All set for Friendship Run
Published on: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 Text Size: Steven Liaw (right) with Willie Tan during reporting on the success of the previous year's Malaysia-China Friendship Run last December. Kota Kinabalu: More than 5,500 participants are expected to take part in the JOM! Malaysia-China Friendship Run 2025, which will flag off at Padang Merdeka here at 6.30am this Sunday (July 27). The annual event is organised by the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah. Its President Dr Oh Ei Sun encouraged the public to arrive early as guests of honour are expected from 6am onwards, followed by a short warm-up session. The flag-off will take place at 6.30am and participants who complete the run by 8.30am can look forward to an exciting lucky draw session. This year, both the starting and finishing points will be at Padang Merdeka. The route takes runners along scenic Likas Bay, with a turning point at the Bay 21 roundabout. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is expected to be the guest of honour. Other dignitaries expected to attend include Federal Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew, Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Sabah Deputy Speaker Datuk Richard Yong and Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Tan Lee Fatt. Also joining the flag-off will be the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Zhu Xinglong. Dr Oh extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Sabah Government, the Federal Youth and Sports Ministry, the Consulate General of China in Kota Kinabalu, the Sabah Sports Board, various ministers and numerous sponsors for their generous support. He especially thanked Platinum sponsor Skechers; Gold sponsor Borneo Timber Sdn Bhd; and Silver sponsors including Azam Jaya Berhad, Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel, Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Monokolo Boutique Hotel, MP Machinery (M) Sdn Bhd, Deevin Development Sdn Bhd, Crest Megaway Sdn Bhd, Hokkien Association Kota Kinabalu and WSG Properties Sdn Bhd. Bronze sponsors include Berjaya Corporation Berhad, PowerChina, SinaLand, Sense Vacation Sdn Bhd, Teck Guan Holding Sdn Bhd, TCT Trading Sdn Bhd, Kilang Papan Hiong Tiong Sdn Bhd, Bubblegarm Holdings, TSN Enterprise Sdn Bhd, EConMech Sdn Bhd, Universal Chery, Kota Kinabalu Foochow Association, Cahaya Metro Sdn Bhd, and Syarikat Lui Kim Chock Sdn Bhd. Support also came from the Desa Group of Companies, Moma Drinking Water, Life Water Marketing Sdn Bhd (Tritonic Drinks), Regal Marketing & Trading Sdn Bhd (Indocafe) and B Project Academy Holding Sdn Bhd (Beverages). Due to the overwhelming response, Skechers has announced an additional sponsorship of 500 mystery gift boxes valued between RM100 and RM200 each, raising the total prize value to over RM100,000. The first 500 finishers will each be entitled to a mystery box draw. Including staff apparel and other sponsorship items, Skechers' total contribution now exceeds RM300,000. This year also coincides with the 60th anniversary of Hong Kong-based Luen Thai Group. Its Vice Chairman and CEO Willie Tan voiced strong support and reaffirmed the group's continued commitment to fostering Malaysia-China people-to-people exchanges. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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