Close to 4,000 Participants Celebrate Culture and Sustainability at Alliance Bank’s Heritage Run 2024

Penang, 20 October 2024 - Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad ("Alliance Bank" or the "Bank") successfully concluded the second edition of its highly-anticipated Heritage Run 2024 ("Heritage Run" or the "Run"), attracting close to 4,000 participants for a day filled with community spirit, cultural immersion, and sustainability-driven initiatives. Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the Run fostered engagement with the local community while advancing sustainability efforts in line with the Bank’s aspiration of becoming an ESG-focused organisation.

Set against the vibrant historical backdrop of George Town, the Run welcomed participants of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate the city’s rich cultural legacy while supporting local businesses. This year, the event introduced a competitive 12-kilometre race, offering avid runners a more challenging option. The redesigned 7-kilometre route offered a unique opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in the city’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites, including cultural landmarks and scenic streets.

Ow Yong Jin Kuang emerged as the champion of the 12-kilometre race followed by Yeow Ni Jia as the first runner up and Tan Xuan Wei as the second runner up for the men’s category. Meanwhile, Noor Amelia Musa won first place for the women’s category followed by Chew Lay Ling and Tan Li Jun. All the 12-kilometre race winners received finisher medals and cash prizes.

“In our commitment to becoming The Bank For Life and a community-centric organisation, the Heritage Run 2024 represents an integral part of our community outreach, blending the themes of Heritage, Sustainability, and Community. This event not only celebrates the cultural vibrancy of George Town but also emphasises the importance of sustainable practices, that are vital to both our environment and the communities we serve. By aligning the Run with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 11, we contribute meaningfully to the preservation of our cultural and natural heritage for future generations,” said Mr Kellee Kam, Group Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Bank.

Adding further excitement to the event, participants were treated to a lucky draw featuring an array of attractive prizes. The Run also continued its focus on supporting creativity and local artists, with an interactive street art initiative that invited runners and visitors to contribute to a large collaborative canvas. The collective painting is joined by the artist himself, renowned Penang mural and graffiti artist, Azmi Hussin.

Staying true to its tradition, the Run also hosted the popular #SupportLokal Bazaar where Penang’s homegrown entrepreneurs and business owners showcased a diverse range of artisanal crafts, eco-friendly products, and local delicacies. By offering local businesses a unique platform to shine, Alliance Bank reinforced its Bank's dedication to supporting small businesses, fostering economic growth at the grassroots level, and bolstering the local economy.

A highlight of the day was the symbolic presence of Penang’s iconic trishaws, providing participants with complimentary rides around the city’s historic streets. This nostalgic feature offered a unique perspective of George Town’s rich heritage while also enhancing the overall cultural experience for attendees.

In keeping with its sustainability theme, this year’s Heritage Run 2024 continued its eco-friendly practices by offering race essentials made from sustainable materials. Participants received PET lanyards crafted from recycled plastic, medals made from recyclable and sustainably-sourced wood, and exclusive T-shirts featuring fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. These items were thoughtfully packed into reusable canvas bags, minimising waste and promoting sustainable habits. In addition, Alliance Bank strengthened its commitment to circular practices by once again collaborating with the women-led organisation Kloth to drive impactful change in the plastics, textiles, and clothing industries while empowering local communities.

As part of its sustainability agenda, Alliance Bank is focused on positively impacting communities by encouraging environmental responsibility, supporting financial goals, and empowering entrepreneurship. Through regular engagements and events, such as this flagship running event the Bank aims to enhance the well-being of the communities it serves while advocating a greener, more sustainable future.

For more information about Alliance Bank’s sustainability efforts and green propositions, please visit https://www.alliancebank.com.my.

Full list of 12-km race winners