A TAGLINE typically captures a company’s direction and core values. For nutrition and health supplement company VitaHealth, “Healthy Life, Happy Vibes” encapsulates its commitment to promoting both physical well-being and mental wellness through a balanced lifestyle.
Operating as a trusted subsidiary of Australian-owned Vita Life Sciences, which was originally established in Singapore in 1947 and is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), VitaHealth has built a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The group employs more than 300 staff in total, including around 200 in Malaysia.
In recent times, VitaHealth has been deepening its collaboration with the Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) to strengthen athlete development while expanding efforts into broader community health education and mental wellness initiatives.
The partnership, which has continued for the past three years, focuses not only on performance support for athletes competing in Sukma and Para Sukma but also on promoting healthier lifestyles among the wider public.
VitaHealth (Malaysia and Singapore) chief executive officer Dr Beh Kheng Suan said the company’s work with athletes is built on a “lifestyle-first” approach, which begins with understanding daily habits before introducing nutritional supplementation.
“Athlete care must go beyond products and focus on long-term behavioural change. We are not only a company passionate about selling; we are here to solve problems,” Dr Beh told Buletin Mutiara in a recent interview in Penang while here for a sponsorship presentation ceremony.
“It starts from the very basics. It is not about supplements yet. Your intake must be healthy, your schedule must be healthy, and your recovery must be healthy.”
She cited the experience of VitaHealth ambassador, national badminton player Pearly Tan, as an example of a long-term journey involving lifestyle adjustment, nutrition guidance and recovery support.
Dr Beh recalled a question from a press conference about the athlete’s injury challenges and what VitaHealth, as a sponsor, was doing to support her.
“If an athlete is injured, it definitely affects performance. Recovery is just as important as training,” she said.
“What we did was engage a consultant to help her improve fundamental habits, including balanced meals, structured schedules and adequate recovery.
“Supplements can help, especially in recovery when resting time is limited. But they come after lifestyle correction.
“Everyone can see her performance has improved. But this is not only for athletes — nutrition helps everyone, whether professional or not,” she said, adding praise for Pearly’s positive attitude and smile.
Dr Beh, originally from Taiping, was accompanied by her senior marketing manager, Elysse Ngan, who hails from Ipoh. Both are based in Kuala Lumpur.
Starting her career as an Information Technology (IT) graduate before moving into various roles, Dr Beh said she has spent the past 20 years in the health industry, driven by a passion for helping people and sharing knowledge.
She said modern health advice increasingly highlights physical activity as a key intervention for lifestyle-related issues such as stress, poor sleep and high cholesterol.
“When you have sleeping problems, doctors often advise exercise or yoga. If you have stress, they suggest running. Even before medication, sport is usually part of lifestyle change,” she said.
“At the end of the day, it is not just about sports. It is about a healthy lifestyle, becoming more active, and ultimately being happier.”
Personally, Dr Beh said she maintains an active routine, going to the gym almost daily while also enjoying swimming and tennis, while ensuring proper rest and recovery.
“I believe in balance — work, good diet, social life and sports all contribute to a healthier and happier life,” she said.
She added that successful athletes require more than talent alone, stressing the importance of discipline, motivation and sports psychology.
“Talent is important, but attitude and discipline are equally important. It all boils down to the will to win,” she said.
Commenting on Penang’s Sukma performance, Dr Beh said she was encouraged by the state’s ability to compete with larger contingents despite its smaller size.
In the 21st Sukma (Malaysia Games) held in Sarawak in 2024, the Penang contingent finished in fourth place with 41 gold, 45 silver, and 52 bronze medals, surpassing its target of 40 gold medals.
With the team targeting 60 gold medals in the 22nd Sukma in Selangor next month, she said the goal is achievable given the state’s ambition and preparation.
“They must have looked at the statistics to see if they can make it. I believe they can do it. What matters is that the athletes are well taken care of and equipped with what they need,” she said.
According to Dr Beh, VitaHealth has invested about RM400,000 in cash and in-kind contributions to MSNPP since 2024, and she expressed satisfaction with the partnership.
“They care for their athletes, and through this collaboration, we’ve gained more knowledge, especially in recovery and basic nutrition.
“The sponsorship has shown meaningful results in athlete development. It definitely meets our expectations,” she said.
Dr Beh said the company is now shifting its focus beyond athletes to wider community education, emphasising that corporate involvement in sports should prioritise awareness and public health education.
She said everyday habits such as poor posture and prolonged phone usage can lead to long-term health issues if not addressed early.
“We must educate people before pain comes,” she said, adding that brands should use their visibility responsibly to support government-led awareness efforts.
“It is not just about advertising. It is about education at the grassroots level,” she said.
She said the company plans to expand its community outreach through an initiative known as Offline16, which encourages participants to disconnect from digital devices for extended periods to promote mindfulness and real-world interaction.
“A healthy life means physical fitness. Happy vibes mean mental fitness. Without happiness, you go nowhere. If you are happy, your body will be happy too,” she said.
The programme encourages up to 16 hours without mobile phones, replacing screen time with conversations, reading and family bonding.
Dr Beh said the initiative also aims to strengthen family relationships, particularly between younger generations and elderly parents.
“Many people are too busy and forget to spend time with their parents. We want to change that mindset,” she said, adding that the programme is expected to be introduced in Penang later this year in collaboration with local partners.
MSNPP director Harry Chai expressed appreciation for VitaHealth’s continued support over the past three years as the official supplement strategic partner for Penang’s Sukma and Para Sukma contingents.
He said the partnership has provided significant contributions beyond sponsorship, including RM50,000 channelled to the State Sports Development Fund through a charity gala and art auction, RM100,000 worth of health supplements, and 1,000 official T-shirts for athletes.
At the MSNPP Charity Gala Dinner and Art Auction for the 2026 Sports Development Fund held on May 9 in George Town, RM400,100 was raised, including RM50,000 contributed by VitaHealth, with the IMPACT Committee organising chairman See Swee Sie playing a key role in the fundraising effort.
Chai said the partnership has been an invaluable investment in athlete development.
“These contributions not only help fulfil their health, wellness and recovery needs, but also serve as a powerful source of motivation for athletes representing Penang on the national stage,” he said.
“At the Penang State Sports Council, we view every form of support as an invaluable investment in our athletes.”
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siew Chia En / Source: VitaHealth & Pearly Tan’s Facebook