In a wellness industry often driven by loud promises and glossy marketing, Carole Jayaletchimy has built her leadership philosophy around restraint, rigour and trust.
When News Hub Asia met the general manager of DSAB Holdings Sdn Bhd earlier this week, the conversation moved quickly beyond products and sales. Instead, Carole spoke about regulation, responsibility and why she believes the future of herbal and Ayurvedic wellness in Asia depends less on trends and more on discipline.
“It was never about launching another supplement,” she said. “It was about respecting traditional knowledge while protecting consumers in a highly regulated space.”
That question has shaped her stewardship of DSAB Holdings, a Malaysian wellness company operating at the intersection of traditional medicine and modern healthcare governance. As interest in herbal and Ayurvedic solutions gains renewed momentum across Southeast Asia – a trend receiving regional attention this week amid Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Malaysia – DSAB’s positioning reflects a broader shift towards evidence-based alternative treatment.
Under her leadership, DSAB has focused on distributing imported traditional health products developed by medical professionals and scientists, positioning them as complementary rather than curative solutions. Rather than bold consumer claims, the company prioritises regulatory compliance, quality assurance and professional engagement.
“Regulatory challenges exist everywhere,” Carole said, noting that traditional medicine faces differing approval frameworks across markets. “If we want this sector to be taken seriously, we must be prepared to sit at the same table as regulators, scientists and clinicians – and we must speak their language.”
DSAB works closely with doctors, independent pharmacists and registered traditional practitioners, she said, framing its products as part of a broader conversation around preventive care rather than standalone treatment. Education and transparency, she added, are central to building long-term credibility.
“We have a responsibility not to overpromise,” she said. “Trust is built when we are honest about what these products can and cannot do.”
Navigating Leadership as a Woman in Wellness
Carole does not shy away from discussing the additional scrutiny faced by women leading in technical and health-related industries.
“Women in senior management are often asked to prove themselves twice – first as entrepreneurs, and then as leaders in scientific or regulated fields,” she said.
Her response has been to institutionalise strong governance and professional partnerships, placing regulatory discipline and operational depth at the centre of the organisation’s leadership culture.
“Excellence has to be the answer,” she said. “Strong processes, respect for the law, and patient safety must always come first.”
Internally, that ethos extends to how she builds teams. Carole places particular emphasis on mentoring younger professionals and creating space for women in regulatory affairs, science and commercial roles.
“If we’re building products that families use every day,” she noted, “then the decision-making table should reflect that diversity.”
A Personal Conviction Shaping Corporate Culture
Her commitment to wellness is not purely professional. Carole shared that a personal health experience in 2019 led her to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle and rethink the broader meaning of wellbeing.
“Good intentions are not enough,” she reflected. “Structure matters – proper registration, compliance, quality systems, and a culture that genuinely puts consumer safety first.”
That philosophy has shaped DSAB’s internal operations, from meticulous documentation to continuous improvement in manufacturing and distribution standards. The company, she said, operates closer to a healthcare organisation than a fast-moving consumer brand.
As ASEAN markets deepen their engagement with India’s traditional medicine ecosystem, Carole sees opportunity, but only if growth is matched with responsibility.
“Sustainability in this industry is not just about formulation,” she said. “It’s about sustaining trust between companies, regulators, professionals and the public.”
In a sector crowded with claims and shortcuts, Carole’s leadership suggests that the future of Asia’s wellness economy may belong to those willing to move slower, comply harder and think longer. 