Paddle for Pink raises RM7,000 for breast cancer care

In a powerful display of community spirit, hundreds of Penangites came together at the Paddle for Pink: Pickleball Fundraising Tournament, raising RM7,000 to support breast cancer patients and survivors across Malaysia. Organised by TalkHealthAsia.com, the nation’s leading patient advocacy platform, the event was hosted at the brand-new courts of PickleGen Pickleball Giant, Bayan Baru.

More than just a game, the tournament drew participation from diverse quarters — corporate teams from Dell Technologies, Jabil, and Altera Corporation, medical personnel from LohGuanLye Specialists Centre and Sunway Medical Centre Penang, and rival pickleball centres that put competition aside to champion a shared goal: ensuring equitable breast cancer survivorship. The funds raised will directly benefit B40 patients and those in financial need, enabling them to attend the Malaysian Breast Cancer Summit 2025 (MBCS25) in Kuala Lumpur — a national platform focused on empowering patients and equipping healthcare providers.

“The successful turnout today proves we’re indeed stronger when we stand together, in line with this year’s summit theme,” said Lim Po Lin, Founder and CEO of TalkHealthAsia. “The chance to survive breast cancer shouldn’t be a privilege, but a human right for everyone.”

Women leaders serve up inspiration

Among the day’s most memorable moments was the Women in Leadership Pickleball Exhibition Match, which saw Penang’s pioneering female leaders take to the court in solidarity with breast cancer fighters. Dato’ Ong Bee Leng, CEO of Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC), was among the key figures who participated.

“PWDC is proud to support this initiative in raising breast cancer awareness—not just within a particular group, but for everyone,” said Dato’ Ong. “The B40 community is often left out due to lack of resources. That’s why the public support shown today is so important.”

YABhg Madam Tan Lean Kee, wife of the Chief Minister of Penang, also lent her support, lauding the people of Penang for continuing their strong advocacy.

“It’s heartening to see TalkHealthAsia and the Penang community come together,” she said. “I’m proud that Penang hosted the first Malaysian Breast Cancer Summit last year, and even prouder that Penangnites continue to support this important cause.”

Pickleball unites all

True to its motto, “pickleball for every generation”, venue partner PickleGen fielded a team spanning ages 10 to 70, symbolising inclusivity and intergenerational unity. Pickleball centres across Penang — including Pickleball Yard Penang, WIRASPORTS Pickleball Hideout @ Gurney, PickleSky, G.O.A.T Pickle Club and Penang Pickleball Club — joined hands with PickleGen in this community-driven mission.

“Pickleball truly unites all ages on one court,” said PickleGen owner Pauline Teoh, who was visibly moved by the turnout.

The event also received strong support from the Penang Pickleball Association, which played a key role in spreading awareness and promoting sport for social change. YB Gooi Zi Sen, Penang State EXCO for Youth, Sports and Health, emphasised sport’s potential to spark meaningful movements.

“Pickleball, and sport in general, has a unique power to connect people,” he said. “Today, it brought Penang’s youth together for something bigger than the game.”

Fueling change in breast cancer care

The central goal of Paddle for Pink went beyond the court—it aimed to level the playing field in access to breast cancer care. Physicians and health leaders were not only present, but actively participated in the games, reinforcing the day’s purpose.

“Events like Paddle for Pink don’t just raise funds—they raise awareness and remind us that access to quality breast cancer care must be a shared priority,” said Dr Kiley Loh Wei-Jen, Breast Medical Oncologist and MBCS25 Partnerships & Advocacy Chair.

“No one should face breast cancer alone,” echoed Dr Teoh Mei Shi, Breast and Endocrine Surgeon and MBCS25 Patient-Survivor Programme Chair. “Today was about showing pink warriors we’re in this together.”

The tournament’s prizes, sponsored by local businesses and pickleball venues, further reflected the community’s united front in supporting Malaysia’s breast cancer patients and survivors.

As the final whistle blew, the message was loud and clear: community-driven efforts like Paddle for Pink are reshaping the landscape of cancer care in Malaysia. With every rally and serve, TalkHealthAsia is pushing for a future where no patient is left behind.

For more information on the Malaysian Breast Cancer Summit 2025, visit: https://mbcs25.talkhealthasia.com/