Dr KS Beh, Chief Executive Officer of VitaHealth (Malaysia and Singapore), Ixora Ang, Managing Director, M&S of Tropicana Corporation Berhad, alongside distinguished guests of honour YB Daniel Gooi, Penang State EXCO for Youth, Sports and Health. Also present were Harry Chai, Director of Penang State Sports Council; Erik Phuah, President of Penang Pickleball Association; Tay Li Yen, Business Unit Director (Health & Rehab) of BIG Caring Group; and Colin Wong, Malaysia’s No. 1 pickleball player and VitaHealth ambassador.

Dr KS Beh shared, “OFFLINE 16 is more than just an event; it's a movement to inspire people to disconnect from their phones. I initiated Offline 16 to create a space where people could truly be present, free from digital distractions.”

“Our mission is to transform OFFLINE 16 into a widespread mental wellness movement where everyone, young and old, can take meaningful breaks from the digital world, and embrace a healthier and happier lifestyle. This year, we are very pleased to partner with Tropicana once again, kicking things off with the dynamic Pickleball Challenge in Penang, proudly endorsed by Majlis Sukan Negeri Pulau Pinang (“MSNPP”). Beyond supplements, our focus is on uplifting communities through impactful ESG initiatives, bringing our slogan, "Healthy Life, Happy Vibes," to life,” Dr KS Beh added.

YB Daniel Gooi (top left), Dr KS Beh (second row left) and Ixora Ang (top right) delivered opening remarks at OFFLINE 16 Pickleball Challenge in Penang, joined by Harry Chai and Colin Wong to officiate the event, Colin also led participants in a hands-on session, sharing pickleball techniques and tips (bottom left), and the event featured free health screenings provided by VitaHealth, reinforcing the campaign’s mission to promote both physical and mental well-being (bottom right)

Ixora Ang divulged, “As a community builder, our ESG commitments are to build and promote liveable townships where residents can enjoy work-live-learn-shop-play environment. OFFLINE 16 offers much more than digital detox, it’s a healthy mental and physical event, staying away from digital gadgets and make in-person human connections. OFFLINE 16 aims to Redefine the Art of Living, Caring & Sharing through face-to-face fun interactions. This year, Tropicana is proud to partner with VitaHealth and thankful to have the support of Tropicana Foundation leading these ESG/CSR initiatives. We believe it is a universal human right to have a healthy mind and body and wish for all participants to walk away feeling renewed, refreshed and rejuvenated. We are also encouraging our Tropicana employees to take part and benefits from this event, too.”

Penang State EXCO for Youth, Sports and Health, YB Daniel Gooi shared, “As someone passionate about supporting our youth and community, it is incredibly rewarding to see so many of you, especially young people, embracing a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.” He also urged all participants to carry the spirit of the event into their daily lives, embracing a healthier and more mindful lifestyle beyond just the day’s activities.

The top 8 winners of the Pickleball Challenge were rewarded with prizes, presented by Malaysia’s No. 1 Pickleball player and VitaHealth Ambassador, Colin Wong (second row left), and participants explored a variety of wellness booths and activities, from health consultations to interactive games and exercises

DISCONNECT IN ORDER TO RECONNECT

From 10 AM to 3 PM, participants enjoyed a fun-filled day featuring pickleball challenges, a pickleball clinic, proper warm-up exercises, and recovery sessions. The event also included laughter yoga, Pilates, mental wellness games by the National Cancer Society Malaysia (“NCSM”), health tests and other engaging activities.

Each participant received a goodie bag worth over RM300, which included an exclusive jersey, VitaHealth supplements, and a variety of sponsored items. Those who successfully completed the 4-hour offline challenge were awarded a finisher badge and an e-certificate. They also had the chance to connect with representatives from VitaHealth and Tropicana, and walked away with exciting lucky draw prizes.

At the heart of VitaHealth and Tropicana’s ESG commitments is a shared belief: thriving communities are built through inclusion, opportunity, and meaningful engagement. As part of this commitment, the refreshments for the OFFLINE 16: Pickleball Challenge were proudly sourced from Angel Community, an inspiring platform that empowers individuals facing unique life circumstances. These include single parents, the elderly (aged 60 and above), stay at-home mothers, and members of the B40 income group. By partnering with Angel Community, the event not only nourished its participants but also nourished purpose—

creating economic opportunities, fostering inclusivity, and supporting the well-being of underserved groups in a tangible, meaningful way.

This collective effort was made even stronger thanks to the support of our official partners and sponsors:

a) Penang State Sports Council

b) BIG Pharmacy, Caring Pharmacy, Georgetown Pharmacy and Wellings

c) National Cancer Society Malaysia (“NCSM”)

d) Protech

e) Body Mechanics

f) Herbs of Gold

g) T Privilege Loyalty Programme

h) D Swim Academy (“DSA”)

i) Libresse

j) Vinda

k) Skechers

l) Suu Balm

m) Good Virtues Co.

n) Cosip

o) BookXcess

p) GOAT Pickle Club

q) Sports We Play

JOIN THIS WELLNESS MOVEMENT

This first-of-its-kind event by VitaHealth and Tropicana, broke new ground last year when paying homage to World Mental Health Day by the World Health Organization, promoting a healthy mind for a healthy life. For 16 hours, participants stepped away from their screens and embraced the moment, reconnecting with themselves and those around them. From fitness challenges, therapy sanctuary, stand-up comedy by Douglas Lim, badminton with Malaysia’s Olympian, and VitaHealth’s ambassador – Pearly Tan to a sharing session with Malaysian Mental Health Association (“MMHA”), it was indeed a power-packed day. This bold movement not only sparked real, meaningful interactions but also earned a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records for the “Most Accumulated Offline Hours in a Day.”

To be part of this exciting wellness movement, please follow VitaHealth at @vitahealthmy and Tropicana @tropicanacorp or visit www.vitahealth.com.my/offline-16-penang for more information.

This content is provided by Tropicana Corporation Berhad.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

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