Smashing Success

In the world of sports and wellness, partnerships that resonate with authenticity and shared values are rare. One such partnership is between VitaHealth, a global nutrition provider with over 70 years of history, and Pearly Tan, Malaysia’s champion and VitaHealth’s ambassador.  Together they are not just promoting health and wellness but also stand as a beacon of perseverance and dedication inspiring countless individuals.

A Journey of Dedication and Support
At just 24 years old, Pearly Tan Koong Le has already made her mark as a formidable national badminton player. With a background rooted in the sport—her father, Tan Seng Hoe, has been a badminton coach for over 20 years—Pearly’s journey began at the tender age of three. Encouraged by her parents and supported by her siblings, Pearly’s commitment to the sport has taken her to some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

Reflecting on her Olympic experience, Pearly shared, "Stepping into the village was an incredible experience, a dream come true for all athletes. The support I received from family, friends, and even strangers from across the globe was huge and truly motivating. It was this support that calmed my nerves and helped me perform at my best."

Pearly’s daily routine is a testament to her dedication. Training for several hours every day, with a day off on Sundays, she maintains a rigorous schedule to stay in top form. Even when she was in France, training in a small town before the Olympics, she kept her focus sharp with the help of a dedicated chef who ensured she had nutritious meals. It’s clear that Pearly understands the importance of both physical and mental health in her journey to success.

Partnership with VitaHealth
When VitaHealth approached Pearly Tan to become their brand ambassador, it was a natural fit. Pearly and her family have been long-time users of health supplements, and the alignment of values between the athlete and the brand was clear. "When VitaHealth reached out to me, my family was thrilled and fully supportive. I’m not only excited to support a brand I trust but also to give back by participating in their events," Pearly said. Recently, her experiences at the Paris 2024 Olympics and her involvement in VitaHealth's recent "Offline 16" event highlight how mental fortitude and the power of support can lead to personal growth and triumph.

Overcoming Mental Challenges at the Olympics
The Olympics is the pinnacle of any athlete’s career, and for Pearly Tan, stepping onto the global stage in Paris was a dream come true. Yet, the journey was not without its challenges. The pressure of representing her country, the intensity of the competition, and the weight of expectations all played heavily on her mind.

Pearly’s support system, however, made all the difference. "The encouragement I received was overwhelming," she shared. "When I felt nervous, the text messages and words of reassurance from those who followed my journey to France, whether online or in-person, as well as my Malaysian supporters, helped ease my fears and gave me the push I needed to perform." This constant stream of positive reinforcement was a lifeline, helping her maintain her composure during the most nerve-wracking moments.

During the competition, Pearly was not alone in facing these mental hurdles. Playing in the Women’s Doubles, she always had her partner by her side. "When we both felt nervous, we would talk about the match the next day, discuss our strategies, and share our fears and doubts. This really helped relieve the stress. Being able to share our thoughts and support each other made a huge difference."

Pearly’s approach to calming herself down and believing in herself proved invaluable. "For me, it’s all about believing in yourself. When there is belief, nothing is impossible," she said. This mantra carried her through the Olympics and remains a guiding principle in her life.

A Lifelong Commitment to Mental Wellness
As Pearly Tan continues her journey in badminton, her commitment to mental wellness remains steadfast. Through her recent Olympic experience and her partnership with VitaHealth, she has learned the importance of taking time to disconnect and recharge, both physically and mentally and her involvement in various VitaHealth programs and initiatives are a testament to her belief in the power of support, community, and the need to nurture one’s mental health.

As an ambassador, Pearly doesn’t just promote VitaHealth products; she embodies the brand’s commitment to a healthy and happy life. She regularly uses VitaHealth supplements, such as CHARGE-UP MAG-EASE, which contains magnesium to help relieve muscle soreness after intense training and competitions. Her parents, too, benefit from VitaHealth’s Turmercare for joint and back pain, demonstrating that VitaHealth’s offerings cater to all ages and health needs.

For VitaHealth, choosing Pearly Tan as their ambassador was a strategic move. Her dedication to her sport, her perseverance, and her positive outlook on life perfectly align with VitaHealth’s slogan, “Healthy Life, Happy Vibes.” Her involvement has significantly boosted the brand’s credibility and engagement, helping VitaHealth connect more deeply with a broader audience.

A Visionary Leader Committed to Wellness
Dr KS Beh, the Chief Executive Officer of VitaHealth (Malaysia and Singapore), is a driving force behind the brand’s strategic partnerships and innovative product launches. Under her leadership, VitaHealth has embraced a holistic approach to wellness, recognising the importance of mental health alongside physical fitness. "As a global nutrition provider for more than 70 years, VitaHealth firmly believes in our long-standing value that the true quality of life stems from a harmonious balance between physical health and mental wellness," Dr Beh emphasised.

