Latest news with #AllianzMalaysia
The Star
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Star
12,000 expected at highway marathon in Klang Valley
(Back row, from fifth left) Lee, Wan Salwani and Wang with representatives of sponsors for the IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge 2025. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star THE IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge, touted as Malaysia's only full highway marathon, will return for its seventh edition on Aug 3. The marathon will take place on parts of the New Pantai Expressway (NPE) and Sungai Besi Highway (Besraya). Over 12,000 participants are expected to join the event with four running categories, ranging from 5km to 42km. This year's 'Highway Legend' theme aims to celebrate everyday athletes who train without seeking recognition. Allianz Malaysia chief executive officer Sean Wang, representing the event's co-title sponsor, said the event was gaining more global recognition. 'Our partnership with IJM reflects a shared commitment to health and sustainability, mirroring our global support for the Olympics and Paralympics through 2032. 'The IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge has earned two Malaysia Book of Records titles. It is the first full marathon held on a highway and the longest marathon course on a closed highway. 'The 2025 edition has secured certification from World Athletics, an international governing body for athletics. 'It is also recognised by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races,' said Wang during a press conference on the event at IJM Land Centre of Excellence Gallery in Pantai Sentral Park, Kuala Lumpur. IJM Corp Group chief executive officer Datuk Lee Chun Fai said the recognitions affirm that the marathon meets international standards for distance accuracy and race organisation. 'IJM's objectives go beyond constructing roads. That is why we build platforms to bring people together, to connect and challenge themselves. 'More importantly, the fully closed highway marathon experience remains uniquely ours. This is not just about speed but about community, perseverance and leaving a positive legacy.' The Works Ministry besides the police, and Malaysian Highway Authority will oversee road closures and traffic diversions to ensure public safety. IJM toll division chief executive officer Wan Salwani Wan Yusoff said a lot of behind-the-scenes efforts were required to execute the event. 'We need a lot of people and resources even for a one-day marathon. But we have gained sufficient experience after having this event for several years,' she said. Event organiser EC Pixels Asia managing director Eugene Chan, said new features this year included public recruitment for pacers and entertainment zones with live music to encourage participants along the route. 'We have launched a pacer search and the public can register with us. 'Every station along the run will offer isotonic drinks. 'The highway run can be quite tough, so we have added entertainment stations to help runners enjoy the journey. 'There will be a live DJ station at one of the stations,' said Chan. Registration for the run closes on June 30. For details, visit
The Star
23-04-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Tournament seeks young shuttlers
Last year's Under-15 doubles finalists in action at Stadium Juara, in Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. — Courtesy photos Junior championship's qualifying rounds in 10 towns nationwide to start on May 16 THE fourth edition of the Allianz Junior Badminton Championship (AJBC) kicks off next month, continuing its mission to nurture young talents who may one day represent Malaysia on the world stage. Allianz Malaysia Berhad chief executive officer Sean Wang said the insurance company was proud to provide a platform for junior players to sharpen their skills and enjoy the sport. 'We are honoured to play a part in producing quality badminton players who can contribute to the nation in the future,' he said. 'When people talk about junior development (in badminton), it is always about producing the next Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei or even the next Thomas Cup champions. 'For us at Allianz Malaysia, badminton is more than just pushing to be the best. It is also about enjoying the game, having fun with friends and learning discipline and teamwork.' Wang said at the schoolgoing age, some talents might appear early while others would take time to mature. U-15 Girls' Singles category champion Zi Yu from Johor during the prize presentation ceremony with other winners and Wang (centre). 'We are aware of this and our focus is on mass participation to grow a larger pool of players who can step up in the future,' he said. World Junior Championship 2024 finalist Low Zi Yu clinched her third AJBC Girls' Under-15 title last year, while her doubles partner at the world event, Dania Sofea, is also an AJBC alumna. In 2023, the tournament attracted more than 3,000 players nationwide. A similar turnout is expected for this year's 10 qualifying rounds, starting with Klang from May 16 to 18. Other hosts are Alor Setar, Taiping, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Gelang Patah, Kota Baru, Bukit Beruang, Bukit Mertajam and Kuantan. The grand finals, scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur from Nov 5 to 9, will feature qualifiers from the Under-13 and Under-15 categories. Twenty-four players per category will qualify from each round. Under-11 players will not compete in the finals. Participation in the AJBC qualifying rounds remains free of charge. Winners will receive cash prizes, with top three finishers in the singles category receiving RM500, RM300 and RM150, while doubles winners will earn RM600, RM400 and RM200. At the grand finals, the top three singles champions will take home RM1,000, RM600 and RM300 respectively, while doubles winners will receive each RM1,200, RM800 and RM400. Registration for the Klang qualifying round is now open. The championship is supported by the Sports, Co-curricular and Arts Division of the Education Ministry and the Badminton Association of Malaysia. For details and registration, visit
