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

Maxis Bhd’s head of network Abdul Karim Fakir Ali said he is as excited about his fifth attempt at the Rat Race as he was about the first. He is looking forward to demonstrating the importance of good health and work-life balance in career building.

“I also run regularly, so this helps with my motivation and fitness level. It’s a combination of excitement and pressure. More excitement of course,” he laughed.

This year marks Abdul Karim’s second appearance in the CEO (chief executive officer) category.

“The Rat Race is a very good concept and, as a symbolic gesture, CEOs should run to demonstrate the importance of good health and work-life balance. More importantly, it’s a great way to give back to society,” he told The Edge.

“I enjoy the race because of the excitement of running alongside my colleagues from Corporate Malaysia,” he said.

Abdul Karim said the local telecommunications group has its own corporate responsibility initiatives as well, bringing digitalisation and technology to students in rural and suburban communities.

“Apart from our focus on connecting people with our services, we are equally passionate about education. As a digital enabler, we are bringing digitalisation and technology to students in rural and suburban communities. Through eKelas, our flagship community programme, we are making digital learning a reality for these students,” he said, adding that Maxis’ community outreach programmes include festive charity events and disaster relief initiatives.

“In addition, our employees regularly volunteer their time, energy and skills at these activities. I am proud that we have an ingrained, social responsibility mindset at Maxis,” he said. “We are proud of our eKelas programme and how it benefits students, particularly in underserved areas. Ultimately, our goal is to empower the broader community with new ways of thinking and learning through the Internet,” he said.

Every year, Maxis employees who are keen to represent the company in the Rat Race do a 4km preliminary run at the KLCC park. This year, 11 employees took part and five emerged victorious to make it onto the team.

As the Padang Merbok course is different from the usual route, the team members are training extra hard this year.

Motivated and inspired by their own passion for running, health and fitness, the team members appreciate the opportunity to give back to the community, something that is ingrained in Maxis’ culture.