The collaboration with Pearly Tan is just one example of how VitaHealth is positioning itself as a leader in the health and wellness industry. Dr Beh’s vision includes expanding the brand’s reach through innovative products like the CHARGE-UP mental wellness series and VLife, an on-the-go nutritional beverage. The recent launch of V-Style, VitaHealth’s sports nutrition line is particularly exciting, as it caters to both competitive athletes and casual fitness enthusiasts, further solidifying the brand’s commitment to supporting a healthy lifestyle.

Disconnect in order to Reconnect
VitaHealth recently teamed up with Tropicana to jointly host Malaysia’s longest Offline 16 event. This also saw Pearly’s journey to mental resilience coincide with her involvement in VitaHealth’s "Offline 16" event, held on 17 August 2024 at the Tropicana Golf & Country Resort. The event challenged 300 participants to disconnect from their devices for 16 consecutive hours in a bid to reconnect with themselves and those around them.

This groundbreaking event, which paid homage to World Mental Health Day, offered a unique opportunity for participants to experience the benefits of unplugging from the digital world. It was a day filled with engaging activities designed to promote mental wellness, including fitness challenges, a therapy sanctuary, and a stand-up comedy performance by Douglas Lim. Pearly herself led a badminton session, sharing her tips on overcoming mental challenges with the attendees.

“In recent years, the prevalence of mental health issues has become a global concern. Apart from the usual triggers such as family dynamics, work stress, and financial pressures, widespread exposure to digital platforms and gadgets have emerged as one of the main contributors. It has significantly impacted our lives, often leading to increased stress levels. Inspired by these insights we initiated Offline 16, an empowering event that will raise awareness to the importance of unplugging from digital devices. Coinciding with the 77th anniversary of VitaHealth, this ESG endeavour reinforces our commitment towards holistic well-being,” shared Dr KS Beh.

“By partnering with Tropicana, this joint effort will bring a myriad of benefits to the participants – offering sensory, personalised, and impactful experiences for one to unplug, unwind and recharge. In addition, we are happy to share that Offline 16 is setting a new record in the Malaysia Book of Records as the most accumulated offline hours in a day,” Dr Beh added.

Ong Chou Wen, Chief Executive Officer of Tropicana divulged, “Since 1979, creating a safe, sustainable and thriving community is at the heart of everything we do. We started our sustainable journey centered around 8 development DNAs and 3 ESG pillars, namely People, Planet and Partnership. With this in mind, we respect the well-being of our people as we believe mental health should be valued, promoted, and protected. We strongly support the Offline 16 event, encouraging everyone to learn the benefits of mental wellness and obtain the right support system. Aligned with our mantra to Redefine the Art of Living, we believe it is a universal human right to have a healthy mind. We are thankful to the VitaHealth team and the participating partners for joining us as we embark on this meaningful ESG journey.”

Present at the official unveiling Offline 16 event, Watsons Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer, Danny Hoh stated, “We are proud to be one of the participating partners as we find Offline 16 offers a truly unique experience to its participants. Our corporate responsibilities go beyond just being a health and beauty retailer. We are committed to inspiring others to embrace not only a healthy appearance but a healthy mind. By encouraging everyone to participate, we can make a positive impact together.” 

Other participating partners for the event were The Malaysia Book of Records, Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA), Watsons, Tropicana Golf & Country Resort, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TARUMT), Celebrity Fitness, Yonex, Ogawa, Tai Thong Moon Cakes, Big Bad Wolf Books, Purity Sanctuary, Dr Stretch, Lululemon, Kafen, Urban Solution Visioncare and Ecobasis.

For Pearly, "Offline 16" was more than just an event; it was a chance to advocate for the importance of mental health, something she deeply understands from her own experiences. "Participating in this event was a meaningful way to give back and make a positive impact. The chance to engage with others, share my journey, and help promote a healthy mind for a healthy life was incredibly rewarding," she said.

The event culminated in a record-breaking achievement, with VitaHealth and Tropicana receiving a Malaysia Book of Records award for "Most Accumulated Mobile Phone Offline Hours in a Day." This recognition not only celebrated the success of the event but also underscored the importance of mental wellness in today’s fast-paced, digitally-driven world.

Looking Ahead: A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values
The partnership between Pearly and VitaHealth is more than just a business arrangement; it’s a shared journey towards promoting health, wellness, and the belief that with dedication and the right support, anything is possible. As Pearly continues to train for the next Olympics, and as VitaHealth continues to innovate and expand its product offerings, this partnership is set to inspire many more people to lead healthier, happier lives.

Indeed, the going mantra of VitaHealth rings true with “Healthy Life, Happy Vibes”. This motto, coupled with Pearly’s unwavering commitment to excellence, makes for a powerful message—one that resonates with anyone striving for success while balancing a healthy lifestyle.