Interview: The Founders of Women’s Wellness Festival 2.0 on Empowering Women & Redefining Holistic Living
Strength in sisterhood
In this edition of “If Found, Return to Malaysia”, BURO sits down with Diane Chia, Raja Jesrina Arshad, and Sarah Lian, the visionary women behind Women’s Wellness Festival (WWF) 2.0, for a chat about creating holistic wellness, fostering community, and empowering women across all stages of life.
Few things are as inspiring as women uniting to make change, and Diane Chia, Raja Jesrina Arshad, and Sarah Lian are leading the way. Each has made her mark in Malaysia’s wellness landscape: Diane is reimagining longevity through Millennia Village; Jesrina is bridging ancestral remedies with modern living at PurelyB; and Sarah is cultivating safe, healing spaces for women to connect through Supparetreat.
Individually, they’ve championed different aspects of wellbeing. Together, they’ve created the Women’s Wellness Festival (WWF) 2.0, a pioneering event that celebrates holistic living at every stage of life. Beyond wellness trends, the festival invites women to move, rest, and rediscover balance through mindful experiences and meaningful conversations.
What started as three distinct visions has blossomed into a collective movement rooted in sisterhood, strength, and self-care. It’s a reminder that growth doesn’t have to be a solitary journey, and that true wellness thrives in community. Ahead, we speak to the three founders about the story behind their collaboration and their hopes for the future of women’s wellbeing.
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WAS THERE A SPECIFIC MOMENT OR SHARED VISION THAT SPARKED THE IDEA FOR WOMEN’S WELLNESS FESTIVAL (WWF) 2.0?
Diane: Jesrina and I had always wanted to collaborate, even though we each run our own supplement brands. We noticed that many in the wellness space were competing instead of collaborating, and thought, why not come together to do something meaningful for the community?
We hosted the first edition of WWF at Millennia Village, and the turnout and feedback were overwhelmingly positive. It was clear the community wanted more, so within the same year, we started planning for WWF 2.0. This time, we knew we wanted to bring Sarah and Supparetreat into the fold. She adds such a beautiful and unique dimension to what the festival represents.
Jesrina: Diane and I have always talked about creating something bigger than our individual brands—something that truly serves women. We both share a deep passion for helping women live healthier, more balanced lives, but from different angles: she focuses on longevity, fitness, and holistic living, while I focus on ancestral herbal remedies and natural healing.
When Sarah joined us, it felt complete. Her work in women’s empowerment through Supparetreat brought in that emotional and mental wellness layer. Together, we realised we could build something truly impactful for women in Malaysia—not just an event, but a movement that celebrates women at every stage of life.
Sarah: I just felt so connected to their vision that I asked if I could also come in and work on WWF 2.0 with them together, and here we are!
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MERGE YOUR EXPERTISE UNDER ONE FESTIVAL?
D: We wanted to create something that speaks especially to women in their 40s, a group that’s often overlooked in the wellness conversation. WWF was born out of the need to celebrate all facets of wellbeing, from physical to emotional to spiritual, and to make it inclusive, nurturing, and empowering. It’s something we ourselves longed for, a space where women of all ages can come together, feel seen, and reconnect with themselves in a deeper way.
J: For me, wellness has always been about returning to our roots. Through PurelyB, I’ve spent the past decade reviving natural remedies and ancestral Malaysian wellness wisdom that supported women’s wellbeing for generations. So, coming together with Diane and Sarah felt like a natural evolution—combining ancient wisdom, mindful living, longevity, modern wellness, and real-life sisterhood.
S: It just made so much sense to us because we could see how all of us brought such different levels of expertise to the table. Collaboration with decades worth of friendship allowed us to see what we could build together and support one another in a totally different way.
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IN YOUR OWN WORDS, WHAT TRULY SETS THIS WELLNESS FESTIVAL APART FROM OTHERS WE’VE SEEN IN MALAYSIA?
