World’s top tower runner named MBPJ ambassador

MOU agrees a RM75,000 sponsorship for Soh Wai Ching to promote Petaling Jaya’s places of interest, eateries, malls

THE Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Malaysian tower runner Soh Wai Ching.

In the agreement, it was outlined that MBPJ would give Soh, RM75,000 for him to participate in international competitions and maintain his ranking as the world’s number one tower runner.

At the signing ceremony, Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon took on the role of an interviewer to ask Soh what inspired him to take up tower-running.

“Were you asked by someone to do so? Was it your girlfriend who put you up to it? Or was it simply something that you decided to do all by yourself?” asked Mohamad Zahri.

Without missing a beat, Soh, 30, replied that his pursuit was solely spurred by personal interest and that he aimed to break more world records.

Tower running athlete Soh Wai Ching with his medal and plaque won at a stair climbing event in Las Vegas.

Soh has held the world’s best tower runner title for two years and intends to defend it for eight more until he turns 38.

The conditions of the sponsorship required Soh to wear the MBPJ logo on his shirt in all competitions and interviews, hold aloft its flag and slogan at prize-giving ceremonies, give talks at schools in Petaling Jaya, become the official ambassador for promoting the city council, and prioritise its mention in all related social media posts.

Mohamad Zahri said the cash sponsorship would go towards Soh’s travelling and accommodation expenses when on international duty.

The package is set to improve tourism in the city by attracting international visitors to its eateries, hotels and shopping complexes among others.

Soh said he would invite his tower-running peers to enjoy the facilities, food and scenery to help Petaling Jaya develop as a sports tourism centre.

Soh had just returned home after winning his latest race up the stairs at the Strat Tower in Las Vegas, USA.

Aznan Hassan, Mohamad Zahri, Soh and Chan with the MBPJ T-shirts.

Soh said his first planned activity after signing the deal was to prepare for the Komtar Tower Run in George Town, Penang, on March 10.

After that he would move on to international championships in Poland, Estonia and China.

To young and beginner athletes dabbling in lesser-known sports, Soh reminded them to keep their faith when it came to funding and sponsorship.

“I hope that throughout their journey, they learn that it’s not easy to secure sponsorship, so it’s important to prove their worth with results,” he added.

He said he had written to more than a hundred companies before sealing the deal with MBPJ for the first time in 2022.

Also present at the ceremony were Petaling Jaya deputy mayor Aznan Hassan.