DECEMBER 14, 2025, will be etched in the memory of Cham Chiong Fook for a long time after he walked away with a brand-new Proton S70, having been named the lucky winner at the Aspen-Klippa Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) 2025 in Batu Kawan today.
The 43-year-old factory engineer from Penang island could count himself fortunate after a redraw was conducted when a female participant was not present after her name was first selected electronically.
“I somehow had a strong feeling that I would be the winner before coming here at about 12.30am to take part in the race. I am happy — super happy — with this gift.
“I only made a comeback after a lapse of about five to six years. I have taken part in the Penang Bridge marathon four or five times before. It has been an on-and-off participation for me.
“Currently, I am driving a Toyota Corolla. I will use it now as my second car,” he said after receiving the mock key from state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, together with Proton deputy director Zhang Wen Jun and head of sales Ong Chee Wooi.
The prize was open exclusively to race finishers as part of the national carmaker’s partnership with PBIM 2025, where Proton also joined as the official car partner and title sponsor of the 10-kilometre category.
Two other participants — Ooi Chew Hoon, 50, and Tan Xin Rou, 28 — were also in high spirits after each won a Honda scooter in the lucky draw.
The lucky draw was the main highlight of the prize presentation ceremony, which followed the successful staging of the event that attracted more than 23,000 participants from 64 countries this year.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting and courtesy of Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Office (Petace)