KUALA LUMPUR: Univera Inc, founded by the late South Korean businessman Yunho Lee, is opening its doors for business in Malaysia today, with the launch of Univera Malaysia Sdn Bhd —the fourth global business unit for the group.

Econet Holdings chairman and chief executive officer Bill Lee said the move to Malaysia is part of Univera’s global plan to expand its health and wellness business.

“I am honoured to carry on the legacy of my father and to have this special opportunity to bring the best of nature to people in Malaysia. We proudly share with you the gifts of vitality, prosperity and purpose,” he said in a statement.

Bill also said future plans for the Malaysian unit include turning it into a distribution hub for the Southeast Asian region.

Econet is the parent company of Univera, which is a network marketing company that markets aloe vera-based health supplements.

“Our roots in aloe vera go deep. We know aloe better than anyone else — from seed right through to the finished product. Nutritional products powered by aloe provide a unique and competitive edge for our customers,” said Bill.

Univera has invested US$300 million (RM962.4 million) in setting up its Malaysian unit, and will offer consumers three of its flagship products, the Xtria and Essentia diet supplement drinks and the W389 Crystal White skincare system via a multi-level marketing business model.

Other health supplement products are to be introduced to the market in September.

Univera was founded by Bill’s father, Yunho, in 1976, after suffering long-term health issues and experiencing the healing power of the aloe vera plant.

Univera Malaysia general manager Chi Song Wong said he is excited to bring Univera to Malaysia.

“As a relationship marketing company, Univera provides a lucrative financial opportunity that rewards people for sharing the gift of health with others, while creating a successful business model of people helping people to enhance their vitality and prosperity,” he added.

This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on June 13, 2014.