News & Stories
Mar 5, 2025
While some still see it as just another fleeting trend, one entrepreneur is proving that pickleball is here to stay. Leading this movement is Janet, a passionate player-turned-entrepreneur, who is determined to build a thriving pickleball ecosystem through her company, Picklefox.
A Passion Turned Business
Janet’s journey began in April 2024 when she first picked up a pickleball paddle. What started as a casual game quickly became a business venture, and within weeks, she launched Picklefox—a brand dedicated to supplying high-quality pickleball gear and fostering the sport’s growth in Malaysia.
More than just an equipment store, Picklefox offers a carefully curated selection of paddles and accessories from top-tier brands like CRBN, Proton, and Ronbus. By ensuring fair pricing and authenticity, the company has quickly become a trusted name among players of all skill levels.
(Photo Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122110328084619349&set=pb.61568580470179.-2207520000)
Investing in Community and Youth Development
Beyond retail, Janet envisions Picklefox as a platform to grow pickleball at all levels. The company has taken proactive steps to introduce the sport to younger generations by collaborating with international schools such as IGBIS and Alice Smith. Through after-school programs and youth camps, Picklefox is creating opportunities for students to engage with the sport from an early age.
To further develop the competitive scene, Picklefox has also organized DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) sessions and tournaments. These events help standardize player rankings and encourage more structured competition across Malaysia.
A State-of-the-Art Facility in the Works
One of Picklefox’s most ambitious projects is the development of a dedicated pickleball facility in Kuala Lumpur. More than just a playing space, this venue is designed to be a hub for training, events, and community engagement.
What sets this facility apart is its integration of cutting-edge technology. Janet has announced that Malaysia’s first smart pickleball courts will be featured at the venue, equipped with AI and IoT technology to enhance training and performance analysis.
(Photo Source: https://vulcanpost.com/881527/picklefox-pickleball-equipment-accessories-store-kl-malaysia/)
Bringing Global Standards to Malaysia
Janet’s background in business and technology, having co-founded ventures like FutureLab Asia and Hyperlab, has given her the skills to scale Picklefox effectively. Her experience in branding and strategic partnerships has been crucial in securing exclusive deals with leading pickleball brands, ensuring Malaysian players have access to top-tier equipment.
Since many of these brands primarily cater to markets in the U.S. and Australia, it has been challenging to bring their products to Asia. However, Picklefox has successfully built relationships with these manufacturers, positioning itself as a key distributor in the region.
The Road Ahead: Sustainability and Expansion
Janet and her team at Picklefox are committed to proving that pickleball is more than just a passing trend. Their long-term strategy includes:
Developing Malaysia’s first smart pickleball courts to enhance training and competition
Sponsoring and training professional athletes to compete at the regional and global levels
Hosting major tournaments and DUPR-rated events to establish a structured league system
Expanding school and youth programs to build a pipeline of future players
Leveraging social media and educational content to engage and educate new audiences
“When top-tier facilities exist, people start taking the sport seriously,” Janet explains. “This transforms pickleball from being a casual activity into a legitimate and sustainable sport.”
(Photo Source: https://www.instagram.com/picklefox_com/p/C_KOJPivFbq/?img_index=1)
The Future of Pickleball in Malaysia
With Picklefox leading the charge, Malaysia is poised to become a major player in the global pickleball scene. As more individuals, schools, and investors recognize the sport’s potential, its presence will only continue to grow.
For Janet, this is more than just a business—it’s a movement. And with the right infrastructure and community support, pickleball in Malaysia is set for an exciting and enduring future.
