Latest news with #Azizulhasni
Barnama
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Barnama
'Pocket Rocketman' Azizulhasni Becomes Volkswagen Malaysia's First Brand Ambassador
BUSINESS PUCHONG, July 22 (Bernama) -- National track cyclist Datuk Azizulhasni Awang has been appointed the first brand ambassador for Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM). The partnership was announced during a press conference at Volkswagen Puchong (PHS Autohaus Sdn Bhd) here today. VPCM managing director Renate Noessler said Azizulhasni's sporting achievements and personal values reflect the company's emphasis on performance and consistency. 'Azizul's story is one of ambition, agility and drive. Much like our cars, he represents performance that is purposeful and enduring,' she said. Noessler said the decision to appoint the Olympic medallist was based on shared values, such as discipline, resilience, and a strong work ethic. 'This partnership goes beyond a traditional endorsement. It is about building a relationship that connects with Malaysians who value integrity, confidence and long-term reliability,' she added. Azizulhasni, also known as the "Pocket Rocketman", said the appointment was both an honour and a responsibility he accepted with humility. 'This is more than just a collaboration between an athlete and a brand. It is a meeting of shared values, performance, precision and living up to one's true potential,' he said. The 37-year-old said he saw parallels between his approach to cycling and Volkswagen's design philosophy, citing models like the Touareg, which he described as 'powerful yet refined, bold yet intelligent'.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia Airlines taps 'Pocket Rocketman' Azizulhasni Awang in sports branding drive
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, has named national track cycling legend Datuk Azizulhasni Awang—better known as the 'Pocket Rocketman'—as the official ambassador for MHsports, its specialised platform for sports travel. The high-profile appointment signals MAG's commitment to deepening engagement with Malaysia's sporting ecosystem while reinforcing national pride through strategic brand partnerships. By aligning with one of the country's most celebrated athletes, the Group aims to elevate Malaysia Airlines as not just a national carrier but a strong advocate for local sports excellence. This move comes as MAG accelerates its MHsports initiative—an end-to-end travel solution tailored for athletes and sports organisations, offering exclusive airfare discounts, extra baggage allowance for equipment, and flexible booking options. The platform is a key part of MAG's strategy to serve niche markets and build stronger emotional ties with Malaysian consumers. Azizulhasni, the first Malaysian cyclist to win an Olympic medal and a role model to young athletes nationwide, embodies the values of determination, discipline, and resilience—traits MAG hopes will inspire the next generation. Through the partnership, Malaysia Airlines will support Azizulhasni's preparations and participation in international competitions. He will also play an active role in MHsports' brand campaigns and youth outreach efforts aimed at promoting sports as a force for unity and national pride. Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, group managing director of MAG, said Malaysia Airlines 'remains deeply committed to supporting national sports development. "We are proud to play a role in the journeys of Malaysian athletes, providing travel solutions tailored to their needs as they represent the nation on the world stage. Our goal is to continue building meaningful support systems for the sporting community while contributing to Malaysia's growing presence in the international sports arena."
