What began as a simple challenge to put down the phone has  evolved into a growing movement encouraging people to disconnect from digital distractions and  reconnect with themselves, their loved ones and their communities.

Now in its 12th edition,  OFFLINE 16 by VitaHealth Malaysia (“VitaHealth”) and Tropicana Corporation Berhad  (“Tropicana” or “Group”) has reached 2,155 participants and accumulated 64 offline hours,  demonstrating the growing impact of creating meaningful opportunities for people to step away  from their screens and be fully present in the real world.


The latest edition, OFFLINE 16: Play Like  the Good Old Days, held on 27 September 2026 at SMK (L) Methodist, Penang, was specially  brought to participants with the support of BIG CARING Group through CARiNG Pharmacy,  Georgetown Pharmacy and Wellings Pharmacy. Inspired by the simple joys of play before screens  took over, the event brought families and friends across generations together through old-school games, childhood memories, physical activities, and face-to-face interaction in a fun, accessible, and engaging setting.

The event was officiated by YB Joseph Ng Soon Siang, Member of the Penang State Legislative Assembly for Air Itam; Dr KS Beh, CEO of Vita Life Sciences (Malaysia & Singapore) and Founder of OFFLINE 16; Ms Serena Lim, Programme Director of Tropicana Foundation and Senior General Manager of Group Corporate Communications, ESG & T360, Tropicana Corporation Berhad; Ms Tay Li Yen, Business Unit Director of Health & Rehab, BIG CARING GROUP; and Mr Harry Chai Heng Hua, Director of the Penang State Sports Council.

Dr KS Beh, Chief Executive Officer of Vita Life Sciences (Malaysia & Singapore) and Founder of OFFLINE 16, said, "At VitaHealth, we believe that good health is about more than just physical wellbeing. It is about taking care of ourselves, from nourishing our bodies with the right nutrition to making time for self-care. That’s how OFFLINE 16 started, with a simple idea to encourage people to put their phones away and reconnect with life. OFFLINE 16 has evolved through different themes and experiences. This time, we wanted to focus on family moments. Nowadays, people are so hooked on their phones that even when families go out for a meal together, everyone may be on their phones instead of talking to each other. So, we wanted to create a space where families could put their phones away, play, look at each other, and simply enjoy each other’s company."

For Tropicana, the continued growth of OFFLINE 16 reflects the Group’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences that bring communities together while supporting healthier and more connected lifestyles. Anchored by its 3 ESG pillars of People, Planet and Partnership, the initiative demonstrates how purposeful partnerships can create positive social impact through accessible, community-driven experiences.

Serena Lim, Programme Director of Tropicana Foundation and Senior General Manager, Group Corporate Communications and ESG & T360 for Tropicana, shared, "The 2,155 participants and 64 offline hours represent far more than numbers. They represent moments where people choose to put their devices aside and reconnect — with family, friends, new acquaintances, their surroundings and themselves. This is what makes OFFLINE 16 meaningful. As a community builder, Tropicana is proud to support an initiative that encourages people to get active, discover new experiences and places, and build stronger relationships while prioritising mental wellness. It reflects our belief that healthier communities are built through meaningful connections and shared experiences."

As part of its support for the initiative, CARiNG Pharmacy, Georgetown Pharmacy and Wellings Pharmacy brought health-focused experiences to participants, including Vitamin D level and body composition checks with counselling.

Wong Siew Lai, Chief Marketing Officer of BIG CARING Group, said, “Wellbeing is increasingly understood as something that encompasses both mind and body, and mental wellness is an important part of that equation. For us at BIG CARING Group, this is also where our role as a community pharmacy group comes into play. Our pharmacies are part of people’s everyday lives, giving us opportunities to engage communities not only around physical health, but also the wider factors that contribute to feeling well and living well. Our return to OFFLINE 16 builds on the experience we had last year and our shared belief that wellbeing also comes from the way we spend our time, connect with others and engage with the world around us. We are happy to be part of an initiative that brings people together in a setting that encourages them to pause, participate and reconnect.

Taking a page out from the noughties

At the heart of OFFLINE 16: Play Like the Good Old Days was a five-hour digital disconnect, with participants’ phones sealed from 9.00am to 2.00pm, encouraging them to be fully immersed in the activities and people around them. The programme began with a launch ceremony and phone-sealing exercise, followed by an outdoor team relay and trishaw rides, then moved indoors for interactive activities, games, wellness experiences, and nostalgic challenges.

The nostalgic concept was designed to bring different generations together. Older participants could reminisce about childhood experiences, while younger participants could discover how people played and socialised before smartphones became part of everyday life. The activities were intentionally designed to be inclusive and easy to join, with no special skills or equipment required.

Participants also received a specially curated Offliner starter kit at registration, comprising an OFFLINE 16 jersey, canvas bag, wristband, phone pouch, passbook, GPA insurance, and goodies worth more than RM300. The goodies included VitaHealth Charge-Up Neuro PS, Herbs of Gold Black Seed Extract, discount coupons for CARiNG Pharmacy, Georgetown Pharmacy and Wellings Pharmacy, CARiNG antibacterial wet wipes, Kinseikoyo Shiang Tong Plaster, Perskindol, Neobun, Oatside and a Dermally voucher.

This content is provided by Tropicana Corporation Berhad

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