This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on July 16, 2018 - July 22, 2018

This is the 12th consecutive year that Deloitte Malaysia is entering The Edge Kuala Lumpur Rat Race and the team is as energised as ever.

Driven by Deloitte’s aim to make a difference in society, the company said its people are always keen to do their part to help the disadvantaged, and what better way to do it than by taking part in a healthy activity like running.

“Despite grey skies and the new hilly route last year, one of our directors managed to earn a spot in the Top 3 Female CEO category. It was the enthusiastic cheering from the crowd and fellow participants that created the camaraderie and gave the runners that extra motivation to push to the finishing line,” a spokesman reflects on last year’s race.

But after last year, the team are better prepared this time around.

“Despite our busy schedules, we train regularly to build strength and stamina. We believe consistency is key. And we are training alongside our athletes who are preparing for the Deloitte Inter-Departmental Games, which is happening around the same time,” said the spokesman.

Gooi Yong Wei, Deloitte Malaysia’s executive director of tax, who is running in the CEO category, said the runners take the inevitable pressure in good part. “Winning is, of course, a plus point but the ultimate aim is to do our part for the beneficiaries of the Rat Race.”

At Deloitte, she added, there is IMPACT Day when the professionals leave behind their laptops, conference calls and email for a day to spend time volunteering and using their skills to make a difference for the communities it serves. They provide skills-based volunteering and a helping hand to many not-for-profit organisations.

“In addition, we run other pro bono and skills-based volunteer programmes as part of our commitment to leverage the skills and experience of our people and have an impact that matters on our community,” Gooi said.

Justin Ong, Deloitte Malaysia’s risk advisory executive director, said that what constitutes good corporate responsibility (CR) are clear objectives and measurable and sustainable outcomes.

“Instead of one-off initiatives, efforts that gradually transform society through the organisation’s positive influence are what good CR programmes should aim for,” he said.

Ong, who is also running in the CEO category, said he is looking forward to the camaraderie among the participants during the race.