Barnama
6 days ago
- Sport
- Barnama
Azizulhasni Continues World Championship Bid With Custom-built Bike
PUCHONG, July 23 (Bernama) -- Despite now riding as a professional, national cycling ace Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang continues to use his specially customised WX-R Vorteq bicycle as he targets a spot at the UCI World Championships in October. The Pocket Rocketman said the National Sports Council (MSN) has given full approval for him to keep using the bike, as it fits his body and supports his KPI goals for the 2026 Asian and Commonwealth Games. 'So far, I've been given permission by MSN to use it, so there's no issue. The bike was designed to fit my body, so I don't think anyone else could use it,' he told Bernama after being named Volkswagen Malaysia's first brand ambassador. bootstrap slideshow He said the only other rider who might be able to use the same design is Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri, who already rides a Vorteq model. 'The other riders are taller and bigger, like Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom,' he added. Azizulhasni said his return to Malaysia was to undergo training with the national squad in hopes of impressing technical director John Beasley and earning a spot for the world meet. 'Beasley is evaluating my performance to see which tournaments I'll go to. Hopefully, I can take part in one or two competitions before the World Championships,' he said. While leaving individual event decisions to the coaches, Azizulhasni said his main focus remains the team sprint, part of his original comeback plan. 'But we have to see if it's still relevant. If I can go for the team event, great. If not, and I get a slot in the individual event, why not? It still depends on the coaches' plan,' he added. Beasley earlier confirmed that Azizulhasni is not currently listed for individual events in the World Championships in Santiago, Chile from Oct 15–19, but could be in the team sprint if he qualifies on merit.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Azizulhasni Awang named Volkswagen Malaysia's first brand ambassador
PUCHONG: National track cyclist Datuk Azizulhasni Awang has been unveiled as the first brand ambassador for Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM). The announcement was made during a press conference at Volkswagen Puchong (PHS Autohaus Sdn Bhd). VPCM managing director Renate Noessler highlighted Azizulhasni's sporting excellence and personal values as key reasons for the partnership. 'Azizul's story is one of ambition, agility and drive. Much like our cars, he represents performance that is purposeful and enduring,' she said. Noessler emphasised that the collaboration goes beyond a typical endorsement, focusing on shared principles such as discipline and resilience. 'This partnership is about building a relationship that connects with Malaysians who value integrity, confidence and long-term reliability,' she added. Known as the 'Pocket Rocketman', Azizulhasni expressed gratitude for the role, calling it both an honour and a responsibility. 'This is more than just a collaboration between an athlete and a brand. It is a meeting of shared values, performance, precision and living up to one's true potential,' he said. The Olympic medallist drew parallels between his cycling career and Volkswagen's design philosophy, citing models like the Touareg as embodying strength and sophistication. 'Success doesn't happen by chance. It is built through discipline, consistency and the courage to push boundaries. These are the values I have lived by, and I see them clearly in the Volkswagen brand,' he said. Azizulhasni hopes the partnership will inspire Malaysians, particularly the youth, to pursue their ambitions with determination. 'This isn't just about me and the cars. It is about encouraging Malaysians to dream bigger and to see their journey as more than just a destination,' he added. Volkswagen confirmed that Azizulhasni will feature in upcoming campaigns as part of efforts to strengthen its brand presence in Malaysia. - Bernama
New Straits Times
11-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Options aplenty for Azizulhasni if he decides to retire
KUALA LUMPUR: Former world keirin champion Azizulhasni Awang has no shortage of career options to choose from should he decide to retire from competitive cycling in the future. Azizulhasni had hinted at retirement after suffering a disappointing outing at the Paris Olympics last year, though last month announced that he will continue racing until next year's Nagoya Asian Games at the very least, albeit as an independent rider. "Actually after the Paris Olympics there were a lot of ideas to get me involved in sports management, business and so on," said Azizulhasni recently. "There was also an option to work with some of the sponsors and contribute back to (Malaysian) sports. "This is one of the reasons it took me a long time to come to a decision (on whether to retire or continue racing). "I also have plans to start my own academy in the future. "But it will have to wait as I feel that it (racing career) is not over yet. I have to complete this (chapter) first before I can be happy and focus on my career progress (outside of racing)." The Paris Olympics was originally expected to be Azizulhasni's swansong though it did not go to plan as he was disqualified from the men's keirin event after overtaking the derny in the opening round. Though he has committed to racing until next year, Azizulhasni is not sure whether he will stay on until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (LA2028) when he will be 40. "A lot of people are hoping I will stay on until LA2028 but to be honest, I am not thinking about that just yet," he added. "I just want to focus on the next two years, take things one step at a time and try to contribute (back to Malaysian cycling) as much as I can." The two-time Olympic keirin medallist is no stranger to making comebacks. He underwent open heart surgery in 2022 to correct a coronary artery anomaly he had suffered from since birth. Azizulhasni came back stronger than ever, winning two gold medals at the Asian Championships in Nilai in 2023 and broke the national 200m record a number of times in the lead up to the Paris Games.
