This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on July 30, 2018

Sporting activities, such as running, cycling and swimming, are a passion of CIMB Bank’s runner in the CEO (chief executive officer) category of the Rat Race. He believes firmly in leading a healthy lifestyle and keeping fit.

“It is a fun event and I get to spend time with colleagues and my friends in the industry,” the runner said. “I really enjoy pushing my limits.”

Team CIMB thinks it is a wonderful idea, getting the head honchos to run for charity.

“Running is one of the most accessible sports and I am glad to support a worthy cause while running,” the CEO runner said.

He said the entire team hopes CIMB will be the first to cross the finishing line.

Apart from entering the fun run, the bank’s corporate social responsibility arm, the CIMB Foundation, organises its own events and activities.

“Many of the foundation’s activities focus on having a long-term, sustainable impact on communities through its three pillars of community development, education and sport,” said a spokesman.

These initiatives include nurturing sports talents; enabling the differently abled (wheelchair basketball, blind football, Braille-reading programmes and so on) to create more inclusive opportunities; introducing a financial literacy programme, Be$MART, to reduce youth bankruptcy; and pioneering “CIMB Mozek”, a holiday camp organised in collaboration with Teach For Malaysia, to promote integration and unity among schoolchildren.

One of those representing the bank in the Team event, CIMB sales manager Tia Aik Teong, said: “The spirit of winning the race as a team is what drives me to take part.”

Manager Mohd Zulfadhli Zahir said his motivation is the cheerful vibe at the event and the adrenaline rush of the race.

Peter Tam, who is on the regional sales team of CIMB Group’s transaction banking, said the Rat Race promotes a healthy lifestyle. “More importantly, it is a fundraising event to help the community.”