Unplug to Recharge: Offline 16 return with an even bigger push for mental wellness
Trading your phone screen for laughter, movement and real human connection.
It is always good to switch off; trading your phone screen for laughter, movement and real human connection. That is the heartbeat of Offline 16, the mental wellness initiative that returned for its second year with more energy, more people and an even deeper impact.
It is a bold collaboration between Australian-owned supplement brand VitaHealth Malaysia and renowned community developer Tropicana Corporation Berhad, Offline 16 is more than just an event, it is a growing movement that invites Malaysians to disconnect from their digital routines and reconnect with life.
With its powerful motto of “Disconnect to Reconnect”, Offline 16 takes participants on a mental wellness journey across Malaysia, offering a series of four-hour challenges designed to wean people off their screens and immerse them in human interaction, physical activity and self-care.
This year’s journey began on May 4, at the vibrant Goat Pickle Club on Jalan Jeti Jelutong in Penang and it promises to culminate in a full 16-hour Offline finale.
The Penang kickoff blended fitness, fun and mindfulness, setting the tone for the rest of the Offline 16 experience.
Guests of honour, including Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VitaHealth Malaysia and Singapore, Dr KS Beh, Managing Director M&S of Tropicana Corporation Berhad, Ixora Ang and Youth, Sports and Health Penang Exco, Daniel Gooi, officiated the event alongside prominent names like Colin Wong, Malaysia’s top pickleball player and VitaHealth ambassador.
“Offline 16 is more than just an event, it is 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,” Beh said.
This year’s Penang event introduced a new twist with a Pickleball Challenge, proudly endorsed by Penang State Sports Council. But Offline 16 was not just about sports, it was about environmental, social and governance (ESG) too.
“This year, we are very pleased to partner with Tropicana once again, kicking things off with the dynamic Pickleball Challenge in Penang.
“Beyond supplements, our focus is on uplifting communities through impactful ESG initiatives, bringing our slogan, ‘Healthy Life, Happy Vibes,’ to life,” Beh added.
Ixora echoed this vision with her perspective on community well-being. She said as a community builder, Tropicana Corporation Berhad’s ESG commitments are to build and promote livable townships where residents can enjoy work-live-learn-shop-play environment.
“Offline 16 offers much more than digital detox, it is a healthy mental and physical event, staying away from digital gadgets and making in-person human connections. Offline 16 aims to Redefine the Art of Living, Caring and 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 benefit from this event too,” she mentioned.
Daniel also expressed his admiration for the movement. He encouraged all attendees to carry the event’s spirit into their daily routines.
“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 said.
From 10am to 3pm, the Goat Pickle Club buzzed with energy as participants joined pickleball matches, laughter yoga, pilates and even mental wellness games hosted by the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM).
There were health tests, warm-up exercises, recovery sessions and plenty of bonding moments in between. Participants received goodie bags worth over RM300, which included VitaHealth supplements, an exclusive event jersey and various sponsored items.
Those who completed the four-hour challenge were awarded a finisher badge and an e-certificate—souvenirs for their digital-free achievement.
Even the refreshments served during the event were aligned with the event’s social mission. They were sourced from Angel Community, a platform that empowers single parents, the elderly, stay-at-home mothers and members of the B40 income group.
This not only fed the crowd but also nourished the movement’s deeper purpose, creating economic opportunities and fostering inclusion.
Supporting partners made the event even more impactful. These included the Penang State Sports Council, Big Pharmacy, Caring Pharmacy, NCSM, BookXcess, Skechers, Libresse, D Swim Academy and many more, reflecting the diverse and holistic support behind Offline 16.
And if this year’s event felt special, it is because the foundation was laid in 2024 when the original Offline 16 paid tribute to World Mental Health Day with a 16-hour digital detox that included everything from therapy sessions to stand-up comedy by Douglas Lim and a badminton match with Malaysia’s Olympian and VitaHealth ambassador, Pearly Tan.
The event not only resonated with thousands, it made it into the Malaysia Book of Records for the “Most Accumulated Offline Hours in a Day.”
As Offline 16 grows into a national wellness movement, it stands as a timely reminder: in a world that is always online, sometimes the most radical act is simply to log off.
To join the movement or learn more about future events, follow @vitahealthmy and @tropicanacorp or visit www.vitahealth.com.my/Offline-16-penang.
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