Celebrating Unity and Growth at EW Global’s First Team-Building Retreat

KOTA KINABALU, May 11 — Over 140 team members from European Wellness Global (EWG) gathered at The Magellan Sutera Resort for the company’s inaugural team-building retreat, held from May 10 to 11, 2025.

The two-day event, themed “X-Factor as a Team,” was designed to strengthen unity, inspire innovation, and cultivate leadership across all levels of the organization. Participants came from various branches across Malaysia—including Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Kota Kinabalu—reflecting the shared commitment to collaboration and growth as one EWG family

Hands-On Collaboration and Leadership Development

Participants were grouped into teams of around 10 and took part in a series of hands-on challenges aimed at building trust, strengthening leadership abilities, and encouraging creative collaboration. Day 1 featured energetic games such as Paper Run, Blind Ball Grab, Magic Carpet, and Water Grenade, each requiring teams to strategize under pressure and work as one.

“Paper Run really showed us how much faster and more efficient we could be when we worked together with focus and a shared goal,” said one participant.

Day 2’s highlight, Project Skyfall, had participants build paper planes under tight constraints, simulating real-world project specifications and resource limitations. Team members rotated through roles like project manager and engineer while incorporating simulated customer feedback to refine their builds.

“The exercises pushed us to think outside the box and apply our skills in new ways,” noted a participant.

Nurturing a Culture of Feedback and Innovation

Beyond the games, the program focused on developing soft skills essential for workplace excellence—especially in leadership and communication. Feedback sessions were integrated throughout the retreat, reinforcing a culture of open dialogue and continuous improvement.

“Being the project manager taught me valuable lessons in leadership and the importance of teamwork in achieving our goals,” shared another team member.

The retreat resulted in stronger cross-departmental connections, improved communication, and a renewed sense of purpose. Teams left with actionable insights to carry into their daily work.

A Night to Remember: Havana Theme Celebration

The retreat concluded with the EW Annual Dinner, a Havana Nights-themed celebration that brought colour, music, and camaraderie to the fore. Guests arrived dressed in Cuban-inspired fashion, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening of entertainment and appreciation.

Haslan Bin Abdullah (@achan2017) and Jessica Teo Siaw Fui, were named Best Dressed Male and Female, respectively, for their standout style and flair.

Achan exuding style and flair that captured everyone’s attention. Jessica impressed with her elegant attire and confident presence. Their impeccable fashion choices added a touch of glamour to the evening, making them standout examples of style and sophistication at the event.

Highlights of the night showcased the diverse talents within the team. Jochelly John from the Admin Department wowed the audience with a classic hit “Hombo” by Fanzi Ruji and a medley of folk songs by Francis Landong which got everybody dancing along in Sabahan traditional dance moves. Another performance highlight was by Shannel Hazel, from Logistics, also left a lasting impression with her heartfelt performance of Lady Gaga’s “I’ll Always Remember Us This Way” inspired by her personal experience.

Lucky draw prizes kept excitement high throughout the evening, with winners taking home everything from branded headphones to household appliances, and the grand prize of a RM9000 massage chair—thanks to the contributions of various generous sponsors.

Words from Leadership: A Vision of Growth and Unity

In a pre-recorded video message, Prof. Mike Chan, Chairman and Founder of EW Biomedical Group, expressed his pride in the team’s efforts:

“My wife, Michelle Wong, and I have been on this journey together for over 46 years in this industry. We’ve built this company side by side, and for the past 42 years, it’s been our shared mission to grow and serve with purpose. Although we can’t be with you tonight, please know that we’re with you in spirit,

“Michelle is currently in Melbourne spending time with our children, and I’m en route to Munich for ongoing collaborations with the Chinese and German governments. But distance doesn’t change the bond we share. To all of you—every team member—we are one family,

“Let’s work together, appreciating each other’s efforts and striving for the greater good of the company.”

Meanwhile, Chief Operating Officer, Francis Chung echoed this sentiment in his speech: “This is our first team-building exercise, and it’s truly inspiring to see everyone come together with such enthusiasm and dedication. Tonight, we celebrate not only our achievements, but the spirit of teamwork that defines us,” he said. “Let’s continue to build on the lessons learned and strengthen our bonds as we move forward,” he added.

A Foundation for the Future

The success of EW Global’s inaugural team-building retreat signals the beginning of a stronger, more unified team culture. By prioritising unity, skill-building, and positive engagement, the organisation reaffirmed its commitment to excellence—not just in biomedical innovation, but in the strength and collaboration of its people.

As European Wellness Global continues to lead in the field of regenerative medicine, initiatives like this lay the foundation for a motivated, cohesive, and forward-thinking team.