THE Penang Forward Sports Club (PFSC) marked its four decades of promoting an active lifestyle and community spirit, drawing runners from diverse backgrounds in a colourful display of unity and perseverance.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim, who officiated the monthly Tom Khoo Run this morning at BSG Galleria in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, praised PFSC for its establishment for 40 years, describing the club as an example of long-term determination and passion in sports and community building.
“To keep a sports club running for almost 40 years requires determination, discipline and passion. Penang Forward Sports Club has shown that when you move forward consistently, you can go far,” he said.
Sim, who described himself as a runner, said the spirit of running reflected a broader life lesson — that progress depends on persistence and self-belief.
“Like running, the only thing that can stop us from reaching our destination is not other people, but ourselves. As long as we keep moving forward, we will reach our goal,” the Bukit Mertajam MP added.
He noted that sports events such as the Tom Khoo Run played an important role in strengthening social harmony in Malaysia’s multicultural society, pointing to the diverse attire and festive atmosphere at the run.
“This is Penang and this is Malaysia — colourful, inclusive and united. Our diversity is our strength, and sports bring people together beyond race, religion or background,” Sim said.
Sim also commended the organisers for making the event accessible to the public, noting that participation, rather than competition, was the main focus.
“When sports are open to everyone, we build a healthier society — physically and socially,” he said.
Sim expressed hope that Penang would continue moving forward as a progressive, harmonious state, drawing parallels between the club’s journey and the state’s development.
“We cannot afford to move backwards. A forward society is one that keeps progressing — in sports, in unity and in development,” he said.
PFSC chairman Datuk Lim Choo Hooi thanked Sim for being present despite his hectic schedule.
Lim mentioned PFSC, founded in 1986, is marking its 40th anniversary this year, having spent four decades promoting community welfare and grassroots sports without relying on government funding.
“We do not rely on government funding, and every ringgit is raised through our own initiatives. There is no material return, but we continue because we believe in giving back to society,” he said.
He said the monthly Tom Khoo Run, launched six years ago as a fully self-funded initiative, was created to strengthen family ties and encourage healthy living among residents.
“The programme has grown over the years, and despite rising costs, we have remained committed to keeping it open and free for the community,” he said.
The Tom Khoo Run is one of PFSC’s signature events and continues to attract participants of all ages, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to promoting healthy living and community engagement.
During the event, PFSC also contributed RM10,000 to the One Hope Charity and Welfare. The chairman Datuk Chua Sui Hau was present to receive the mock cheque.
Among those present were state Social Development, Non-Islamic Religious and Welfare Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, Penang State Sports Council director Harry Chai, Penang Chinese Town Hall (PCTH) chairman Tan Sri Dr Tan Khoon Hai, and Chinese vice-consul-general in Penang Ding Qiao.
Story by Edmund Lee