Three Malaysian top executives cycle to stay fit, focused and fulfilled

The Star

2 days ago

At a time when corporate leaders are seeking balance amid hectic and demanding schedules, three high-profile Malaysian executives have turned to an increasingly popular sport to stay fit, focused and fulfilled – cycling.
But to the three gentlemen – RHB Islamic Bank Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Adissadikin Ali, Batik Air chief executive officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy and National Heart Institute cardiovascular sports and fitness director and senior consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Prof Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Jeswant Dillon – cycling isn't just a sport, it's a passion.
Rediscovering the joy
More than a hobby, cycling is rediscovering a childhood ritual, says Adissadikin, 55.
'I used to cycle to school every day in Jasin, Melaka,' he recalls. 'But I only got serious about road biking seven months ago after an earlier health scare.'
Now, he rides every weekend, covering up to 40km along the Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE).
'It helps me stay fit and clear my mind. When you're heading a company, you need mental clarity. Sitting in the office for too long can bog you down. Cycling brings balance.'
Adissadikin says cycling is an accessible sport, with affordable options for beginners.
For him, the pursuit started casually, through a corporate ride event organised by RHB. The bank is big on organising community sports events, like the RHB Lekas Highway Ride.
But Adissadikin eventually started taking cycling more seriously.
'I bought my own road bike and started doing 30km-40km weekend rides. I realised that not only was it good for my health, it also helped me stay mentally sharp,' he says.
'Cycling allows me to reconnect with myself.'
His usual weekend route along the GCE near his home offers him enough time to ride and come home before his kids wake up, he says.
"Sunday mornings are family time. So if I go out by 7am, I'm back by 9am. In life, it's all about balance.'
A doctor's prescription
If anyone understands the science behind exercise, it's Dr Jeffrey Jeswant, 60.
'I got into cycling through mountain biking more than 15 years ago,' he says.
'As a doctor, I knew the importance of cardiovascular workouts, and I used to jog and play football. But as time passed, I needed something gentler on my joints. Cycling is non-weight-bearing, making it ideal for people recovering from joint injuries,' he explains.
'In group rides, you must stay alert. You're responsible not just for yourself but also the safety of others,' says Dr Jeffrey Jeswant.
Today, Dr Jeffrey Jeswant's rides are a mix of solo routes and group rides, including multi-sport events like the Powerman duathlon.
'Cycling helped me transition into relay-endurance sports,' he says.
Its benefits are not just physical. Dr Jeffrey Jeswant emphasises how being on a bike cultivates discipline, humility and leadership.
'In the office, you may be the boss. But on the road, you've got to earn your place in the peloton. Others might wait for you once or twice, but after that, you'd better keep up. It can be a humbling experience.
'And that lesson translates back into the workplace. It helps you understand your team better and you become more compassionate.'
He also notes the mental benefits of this activity.
'During solo rides on safe roads, my mind gets to wander. That's when the best ideas come,' he adds.
'But in group rides, you must stay sharp and alert. You're responsible not just for yourself, but also for the safety of others.'
Building bond on wheels
For Chandran, cycling is both a personal passion and a company-wide movement.
'I started with mountain biking in 2018 and eventually moved to road cycling in 2022,' he shares.
'It began as a fitness goal – something to help me lose weight and stay active. And it worked. I used to weigh 85kg–90kg. Today, I'm 74kg.'
Chandran says cycling brings out a different side of people.
Chandran's enthusiasm and drive for the sport has become contagious at Batik Air, where he actively encourages employees to join him on rides.
'We even created a new wellness section in our in-flight magazine inspired by cycling,' he adds. 'There's something about riding together – whether it's with colleagues or fellow company executives – that brings out a different side of people.'
Like Dr Jeffrey Jeswant and Adissadikin, Chandran highlights the absence of hierarchy during group rides.
'At work, I may be the boss. But on the road, my staff have taught me how to gear up hills or pace myself. It levels the playing field.'
More than a sport
All three leaders agree that cycling is much more than just a physical activity. It's a tool for leadership development, a way to manage stress and a platform for community outreach.
'Cycling teaches you how to face problems,' says Dr Jeffrey Jeswant.
'If your tyre punctures or your chain drops, you've got to figure it out. You can't always rely on others to fix it for you. It mirrors how we troubleshoot in life and at work.'
(From left) Adissadikin, Dr Jeffrey Jeswant and Chandran each has his own personal goal in cycling.
RHB's sponsorship of cycling events like the Lekas Highway Ride and WCE Century Ride speaks of a larger corporate commitment toward community building.
Similarly, IJN's Ride 4 Your Heart initiative promotes cardiovascular fitness and a healthy lifestyle through cycling.
Cycling is also woven into Batik Air's social mission.
'We supported the cycling mission of a child and helped raise awareness about the benefits of the sport for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It's meaningful when something personal becomes impactful,' says Chandran.
Is cycling the new golf?
While golf has long been considered the sport of business networking, these corporate leaders suggest cycling is carving its own path – and perhaps, a more inclusive one.
'Golf can be expensive and time-consuming,' Adissadikin observes.
'Cycling, on the other hand, is accessible. Sure, high-end bikes cost a lot of money, but there are also options for beginners. So anyone can cycle.'
For (from left) Chandran, Adissadikin and Dr Jeffrey Jeswant, cycling has evolved from a means of staying healthy to a way of fostering camaraderie and friendship.
Dr Jeffrey Jeswant agrees. 'We don't cycle to network, but we end up building strong friendships. That sense of camaraderie – whether you're a doctor, banker or businessman – is real.'
'Cycling, they say, builds bridges. You ride together, you sweat together. We see each other for who we really are,' says Chandran.
Shaping the future
The growing popularity of cycling, however, is not without its challenges.
They all point to the lack of dedicated cycling infrastructure in Malaysia.
'We need more cycling lanes, rental services and safer routes,' Chandran says, noting how cities like Jakarta and Bangkok have embraced car-free zones and airport-adjacent cycling tracks. 'It's about building a culture that supports it.'
(From left) Chandran, Adissadikin and Dr Jeffrey Jeswant agree that the country needs dedicated cycling infrastructure to cater to demands and encourage active living.
Dr Jeffrey Jeswant, who also sits on the Olympic Council of Malaysia, echoes the need for policy support.
'We're talking to the Youth and Sports Ministry to design cycling-friendly roads and isolated tracks for weekend rides. The demand is there. It's just a matter of will.'
They are also constantly setting new personal goals in cycling.
Adissadikin is gearing up for his first major ride at the RHB Lekas Highway Ride 2025.
Dr Jeffrey Jeswant, a seasoned participant in Ironman and Powerman events, continues to support and mentor other sportsmen, including his son.
Chandran dreams of riding overseas one day to explore different landscapes and seasons.
And while their rides may vary in speed and distance, one thing is clear: cycling has become a source of inspiration, and a way to build resilience and community.
Their advice to those who haven't started?
'Just do it,' says Chandran. 'Start small, be consistent and enjoy the ride.'
Dr Jeffrey Jeswant adds: 'Get a health check first, especially if you're over 40. Then get on the bike and take that first step.'
Adissadikin sums it up simply: 'Don't do it just because others are doing it. Do it because it gives you joy. Once that happens, you'll never look back.'