(From left) Ling, Tan, Teck Yuen, Tiong, Chun Fai, Prof Liu and Chong at the soft launch of the REN Wellness Retreat. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
DID you know that goji berries can alleviate tired eyes, herbal teas can soothe a raspy throat and barley water can help flush out excessive fluids in the body?
These were the tips given at a press conference during the soft launch of Ren Wellness Retreat in Subang Jaya, Selangor.
Developed by IJM Land, the luxury facility (at the site of the former Holiday Villa Hotel) will offer traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) such as acupuncture, moxibustion and “guasha” when it officially opens in January next year.
Its integrated package of treatments will include pain relief and energy boosters.
There is even a special women’s wellness package to address premenstrual syndrome and stress.
Aside from a panel of registered TCM practitioners recognised by the Health Ministry, the centre will be affiliated with the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM) and Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine First Affiliated Hospital.
BUCM vice-president Prof Liu Cunzhi, who was present for the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the university and the wellness centre during the soft launch, said the varsity would work hand in hand with IJM to build the centre into a model for China-Malaysia cooperation in traditional Chinese medicine.
“BUCM will fully support the centre’s operations from dispatching more experts for clinical services and training, to opening research platforms for joint studies on traditional medicines,” said Liu.
For an idea of what the centre would offer, Ren Wellness Retreat head of healthcare and wellness Dr Teo Chiah Shean gave several examples.
“A patient who is recovering from a stroke may have rehabilitation physiotherapy, acupuncture and herbal drinks to aid recovery.
“A teenager recovering from abrasions and sprains following a minor motorbike accident may be given herbal remedies to aid pain relief, reduce swelling and improve muscle healing.”
IJM Land head of hospitality and wellness Joseph Skipps said the centre was not meant for palliative care, but as a facility to maintain wellness, rehabilitation and recovery.
“On a typical day when we’re completely open, there may be an outpatient who’s coming for their second visit for moxibustion.
“Other guests may be checking in for personalised health packages with lifestyle and diet recommendations to maintain balance and prevent illness.”
In his speech, IJM Land chief executive officer Datuk Tony Ling described the concept of the wellness centre as unique.
“Modern medicine excels in treatment for illnesses, but for prevention and recovery, there are not many of such facilities.
“So we are combining all three using traditional medicine, which is something quite new.
“More importantly, this is done in a setting of luxurious premium hospitality.”
Ling said the centre marked a significant milestone for IJM Land.
This is because it has moved beyond traditional property development, by transforming the space left behind by a former hotel.
“Ren Wellness retreat is a natural progression of our commitment to elevate quality of life.
“This is not merely a business extension, it is a strategy and timely response to global shifts in lifestyle traits and evolving expectations around quality of life,” he added.
Present at the soft launch as guest of honour was Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, who cut the ribbon with IJM Land chairman Datuk Lee Teck Yuen, IJM Corporation group chief executive officer and managing director Datuk Lee Chun Fai, independent non-executive director Tan Ting Min and group chief financial officer Datuk Edward Chong.
In his speech, Tiong said the wellness retreat should be promoted overseas as the medical tourism sector has become a significant growth driver for the economy.
“In 2023 alone, the health tourism industry generated over RM2.25bil in revenue.
“The spread-over effect across related sectors such as transportation, accommodation, food and beverage and other services was around RM9.6bil,” said Tiong.
He added that the opening of Ren Wellness Retreat would be a timely one as it coincided with the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
