Stay hydrated, stay positive: Otsuka’s holistic approach to student wellness

Established in 1997 as a subsidiary of Japanese pharmaceutical giant Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Otsuka HK has been an integral part of Hong Kong’s healthcare landscape for over two decades.

Best known in Hong Kong for producing POCARI SWEAT, a popular sports/electrolyte replenishing drink, the company has long been committed to health through its innovative pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.

The DSE programme, launched in 2023, builds on this legacy by focusing specifically 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 has been instrumental in reaching out to the community to promote better health practices.

Their activities are diverse, ranging from public education on nutrition and hydration to physical activity, with a particular focus on the needs of students.

“The Health Education Team plays a crucial role in our outreach work, helping students to better 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.

According to Mr Ueda, the DSE programme is tailored to support not only students, but also teachers and parents by 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, together with our health education team. The programme also includes small group workshops led by professional coaches.

These sessions provide essential knowledge on how to manage mental health and mood-related issues. A highlight of the programme is the specialist exercise workshops that follow each seminar session.

“These are designed to emphasise the importance of exercise for better health and mental wellbeing,” adds Mr Ueda. “Our team focuses on providing practical guidance and techniques for incorporating exercise into daily life.”

While many companies focus primarily on their products from a market-driven perspective, Otsuka HK takes a more community-focused approach by directly addressing local health challenges, he points out.

“While POCARI SWEAT is widely recognised as a sports/electrolyte replenishment drink, its benefits extend beyond athletic use,” he explains.

“Our health education team is dedicated to increasing public understanding of the risks of heat stroke and other dehydration-related conditions. They emphasise the critical importance of maintaining hydration with both water and electrolytes, underscoring our commitment to health beyond simple nutrition.”

The Health Education Team was established in 1999 as a branch of the Nutraceuticals Division. This team is dedicated to providing health education throughout the community.

Initially working with schools to deliver health talks and rehydration seminars, since 2014 they have actively expanded their reach to construction sites and businesses, delivering presentations on nutrition, exercise and effective health management.

Looking ahead, Otsuka HK remains committed to its mission of improving health worldwide.

“Our vision is for Otsuka to be recognised as a major contributor to healthcare when people think about 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 in a comprehensive manner. 

The Nutraceutical Business Line, for example, focuses on maintaining consumer health through products such as POCARI SWEAT, which has been a market mainstay for over 40 years. 

Meanwhile, the pharmaceuticals business addresses areas of unmet medical need such as psychiatry, oncology, nephrology and clinical nutrition. “This dual approach enables us to make a comprehensive contribution to better health,” says Mr Ueda. 

Otsuka’s efforts go beyond traditional healthcare solutions. The company is actively working to raise awareness of various health risks, such as heat stroke and dehydration, and the importance of staying hydrated. 

In addition, given the growing concern about mental health not only in Hong Kong but globally, Otsuka is poised to make significant contributions in this area through public talks, educational campaigns and collaborations with NGOs. 

As Otsuka HK continues to innovate and lead in healthcare solutions, its initiatives such as 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 to pave the way for a healthier, more resilient future for the next generation. 

A firm believer in the mental health benefits of physical activity, Mr Ueda shares his personal routine and its impact. 

“Regular daily outdoor activities such as relaxed walks or slow jogging have significant mental health benefits, especially in the sunshine,” he says. 

“These moments of gentle exercise not only help me to decompress, but also provide a valuable space for clarity and creativity, where my best ideas often take shape.”