PROUDLY serving as the title sponsor of the Aspen-Klippa Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) for the second consecutive year, Aspen has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity by continuing to sponsor visually impaired persons (VIPs) and their guide runners for the event on Dec 14.
This marks the second year of Aspen’s meaningful initiative, which champions equal opportunities in sports.
Aspen group managing director Ir A. Anilarasu said the company is sponsoring 18 visually impaired participants from St Nicholas’ Home, each paired with a dedicated guide runner to ensure both safety and support throughout the race.
“Our vision goes beyond property development. It’s about building inclusive communities and inspiring lives. Through this initiative, we aim to empower individuals to break barriers, embrace confidence, and celebrate diversity. Sports is a universal language, and PBIM gives us the perfect platform to showcase unity and resilience,” Anilarasu said at a press conference in Komtar today.
Further strengthening the spirit of inclusivity, Aspen has also continued its collaboration with The Ramakrishna Ashrama, an orphanage that provides shelter and care for underprivileged children, by engaging seven of its residents as guide runners for the visually impaired participants.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai commended Aspen for continuing this corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, which reflects the simple yet powerful theme of this year’s marathon: “Running for All.”
“Aspen has shown true leadership in making inclusivity central to PBIM. I hope this sets an example for other corporations to follow. Together, let us create a Penang that celebrates diversity, where opportunities are shared, and where every person has a chance to shine,” Wong said.
Reflecting on last year’s CSR effort, Wong said the courage shown by the visually impaired runners and their guides — some of whom were participating in a mass race for the first time — moved everyone present.
“It sent a clear message that with the right support, determination, and opportunity, barriers can be dismantled.
“The impact did not stop at the finish line. The children from The Ramakrishna Ashrama, who volunteered as guides, developed new skills in discipline, resilience, and empathy. And Darren Yuen, one of last year’s visually impaired runners, went on to raise funds for two organisations through his personal campaign. These are the legacies of last year’s CSR effort — legacies that continue to ripple across the community today,” Wong said.
PBIM 2025 will once again be held on the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge (Penang’s second bridge), the longest bridge in Southeast Asia. Wong announced that more than 17,000 runners have registered so far, with numbers expected to rise in the coming weeks.
Following his successful 21km run last year, Darren Yuen said he will challenge himself with the full marathon (42km) this year. His confidence has grown after joining a recent climbing expedition in Nepal’s Himalayas, where he trekked through snow-covered trails.
“I never thought I would inspire others. It’s life-changing and deeply satisfying to raise funds for a good cause.
“I’m glad that Aspen and the state government, through YB Wong’s office, have created this space for each of us to write our own story.
“Before, I was very shy. So, don’t give up. Learn to embrace your disability and come out to participate. I want to thank all the guides for their dedication,” Yuen said.
Carmen Chew, general manager of St Nicholas’ Home, said Darren’s journey has motivated more residents to join PBIM.
“Many had doubts about their ability, but through Darren’s example, some now even want to attempt the full marathon,” she said, while expressing gratitude to Aspen, the state government, and Ramakrishna Ashrama for their support.
Ramasamy, chairman of The Ramakrishna Ashrama, described the partnership with St Nicholas’ Home as a “beautiful opportunity.”
“Our children come from disadvantaged homes. Imagine being given the chance to serve as guide runners for another special home — the visually impaired. It was a golden opportunity to nurture love and care. We believe in loving all and serving all.
“This year, seven children from our home will participate, and they are looking forward to it. It’s about love, unity, and interaction,” said Ramasamy, a former headmaster of Georgetown Secondary School and St Mark’s Secondary School.
Samuel Shee, marketing director of Howei, said the outdoor sporting activities promoter is delighted to conduct weekly training sessions to equip the visually impaired runners and their guides with the confidence and endurance needed for race day.
Also present at the press conference were Aspen divisional director (Corporate Division) Nadiah Wong Abdullah and eight runners from St Nicholas’ Home.
Pix by Law Suun Ting