As Hong Kong students prepare for the rigorous Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exams, their mental well-being has become a critical concern. Recognizing this, Otsuka Pharmaceutical (H.K.) Ltd. (Otsuka HK) has introduced the De-stress Express (DSE) programme to help students build resilience and manage stress effectively.
Otsuka HK, a subsidiary of the Japanese pharmaceutical giant Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, has been an essential part of Hong Kong’s healthcare landscape since 1997. Best known for producing POCARI SWEAT, a popular sports and electrolyte replenishing drink, the company has a longstanding commitment to health through its innovative pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.
Launched in 2023, the DSE programme focuses on supporting the mental health of students preparing for the DSE exams. “We know that physical health is linked to mental health,” says Mr. Koji Ueda, Managing Director of Otsuka Pharmaceutical (H.K.) Ltd. “With the DSE programme, we aim to maintain a positive attitude and improve mental health through exercise and stress management techniques.”
At the heart of the programme is Otsuka’s Health Education Team within the Nutraceuticals Division. This team plays a vital role in promoting better health practices within the community, focusing on the needs of students. Their activities include public education on nutrition and hydration, as well as physical activity.
“The Health Education Team helps students understand and manage their health, which is vital to their overall success, especially as they approach critical exams such as the DSE,” explains Mr. Ueda. The DSE programme supports not only students but also teachers and parents, offering a comprehensive range of educational seminars.
These seminars are led by professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers from the Hong Kong Mental Wellness Association, along with Otsuka’s health education team. The programme also includes small group workshops led by professional coaches, providing essential knowledge on managing mental health and mood-related issues. Specialist exercise workshops following each seminar emphasize the importance of exercise for better health and mental well-being.
“These workshops are designed to integrate exercise into daily life, offering practical guidance and techniques,” adds Mr. Ueda. Unlike many companies that focus primarily on their products, Otsuka HK takes a community-focused approach by directly addressing local health challenges.
“While POCARI SWEAT is widely recognized as a sports and electrolyte replenishment drink, its benefits extend beyond athletic use,” Mr. Ueda explains. The Health Education Team increases public understanding of heat stroke and dehydration risks, emphasizing the importance of hydration with both water and electrolytes.
Established in 1999 as a branch of the Nutraceuticals Division, the Health Education Team initially worked with schools to deliver health talks and rehydration seminars. Since 2014, they have expanded their reach to construction sites and businesses, delivering presentations on nutrition, exercise, and effective health management.
Looking ahead, Otsuka HK remains committed to improving health worldwide. “Our vision is for Otsuka to be recognized as a major contributor to healthcare in the 21st century,” says Mr. Ueda. “We are committed to innovating and providing solutions that address current health concerns and anticipate future challenges.”
Otsuka’s unique “two-wheel business” model, comprising both nutraceutical and pharmaceutical divisions, enables it to address a wide range of health issues comprehensively. The Nutraceutical Business Line focuses on maintaining consumer health through products such as POCARI SWEAT, a market staple for over 40 years. Meanwhile, the Pharmaceuticals Division addresses unmet medical needs in areas like psychiatry, oncology, nephrology, and clinical nutrition.
“This dual approach allows us to make a comprehensive contribution to better health,” says Mr. Ueda. Otsuka’s efforts extend beyond traditional healthcare solutions. The company actively raises awareness of various health risks, such as heat stroke and dehydration, and the importance of staying hydrated.
Given the growing global concern about mental health, Otsuka is poised to make significant contributions through public talks, educational campaigns, and collaborations with NGOs. As Otsuka HK continues to innovate in healthcare solutions, initiatives like the DSE programme underscore its commitment to improving the well-being of Hong Kong students.
By addressing both physical and mental health, Otsuka is helping pave the way for a healthier, more resilient future for the next generation. Mr. Ueda, a firm believer in the mental health benefits of physical activity, shares his personal routine. “Regular daily outdoor activities like relaxed walks or slow jogging have significant mental health benefits, especially in the sunshine,” he says. “These moments of gentle exercise help me decompress and provide valuable space for clarity and creativity, where my best ideas often take shape.”
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