Think back to weekends spent playing outside and catching up with friends, long before endless scrolling took over. That simple joy is exactly what Offline 16 hopes to bring back. What began as a challenge to put the phone down has blossomed into a movement that inspires people to switch off from digital distractions and reconnect with themselves, their loved ones and their communities. Now in its twelfth edition, Offline 16 by VitaHealth and Tropicana has drawn 2,155 participants and recorded 64 offline hours, a clear sign that more people are eager to step away from their screens and live fully in the moment.
Held on 27 September 2026 at SMK (L) Methodist, Penang, the latest edition, Offline 16: Play Like the Good Old Days, was supported by BIG CARING Group through CARiNG Pharmacy, Georgetown Pharmacy and Wellings Pharmacy. Drawing inspiration from the carefree days before screens, this screen-free family event gathered families and friends of all ages for old-school games, shared childhood memories, physical activities and genuine face-to-face fun.
Kicking off the day, 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.
Why unplugging matters
Dr Beh explained, “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 staying active and 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.”
She added, “Over the years, Offline 16 has evolved through different themes and experiences. This time, we wanted to bring the focus back to something especially meaningful, family moments. It’s really heartening to see people of different generations coming together to play, move, talk, laugh, and simply enjoy being together. We hope every family takes home a reminder to unplug every now and then, make time for one another, and be more present in our everyday lives.”
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 ESG pillars of People, Planet and Partnership, the initiative demonstrates how purposeful partnerships can create positive social impact through accessible, community-driven experiences.
Echoing this, Serena Lim said, “The 2,155 participants and 64 offline hours represent far more than numbers. They represent moments where people chose 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 BIG CARING Group’s 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, shared, “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 of the noughties
The highlight of Offline 16: Play Like the Good Old Days was a five-hour digital detox. From 9.00am to 2.00pm, phones were sealed away, allowing participants to focus completely on the activities and the people beside them. Following the launch ceremony, the programme got going with a wushu performance, an outdoor team relay and trishaw rides, after which everyone moved indoors for interactive activities, games, wellness experiences and nostalgic challenges.
In the hall, participants wandered through a range of booths at their own pace, each created to inspire play, creativity, interaction and discovery. With health checks, chess, old-school games and arts, there was something for everyone, and the day ended on a peaceful note with a meditation session.
All day long, the nostalgic theme lived up to its promise of uniting generations. Older participants revisited fond childhood memories, while younger ones got a glimpse of how people played and socialised before smartphones became part of daily life.
Why going offline is worth it
These experiences captured the core belief behind Offline 16, that switching off your screen doesn’t mean switching off from life; it simply makes more room to move, play, explore, talk, laugh and connect. Beyond a commemorative finisher badge, e-certificate and event photo, participants took home something no goodie bag could hold, which was quality time with the people who matter most, whether over childhood games, team challenges, Penang’s heritage or a classic trishaw ride.
As Offline 16 continues to grow as a purposeful ESG-driven initiative championing healthier lifestyles, mental wellness and stronger communities, its message stays the same, that sometimes the best way to reconnect with life is to disconnect from the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- What is Offline 16?
Offline 16 is a pioneering mental wellness movement by VitaHealth and Tropicana Corporation. It encourages communities to take a break from digital life and reconnect with the real world through fun, active and meaningful experiences.
- Why is it called “Offline 16”?
Of the 24 hours in a day, around 8 are spent sleeping, which leaves 16 waking hours to live, connect and recharge. Offline 16 hopes to inspire people to make those hours count by stepping away from screens for a clearer mind and deeper human connections.
- What are Offliners?
Offliners are the people who take part in the Offline 16 movement. They consciously choose to set their devices aside and dive into screen-free activities. Beyond joining an event, Offliners belong to a growing community that values mental wellness, being present and genuine human connection.
- Why does Offline 16 encourage people to go offline?
With constant notifications and long hours of screen time, digital overload can easily lead to stress and burnout. Offline 16 invites people to unplug so they can put their mental wellness first and reconnect with themselves. Time away from screens opens up space for real-life conversations, mindful activities and authentic relationships that go well beyond virtual interactions.
- Who initiated Offline 16?
Offline 16 was envisioned by Dr. KS Beh, Chief Executive Officer of Vita Life Sciences (Malaysia & Singapore). Together with Tropicana Corporation Berhad, VitaHealth started this wellness movement to inspire individuals to break free from digital overload and rediscover meaningful connections with themselves and the world around them.
- Who can join Offline 16?
Everyone is welcome at Offline 16, whatever their age or background. Students, working professionals and seniors alike can join in, as the activities are designed to be accessible, fun and inclusive for all fitness and energy levels.
- What kind of activities are included in Offline 16?
Every Offline 16 brings together movement, mindfulness and wellness. Activities change with each theme, so Offliners might find themselves dancing, joining a fitness session, getting creative with arts, playing old-school games or trying interactive wellness experiences. The variety is all part of the plan to help people unplug, recharge and reconnect with themselves and their community.
- What do I get for completing Offline 16?
Every Offliner who completes the programme receives an official finisher badge and e-certificate. Even better, they go home with a sense of achievement, a refreshed mind and lasting habits for real-world connection.
- How is this event aligned with ESG goals?
Offline 16 is a wellness initiative grounded in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) values. On the social side, it addresses digital fatigue, raises awareness of mental health and helps build healthier communities.
- How can I stay updated or get involved in future events?
Visit www.vitahealth.com.my for the latest news and upcoming Offline 16 locations or follow VitaHealth and Offline 16 on social media to stay in the loop and be part of the next edition.