D: Across Asia and here in Malaysia, we’ve seen a wave of fitness-focused events like Hyrox and run clubs. While they’re great for building community and encouraging movement, they often highlight the performance side of wellness, the “go faster, do more” mindset. What we felt was missing was something more intentional—a space that invites people to slow down, tune in, and embrace wellness in its fullest, most holistic form.
WWF 2.0 stands apart because it truly is all-encompassing. It’s the largest wellness event of its kind in Malaysia, bringing together over 40 experts and facilitators, from YB Hannah Yeoh to doctors, mental health counsellors, and mindfulness coaches. Then, there’s our curated marketplace, all designed to create a truly immersive experience.
J: What makes this festival special is that it’s built by women, for women with intention and heart. It’s not just a day of talks and activities; it’s a full sensory experience with rituals, healing food, movement, and conversations that inspire transformation.
I also love that we’re spotlighting Malaysian wellness which is not typical in wellness festivals. We’re highlighting Malaysian rainforest herbs, ancestral remedies, and local wellness brands. Malaysia has so much to offer the world in this wellness space. We’re creating a community that celebrates heritage and healing in a modern, accessible way.
S: We’re taking a multi-dimensional approach this year, creating a programme that really means something. It’s not just about what you experience at the festival but how connected you feel while you’re there, to yourself, to others, and to the moment. Our theme, ‘Wellness in Motion’, is all about exploring different sides of wellbeing and mindful living. It’s an invitation to move, breathe, learn, and just be surrounded by a community that’s doing the same.
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THE FESTIVAL’S THEME THIS YEAR EMPHASISES LIVING WELL AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE. HOW DO YOU HOPE TO REDEFINE WELLNESS FROM WOMEN ACROSS DIFFERENT GENERATIONS?
D: While the festival is women-focused, it’s designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all ages. We’ve curated sessions that speak to different life stages, for example, fitness classes led by women in their 40s for women in their 40s, because our bodies and needs naturally evolve with time. It’s about embracing that shift rather than resisting it.
At the same time, the emphasis on slowing down, tuning into mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing isn’t just relevant to midlife. It’s something I believe younger generations, like Gen Z, can deeply benefit from too. Wellness isn’t static; it evolves with us. From popular practices like pilates to more introspective modalities like Reiki, WWF 2.0 helps women (and men) connect with themselves in more mindful and meaningful ways, no matter their age.
J: As a woman in my 40s, I can relate to the physical, hormonal, and emotional changes many women go through, from fertility to perimenopause and beyond. Wellness shouldn’t feel overwhelming or out of reach; it should be empowering and natural. Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or 50s, you deserve to thrive. There are a variety of age-old and modern solutions to help you do just that.
S: We wanted to focus on what it means to be a woman, not just the roles we play. Our women’s focus is on topics that connect us as women, the sisterhood, as well as the cycles of what it means to be a woman.
YOU’RE BLENDING ANCIENT WISDOM WITH MODERN SCIENCE AND LIFESTYLE PRACTICES. HOW DO YOU STRIKE THAT BALANCE WITHOUT LOSING THE AUTHENTICITY OF EITHER APPROACH?
D: For me, it’s about harmony rather than balance. Ancient wisdom and modern science aren’t opposing forces—they actually complement each other beautifully when approached with respect and intention. Ancient practices like breathwork, meditation, and energy healing remind us to slow down, reconnect, and listen to our bodies, while modern science gives us the data and tools to understand why these practices work.
We’ve been very mindful to curate experiences that honour both, where tradition meets innovation in a way that feels natural and grounded. Authenticity comes from staying true to the intention behind each practice, whether it’s thousands of years old or newly discovered.
J: That’s really at the heart of what we do at PurelyB. I’ve always believed that ancestral knowledge and modern science don’t compete, but rather, they complete each other. Our Malaysian rainforest remedies, like Pegaga and Tiger Milk Mushroom, have been used for centuries and are now backed by modern research. This combination elevates the benefits and accessibility of these botanicals and remedies, transforming people’s health on an even deeper level.
