According to Hui, the idea for VAL began in 2018, just after she retired from playing professionally. Back then, Hui and her volleyball-loving friends identified a lack of opportunities for amateur players.

So, they decided to organize their own tournament — a simple, small-scale event that turned out to be a roaring success.

The positive feedback revealed the potential for something greater.

With increasing attention from fans and more participation, Hui began exploring ways to make the league more professional and better organized.

In the years that followed, Hui immersed herself in the broader world of volleyball, from working as a commentator, to serving as a member of the International Volleyball Federation's Communications Commission.

These experiences gave her valuable insights into tournament operations, which she later applied to VAL.