A Self-Care and Mental Health Centric Event – Pasar Besties 2.0 is Back in Jaya One, Petaling Jaya

A catch-up with your bestie could become a check-in with yourself. It’s okay to not be okay, you don’t need a K-drama-sized plot twist to deserve a little care. 

This coming Sunday, Pasar Besties 2.0 invites visitors to The School, Jaya One, Petaling Jaya, from 10am to 7pm, 18 October for a community market that makes room for good food, creative experiences and conversations about mental wellbeing. I was present at the very first Pasar Besties back in 2024 and I did enjoy myself with the activities and catching up with friends.

You’re invited. So are your feelings. Pasar Besties 2.0 gives “How are you?” a whole new meaning, bringing friendship, everyday self-care and mental health awareness to The School, Jaya One, for one day only on 18 October 2026

With its Camp Besties theme, the returning event (Year 2) combines local shopping, wellness sessions and hands-on workshops with Camp TheraFriends, an approachable introduction to mental health awareness. The aim is to help visitors better understand their emotions, recognise personal stress triggers and explore practical self-care approaches they can continue at home.

Come for the matcha. Make time for yourself.

Visitors do not need to be experiencing a mental health concern to take part. Whether coming with friends, spending time with family or exploring alone, the day offers opportunities to try something new, connect with others and give personal wellbeing a place in everyday plans.

Why an everyday check in matters

Malaysia’s national health data shows a growing need for mental health awareness. The Ministry of Health’s National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 reported that depression prevalence among people aged 16 and above increased from 2.3% in 2019 to 4.6% in 2023, representing approximately one million people. These figures reflect survey screening findings rather than individual clinical diagnoses.

Research also highlights how everyday circumstances can affect wellbeing. Living on the Edge, a UNICEF and UNFPA-funded study based on a late-2023 survey of 755 low-income households across 16 public housing locations in Kuala Lumpur, found that three in four surveyed households said rising living costs adversely affected their mental wellbeing. While specific to the households surveyed, the finding illustrates the emotional weight that financial pressures can carry.

Alongside these pressures, connection matters. The World Health Organization’s 2025 Commission on Social Connection report estimates that one in six people worldwide experiences loneliness. WHO identifies social connection as an important contributor to mental and physical health.

Together, these findings strengthen the case for making awareness and support easier to approach. Community events can create opportunities to meet, share experiences and start conversations, while helping people discover where to turn when they need further guidance.

Building on friendship and community

Pasar Besties’ May 2024 edition, organised by The Butterfly Project at The School, Jaya One, introduced a market built around friendship, mental health awareness and support for local businesses. Its programme brought together participating brands, complimentary workshops and handmade and pre-loved offerings.

Pasar Besties 2.0 builds on that foundation with a more focused introduction to mental wellbeing through Camp TheraFriends, alongside a wider programme of creative and wellness experiences.

Third from the left: Tammy Lim, organiser of Pasar Besties and founder of The Butterfly Project

“We want people to know that they can care for their mental wellbeing before things feel overwhelming,” said Tammy Lim, organiser of Pasar Besties and founder of The Butterfly Project. “Camp Besties brings that conversation into a setting where people can spend time with friends, discover local businesses and try something new. Our hope is that visitors leave with a better understanding of what affects them, a practical self-care idea to explore at home and the confidence to seek support when they need it.”

A little curiosity can be a useful first step

At Camp TheraFriends, visitors can explore a free mental health check-in and six activity stations: HuggyPal Free Hugs, a personality test, sensory slime by Reveri.my, a DIY Emotional Support Pet, visual card reading, and a Give & Take a Message board.

The camp is intended to encourage awareness, reflection and conversation. Its recreational activities are not diagnostic assessments or substitutes for professional mental health care. The organisers’ aim is to make an initial conversation feel less daunting and help participants explore what supports their everyday wellbeing.

The first 200 pre-registered participants will receive a Camp Besties Activity Card with Salonpas and Big Plus samples. Participants who complete the card can redeem a lucky gift, according to the event programme.

Beyond the camp, visitors can discover movement, creative workshops and journalling activities. Programme highlights include Pound with Mis Claire, an Oyster Bois oyster-shucking workshop, a Kerlip workshop, Clean with Curaprox, Therapeaucake’s Cake Canvas, and Taman Hati’s DIY mini terrarium.

Other featured activities include lantern decorating with Let’s Be Whimsy, Pastel Nagomi art with Aarthi, a leather journal cover DIY with Kelang Leather, and a press-on nail workshop with Blushing Nails. Kozie Krafts’ Journal Jam collaborations feature The Tea Depot, Personal Pieces and Partner with Trees, while movement and relaxation experiences include sessions with Move with Samantha, TANA, and Ology3. The event programme also features free self-sampling HPV DNA Test for eligible participants by Program ROSE, supported by Etiqa Cares.

*Wellness sessions and workshops require advance registration, with no walk-ins for these activities. Visitors should check @pasarbesties on Instagram for sign-up details and programme updates.

The intention is for the experience to extend beyond the day itself. WHO’s evidence-informed guide, Doing What Matters in Times of Stress, explains that practical stress-management techniques can be practised for a few minutes each day. Camp Besties similarly encourages visitors to make space for everyday self-care and recognise when further support would be helpful.

Local businesses and partners coming together

The event’s VIP partners and participating NGO are Cameron Fresh; Kedai Mom; Kelapa Flow; Kerlip; Kozie Krafts; KSL Esplanade Hotel and San Onsen; Mis Claire; Oyster Bois; ROSE Foundation (Program ROSE); Reveri; Salonpas; Sleepyhead; Softsrve; Strntum; Taman Hati; Tastebudds; TheraFriends Psychology; Vochelle; Warmies; and Woots Skin.

The vendor line-up comprises 5am Oatclub; Absolute Yana; Aimer Online; Bloop Soda; Blushing Nails; Ce Chad; Curaprox; Donut Susu; Dorsata Honey; Ecominim; Lumi Bumi; Papa Guava; Partner with Trees; Pastries & Co; Pick A Pickle; The Beauty FX; The Daily Broth; The Gooey Cookies; The Tea Depot/Sen & Ro; Therapeaucake; Uncle Jeff; WPS; XALT; and You Gut This.

Together, the line-up gives visitors opportunities to discover local businesses, enjoy food and drinks, explore lifestyle and wellness offerings, and connect through shared activities.

One day only to come together! Bring your bestie, come with family or make it a day for yourself. Pasar Besties 2.0: Camp Besties takes place on Sunday, 18 October 2026, from 10am to 7pm at The School, Jaya One, Petaling Jaya. Browse the market, sign up for a new experience and take a moment to check in with yourself.

If you're interested to know about the programmes and registration information, please visit www.instagram.com/pasarbesties/.

.: Peace Out :.