At the festival, we wanted to reflect that same philosophy where women can explore natural healing rituals, experiences, and solutions alongside evidence-based wellness practices. It’s about giving women options that are authentic, safe, and sustainable.
S: Intentionality comes to mind and it’s a holistic view of the way we approach our lives. All of these factors like modern science, mindful lifestyle practices, and ancient wisdom complement the whole picture of living and feeling better.
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WELLNESS CAN SOMETIMES FEEL LIKE ANOTHER PRESSURE TO “DO IT ALL RIGHT”. HOW DOES WWF 2.0 AIM TO CREATE A SAFE, INCLUSIVE SPACE THAT EMBRACES IMPERFECTION AND REAL-LIFE BALANCE?
D: That’s such an important point, because wellness today can sometimes feel like another checklist: eat clean, meditate daily, hit 10,000 steps. That pressure can become the very opposite of what wellness should be. We wanted to create a space that feels safe, real, and human. A place where women can show up exactly as they are whether they’re thriving, struggling, or somewhere in between.
It’s not about perfection or comparison, but about connection and curiosity. Our programming reflects that, from workshops on self-compassion and boundaries to movement sessions that celebrate what your body can do, not what it “should” do. We want women to leave feeling lighter, seen, and supported, knowing that wellness isn’t about doing everything right. It’s about doing what feels right for you.
J: I know that feeling so well as a woman founder running my business for 10 years, but also juggling family and life commitments. It feels like we are constantly balancing a million things. We wanted to create a festival where women can simply breathe, where they don’t need to have it all figured out or fit into a “perfect” wellness routine.
The beauty of WWF 2.0 is that it’s a judgement-free zone, where you can explore what wellness means to you. Maybe that’s a sound bath, maybe it’s dancing, maybe it’s sitting quietly and reconnecting with yourself, maybe it’s self discovery, and exploring new things you’ve been curious about. The point is: wellness doesn’t have to be complicated.
S: From a coach’s perspective, we are creating a space for self-enquiry and discovery for each participant to decide what’s best for them. Our wellness approach is to meet everyone where they are and to support them on where they want to go.
THE FESTIVAL LINEUP IS IMPRESSIVELY DIVERSE. HOW DID YOU CURATE THESE EXPERIENCES TO REFLECT WOMEN’S HOLISTIC NEEDS TODAY?
D: Every activity, from ice baths to hormone health workshops and ecstatic dance, was carefully chosen to serve a deeper purpose. It’s not just about what’s trending, but about what truly supports women through the different seasons of their lives.
We looked at wellness through multiple lenses: physical vitality, emotional release, mental clarity, and spiritual grounding and asked ourselves, “What would make women feel renewed, empowered, and connected?” The result is a lineup that invites exploration, balance, and joy. Whether someone comes for the movement, the science, or the stillness, we want every woman to walk away feeling nourished in every sense.
J: We made sure to include something for everyone. We wanted the festival to feel personal, like it’s meeting you exactly where you are in your wellness journey. And I really want to give credit to Sarah and Diane, they took the lead in curating these incredible experiences and brought everything together so seamlessly.
S: We all came into the festival with different experiences and wanted to cherry-pick the very best of what we’ve learned. Each of us has our own community, and it’s amazing to see how those circles can grow and benefit from the wellness leaders we bring into the space.
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AS FEMALE FOUNDERS LEADING THIS INITIATIVE, WHAT PERSONAL LESSONS OR CHALLENGES HAVE SHAPED YOUR OWN WELLNESS JOURNEYS?
D: Losing my mother to cancer was one of the most defining moments of my life. It made me see wellness in a completely different light, not as something aesthetic or external, but as something deeply personal, emotional, and rooted in longevity and self-care. It taught me that health is precious, and that taking care of ourselves is not selfish, but necessary.
I’ve navigated my own chapters of stress, work pressures, and even the emotional journey of egg freezing. Through it all, I’ve learned the importance of tuning out the noise and doing things for me. Not to meet expectations or tick boxes, but to genuinely feel well and whole.
