PUBLIC BANK’S FIRST PENANG EDITION RUN A ROARING SUCCESS

PUBLIC Bank’s second run of the year – Run For Change 2024 Penang Edition, returned bigger and better with more than 2,300 participants taking part in the event held at Padang Kota Lama, Penang.

The event, held in Penang for the first time, was aimed at being the symbol of the perfect synergy between fitness and philanthropy, creating a meaningful and lasting impact.

Participants having a great start during the flag-off of the Public Bank’s Run for Change at the Esplanade in George Town, Penang on Oct 13. — Photos by LIM BENG TATT/The Star

From young ones to seasoned runners, they put on their running shoes and came together for a good cause to celebrate health, fitness and community spirit.

Those who took part in both the 5km and 10km races included the bank’s employees, communities, customers, friends, families and business associates.

Running for a good cause

Joining them were residents from homes including Agape Home, Shammah Children’s Home, and Shan Children’s Home.

(From right) Public Bank’s senior chief operating officer Datuk Sulaiman Abd Manap, deputy chief executive officer Datuk Chang Kat Kiam, managing director and chief executive officer Tan Sri Dr Tay Ah Lek and senior chief operating officer Chang Siew Yen flagging off participants.

Additionally, 27 blind runners from the St Nicholas’ Home took part in the run, further highlighting the event’s inclusive spirit.

Participants started trickling in as early as 6am for the run held on Oct 13, which was flagged off by Public Bank managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) Tan Sri Tay Ah Lek, deputy CEO Datuk Chang Kat Kiam, senior chief operating officer (SCOO) Datuk Sulaiman Abd Manap, SCOO Chang Siew Yen and senior management staff in front of the City Hall Building.

A similar 10km race was held by the bank in Padang Merbok, Kuala Lumpur in June, which saw over 1,200 staff members coming together to raise awareness on fostering a culture of sustainability through environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.

At the event in Penang, a zumba session was held on the main stage for participants to shake their body and warm up before the race.

Runners of the 10km race were flagged off by the VIPs at 7.20am while the 5km participants were flagged off 10 minutes later.

Permasivan says the bank should hold more such events to foster community spirit.

Both the races featured the Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Men’s Veteran and Women’s Veteran categories.

The VIPs later visited booths set up by the NGOs namely, St Nicholas’ Home promoting handicraft and cookies, National Cancer Society, Association of Resource and Education for Autistic Children (Lions Reach), Creativity at Heart and Tzu Chi.

The event saw a total of RM39,000 donated by the bank to the four homes in conjunction with the upcoming Deepavali celebration and as part of Public Bank’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.

Four lucky runners also won sports bicycles worth between RM770 and RM450.

Public Bank Sungai Petani collection officer G. Permasivan, 49, and his colleagues Loo Poh Aun, 35, an executive and release officer Saiful Kosen, 30, said they were excited to take part in the event as it provided an opportunity for them to meet colleagues from other branches as well.

The trio said the bank should hold more such events to foster community spirit between bank employees and the public; and promote healthy living choices among Malaysians.

A much anticipated event

Megat Zaidi says the event helps motivate him to keep fit and live healthy.

Public Bank Islamic Jalan Kota, Alor Setar manager Megat Zaidi Megat Mokhtar, 56, said as a bank employee, there was hardly any time for him to exercise.

“But when this event came up, nine other colleagues and I have decided to team up and go for a few hours of exercise each day for the past one month to get ourselves fit for the run.

“It has not only motivated us to look into our fitness and live healthy but also about spreading a message to the community.

“It is about being inclusive as we can see normal runners taking part jointly with the visually impaired runners and how together, we can make anything a success if we put our hearts and minds to it,” he said, adding that he looked forward to more such events by the bank to motivate him to exercise regularly.

Production manager Bong Mun Hong, 43, who came with his son Bong Rui Ze, eight, and daughter Bong Jin Han, 10, said it was the second time they were taking part in such an event.

“My kids did not even wait for me to ask and had pleaded with me to take them along for the run.

Bong (middle) who participated in the event with his enthusiastic kids, daughter Jin Han (left) and son Rui Ze (right), said it was the second time they were taking part in such an event.

“They were very excited and keen and even woke up at 5.30am to get ready to be here on time.

“The bank should be lauded for holding events like these for Malaysians as they not only contribute to creating awareness about health and fitness but also act as a catalyst to promote the importance of a community,” said Bong, whose brother works with Public Bank.

Sharniza Ibrahim, 52, who turned blind in both eyes two years ago, said more such events should be held to encourage the disabled and less privileged to come together and not be shunned but to be part of the community.

“I have been training for this event for the past two months with my friends by exercising at home and also going to the gym twice a week,” she said.

Women’s Veteran winner Wong Mi Chi, 45, a mother of two teenagers, who clocked her personal best of 42min 43sec in the 10km race, said the event was well organised and she looked forward to taking part in the run next year.

Sharniza says such events encourage the disabled and less privileged to come together.

An IT professional, she said the event was her fifth competition this year and although it was not easy juggling a career and being a mother, running is her passion and helped her de-stress.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Tay said the run was an inspiring experience for all those involved.

“Engaging children and adults beyond our communities, the event reminded us that cultivating healthy habits is not just about physical fitness, it’s about fostering discipline, resilience and a sense of community.

“The opportunity to give back makes this run even more meaningful.

Wong won the Women’s Veteran category and looks forward to taking part next year.

“A portion of the participation fees was donated to four homes in Penang, aligning with our commitment to making a positive impact beyond the race itself.

“Seeing participants of all ages come together, not just to stay active but to support a worthy cause, reinforces the importance of unity and well-being in everything we do,” he said.

These initiatives are a cornerstone of Public Bank’s unwavering commitment to driving sustainable development and championing social inclusion.