By the MALAYSIA SME Editorial Team
When people think of the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA), they often think of retail excellence, business networking, industry advocacy, and entrepreneurship. Today, under the leadership of President Datuk Liew Bin, another dimension is emerging, one that combines business with health, youth engagement, community, and tourism. The inaugural MRCA Pickleball Festival marks more than just another sporting event. It reflects a changing philosophy about how business leaders should connect in today’s world.
1. Congratulations on the successful launch of the inaugural MRCA Pickleball Festival. What inspired this initiative?
Wayne Lim:
Firstly, congratulations on becoming the President of MRCA. At the same time, congratulations on organising such a successful inaugural MRCA Pickleball Festival. It is wonderful to see the retail industry coming together in such a refreshing way.
Datuk Liew Bin:
Thank you very much. This event would not have been possible without the support of the entire committee and everyone involved. It is truly a collective effort. Beyond creating something enjoyable for our members, we believe initiatives like this can contribute not only to the retail industry but also to Malaysia’s tourism industry.
In fact, we have been working closely with Tourism Malaysia, and this is the first time MRCA has organised such a large-scale sports initiative that connects retail, business and tourism together.
Retail has always been an important pillar supporting tourism. When visitors come to Malaysia, retail is naturally part of their journey. So, creating activities like this helps strengthen that relationship.
2. Retail has always been a challenging industry. Why add sports into the equation?
Wayne Lim:
Business has never been easy, especially in retail. Yet successful entrepreneurs always seem to find ways to overcome adversity. Why did MRCA decide that sports should become part of the equation?
Datuk Liew Bin:
Business is always challenging. That is exactly why entrepreneurs also need opportunities to relax, recharge and reconnect. Sports provide that balance.
As business people, we spend so much time discussing numbers, strategies and operations. Sometimes we need to step away from the office, move our bodies and simply enjoy ourselves. Health is important, and activities such as this give us a chance to do that while meeting people in a much more natural environment.
3. Why pickleball?
Wayne Lim:
Many people are asking the same question—why pickleball?
Datuk Liew Bin:
I used to play badminton, so I have always enjoyed racquet sports. But pickleball is something new. Today, everyone seems to be enjoying it.
It is easy to learn, easy to pick up and suitable for almost everyone. That makes it a very inclusive sport.
4. Business leaders often struggle to find time for themselves.
Wayne Lim:
One thing I like about today’s event is that there are no suits, no ties and no boardroom tables. Here, everyone looks approachable.
Datuk Liew Bin:
Exactly. Sports remove many of the formal barriers. Instead of meeting across a meeting table, people meet on the court. Everyone is equal. That creates a very different atmosphere.
5. MRCA has traditionally been associated with established business leaders. Is this also part of engaging the younger generation?
Wayne:
I noticed many young entrepreneurs participating today. Was that intentional?
Henry Low:
Very much so. This event was actually initiated by our Youth Committee. They wanted to create something that would attract younger entrepreneurs while bringing together senior business leaders.
Instead of another formal networking session, we wanted something more casual, more relaxed and more enjoyable. Business conversations still happen, but they happen naturally. That is the beauty of sports.
6. Has business networking evolved?
MJ Ong:
Traditionally, networking happened over dinners, conferences and formal meetings. Do you think that is changing?
Vincent Wong:
Absolutely. Networking has evolved. People still attend business dinners and meetings, but today’s entrepreneurs are looking for different ways to build relationships. Playing sports together creates genuine interaction.
You compete together. You laugh together and encourage each other. Those experiences build stronger relationships than simply exchanging business cards.
7. What surprised you most about pickleball?
MJ Ong:
Today was your first experience playing pickleball. What impressed you?
Vincent Wong:
To be honest, I found it much easier than I expected. If someone has played badminton or table tennis before, they can adapt quite quickly. More importantly, everyone can play.
It doesn’t matter your age or gender. It doesn’t matter your background. Everyone shares the same court. That inclusiveness makes pickleball very attractive.
8. Health is becoming a competitive advantage for entrepreneurs.
Wayne Lim:
MALAYSIA SME has been championing the MALAYSIA SME Sportrepreneur Movement because we believe healthy entrepreneurs build healthier businesses.
How important do you think health is for business leaders today?
Vincent Wong:
It is becoming increasingly important. Business competition continues to grow. Costs are increasing. Markets are changing rapidly. Innovation is essential. But at the same time, entrepreneurs need the physical and mental energy to continue innovating.
Sports help us maintain that energy. Health is no longer separate from business performance. They go together.
9. Besides health, what else does sports contribute to entrepreneurship?
Wayne Lim:
Apart from fitness, what other value do you see?
Henry Low:
Networking. Today’s entrepreneurs need both innovation and connections. Sports provide a platform where relationships develop naturally.
Instead of sitting across a dining table, we play together. That shared experience creates trust. Sometimes business opportunities begin simply because two people enjoyed playing together.
10. MRCA welcomed over 120 business leaders to the festival. What does that tell you?
MJ Ong:
The response has been tremendous. What message does that send?
Vincent Wong:
It shows that entrepreneurs are ready for a different style of engagement. People enjoy learning from one another in a relaxed environment. Today’s event also featured inspiring sharing sessions from industry leaders.
Participants were able to learn, network and exercise, all in one event. That combination makes the experience meaningful.
11. Looking ahead, will sports continue to play a bigger role in MRCA?
Wayne Lim:
Do you see this becoming part of MRCA’s future direction?
Henry Low:
Definitely. This is only the beginning. We hope to organise more activities that combine entrepreneurship, wellness and community building.
Business success should not come at the expense of health. We want our members to grow successful businesses while also enjoying a balanced lifestyle.
Engage, Collaborate, Build Lasting Relationships
The inaugural MRCA Pickleball Festival was about far more than introducing another sport. It represented a shift in how business communities engage, collaborate and build lasting relationships. Sometimes, the most meaningful business conversations begin with a paddle, a pickleball, and a willingness to step onto the court.
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