J: When I first started PurelyB, it came from my own personal journey of burnout and healing. In my early 30s, I was constantly on the go, working hard but ignoring my body’s signals. Eventually, my health began to break down. I developed eczema, chronic constipation, exhaustion, and sudden food allergies to gluten, dairy, and eggs. Modern medicine didn’t work, and I felt defeated until I went back to my roots, healing with nature, going more plant-based, and consuming Malaysian herbs.
That experience completely changed my life and I was able to overcome long-term symptoms within a week. It inspired me to share that knowledge and help others heal too. Building PurelyB over the past decade—and now expanding to the U.S. and Singapore—while staying true to our roots hasn’t been easy, but it’s been deeply fulfilling. I’ve learned that real success isn’t just about growth; it’s about alignment, staying true to your values, your purpose, and building something that helps the greater good.
S: I’ve lived a very public life, building my career in entertainment over the past 25 years. When you’re trying to figure out your own path while everyone is watching, it can be challenging. But sharing my story and being honest about who I am has been a major turning point for me. It has also shown me the kind of vision I want for Supparetreat, creating spaces where people can feel safe as they navigate their own journeys.
Amplifying Supparetreat’s purpose has sometimes been a struggle because our focus has always been so intimate and personal. But with this festival, we’re incredibly grateful to have sponsors who truly believe in what we’re building.
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COMMUNITY SEEMS TO BE AT THE HEART OF THIS FESTIVAL. WHY IS SISTERHOOD AND COLLECTIVE HEALING SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART OF WOMEN’S WELLNESS TODAY?
D: When we talk about living well and even living to 100, community is one of the most powerful factors that determines our longevity, happiness, and overall wellbeing. We often hear that you become the average of the five people you spend the most time with, and I truly believe that. The energy, mindset, and values of those around you shape how you show up in the world.
For me, it’s always been about thriving together. Sisterhood and collective healing remind us that we don’t have to do it all alone. When women come together to support, share, and lift each other, something incredibly powerful happens. That’s the heartbeat of WWF 2.0: creating a space where connection becomes medicine, and where women can rise higher because they’re surrounded by others who want to see them shine.
J: Because I’ve lived it. PurelyB was built on community from day one, and founded by seven women co-founders. We wouldn’t be here without the women who supported us, shared their stories, and believed in natural healing. When women gather, share openly, and hold space for one another, it’s healing on every level. That’s what we’re creating at the festival—not just a day of wellness, but a day of connection, growth, and collective strength.
S: Studies have shown that building community supports both health and longevity, which is why creating spaces where people feel seen and supported is so important to us. Our message is simple: you don’t have to navigate life alone. Our own friendships have been strengthened through honest conversations and moments of vulnerability. This sisterhood we’ve built will carry us through our silver years, and we know what a gift that kind of connection can be for everyone.
FINALLY, WHAT IS YOUR HOPE FOR EVERY WOMAN WHO WALKS THROUGH THE FESTIVAL DOORS AND FROM THE EXPERIENCE AFTER?
D: My biggest hope is that every woman walks in with an open mind and heart, ready to experience something new to receive, to heal, and to simply be. There’s so much power in being present, in allowing yourself to slow down and connect, not just with others but with yourself.
I want each woman to leave with something positive—a shift in energy, a sense of gratitude, or even just a small reminder of how blessed we are to be here, surrounded by so many incredible women. And most of all, I hope she leaves feeling inspired, recharged, and already looking forward to coming back for more.
J: My hope is that every woman walks away feeling seen, inspired, and empowered. Whether it’s through a breakthrough moment, a heartfelt conversation, or discovering a new wellness ritual, I want her to leave lighter, more connected, and ready to prioritise herself again.
If even one woman walks away feeling like she has the tools and confidence to care for herself more naturally and intentionally, then our festival is a success. Wellness isn’t a trend; it’s a way of life, and every woman deserves to thrive in it.
S: Take action for yourself. You don’t have to feel alone in life. That’s why we call it ‘Wellness in Motion’ because growth happens together, in community.
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