KL Rat Race - Join the 61 teams that have signed up

KL Rat Race Join the 61 teams that have signed up

Written by The Edge Financial Daily

Sunday, 19 July 2009 23:23

THE total amount collected for the Kuala Lumpur Rat Race now stands at RM778,000. Some 61 teams from 37 companies and 21 captains of industry have signed up to run for charity.

We highlight four more of the participating companies below.

Deloitte Malaysia's motto is to commit itself to service — service to the client, service to its people and service to the community. Participating in the Kuala Lumpur Rat Race is one way of showing its commitment to those in need.

"We believe that if all of us chip in to do our bit for society, we can improve the lives of the less fortunate in Malaysia. It is good to see that many other corporate players are also taking on this role," says Henry Sardo, a principal in Deloitte's audit division.

Deloitte has participated in five of the races organised in the last nine years.

Deloitte believes that if we chip in to do our part for society, we can improve the lives of the less fortunate

Deloitte believes that if we chip in to do our part for society, we can improve the lives of the less fortunate

Sardo believes that the Rat Race is a fantastic idea for Corporate Malaysia to set aside work for one afternoon and "compete" to benefit charity. "It's a great feeling to see so many movers and shakers of the Malaysian economy coming together to jointly 'work' on a worthy cause. This is a novel and fun way to reach out and make a difference in the lives of the underprivileged. We hope to continue participating in the Rat Race in the years to come."

Deloitte is already in the middle of an inter-accounting firm games tournament, where athletics is one of the events. "Our people trained hard for the athletics event in the lead-up to the games. That should also help in our preparations for the race on Aug 11," says Sardo.

A new face in the Rat Race fraternity, Ranhill Utilities Sdn Bhd's participation is intrinsic in nature.

"We want to build a closer bond among the employees and this event gives us the platform to get them engaged, either as racers or supporters. This is also a good way of allowing them to experience a totally different atmosphere outside the office. To top it off, we're also looking at giving donations in a more effective manner, knowing fully that our contributions will be combined with that of others and would go to the right channels," says head of corporate communications Jasmeen Zahri.

Ranhill's runners are now busy building up their stamina with their own fitness regime

Ranhill's runners are now busy building up their stamina with their own fitness regime

Koh Boon Sian, CEO of Ranhill Water Technologies (Cayman) Ltd, says the event essentially promotes corporate social responsibility (CSR) and for once, the "rat race" is not for a selfish cause. "Society will benefit from the contributions received and companies that participate get publicity too. The fact that the Rat Race has lasted almost a decade shows that it is well-received by the corporate circles," he says.

Koh will be representing Ranhill in the CEO category.

Jasmeen adds, "It is a unique and impactful way of giving to charity — a win-win scenario for every party involved, especially the beneficiaries."

Ranhill's runners are now busy building up their stamina with their own fitness regime. Its supporters are also putting together their gear to cheer the team on.

Since making its debut in 2006, Tanjong plc has marked the KL Rat Race as a regular activity on its CSR calendar. The primary motivation for the company is that it's for a charitable cause. Corporate entities participating en masse is a good way to highlight the fact that organisations in Malaysia should take CSR seriously.

For Tanjong, the KL Rat Race is a platform for its employees to do their bit for society

For Tanjong, the KL Rat Race is a platform for its employees to do their bit for society

"It's a great feeling to be a part of the Malaysian corporate fraternity in an informal set-up. The increase in the number of teams and organisations every year is a clear reflection of the fact that the KL Rat Race is indeed for a worthy cause and indicate the overwhelming support of Corporate Malaysia," says M Jayakumar, general manager of the group's human resources and administrative services.

This will be the fourth consecutive year for Jayakumar as the team leader and he is pleased to note that his team has a mix of new and seasoned runners every year. This year's team will see three new runners making their debut in the race.

Jayakumar adds that collectively, the amount raised through this project has been significant in helping charities in the country, as proved in the previous years.

"We do hope that this year's event will again surpass the organisers' target and in this respect, we are pleased to have been able to play our part as a responsible corporate citizen. For our company, the KL Rat Race provides yet another platform for our employees to do their bit for society and more importantly, I believe the event plays an important role in developing a spirit of camaraderie in the team."

Formis' runners agree that the most important thing is to enjoy the race

Formis' runners agree that the most important thing is to enjoy the race

FORMIS RESOURCES BHD [] has been contributing to the Rat Race since 2006, but only took part in the race last year. After seeing how much fun their colleagues had last year, Formis has decided to field another team in the mixed category this year.

Executive vice-chairman and CEO Datuk Mah Siew Kwok will also be back running for Formis in the CEO category. He was last year's Most Senior Runner.

"Last year was the first time I participated in the Rat Race. Among the 50 CEOs who ran, I finished in the 45th position. But because I was 60 years old, I took home the Most Senior Runner trophy. Hopefully this year, none of the participating CEOs are older than me, so I can add another trophy to my collection!" Mah laughs.

On a more serious note, he says the objectives of this annual event are noble but to continually produce so much fun and excitement out of it is indeed an accomplishment. "I would like to commend and congratulate all the parties responsible for the event."

Formis' team, which is not training specially for the race, comprises exercise buffs. Which is why they are confident they can complete the race without much difficulty and in respectable time. But the runners all agree that the most important thing is to enjoy the race while being part of a CSR programme.

The Kuala Lumpur Rat Race celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and will be held on Aug 11, with The Edge and Bursa Malaysia as co-organisers. Details and entry forms are available at www.klratrace.com.my. Call (03) 7721 8000 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for enquiries.

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Last Updated on Sunday, 19 July 2009 23:38

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