Shine Bright 2.0: Pickleball Brings Malaysia’s SME Community Together
Pickleball might not be the first sport that comes to mind when you think of business networking, but Malaysia’s SME Association is betting big on it. The Shine Bright SME Pickleball Tournament 2026 is set to bring entrepreneurs, families, and teams together in Shah Alam on 11 October 2026, blending wellness with community building in a way that feels both refreshing and timely.
This year’s edition is jointly organised by the Women Entrepreneurs Bureau and the Young Entrepreneurs Bureau—marking the first time the two arms have collaborated on Shine Bright. It follows the success of last year’s Shine Bright 1.0, a 5km Fun Run at KL Tower that drew more than 3,000 participants.
Datuk Miccele Siow, national vice-president of the Women Entrepreneurs Bureau, said the event was designed to create space for connection and healthier living.
“We are especially pleased that the Women Entrepreneurs Bureau and SME Young Entrepreneurs Bureau are joining hands for the first time to organise Shine Bright,” Siow noted. “By bringing women and young entrepreneurs together, we hope to combine experience, fresh ideas and new energy, while creating more opportunities for networking, collaboration and community building. At the heart of Shine Bright is a simple message: to build a strong business, we must also build a healthy lifestyle.”
The tournament will feature three categories—Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles—with around 200 participants expected to take part.
For Teh Gaik Cheong, national council member of the Young Entrepreneurs Bureau, pickleball itself is a fitting metaphor for entrepreneurship.
“Pickleball reminds us that, just like in business, teamwork and collaboration are essential. As entrepreneurs, we should continue to embrace new trends, keep our mindset young and take care of our health. Through Shine Bright, we hope to build stronger friendships, connections and opportunities within the SME community,” added Cheong.
Dr Chin Chee Seong, national president of the SME Association of Malaysia, framed the initiative as part of a wider mission to strengthen the SME ecosystem. He noted: “Shine Bright SME Pickleball Tournament 2026 is more than just a sporting event. It reflects the spirit of our SME community—staying active, building meaningful relationships and creating opportunities to connect beyond business. Through this initiative, we hope to encourage our women and young entrepreneurs to come together, strengthen their networks and build a stronger sense of community.”
It’s a simple idea, really: sport as a bridge. By encouraging entrepreneurs to step off the boardroom floor and onto the court, Shine Bright 2.0 is aiming to prove that healthier bodies and stronger connections can go hand in hand.
