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Over 2,000 Join Subang Jaya Medical Centre’s Diabetes Dash Run to Raise Awareness on World Diabetes Day
Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) marked its 5th annual community run, “Diabetes Dash: Empowering Steps to Wellness,” on World Diabetes Day, bringing together over 2,000 participants to raise awareness about diabetes and promote prevention. The event attracted a diverse group of individuals, including members of the public, professional runners, healthcare workers, and SJMC staff, all united in their commitment to tackling the diabetes epidemic. The run not only emphasised the importance of diabetes prevention and wellness but also celebrated SJMC’s 39th anniversary of healthcare excellence.
Diabetes continues to be a significant health concern in Malaysia, with one in six adults affected – roughly 3.6 million people, or 15.6% of the adult population. If left unaddressed, these figures are projected to rise to 7 million by 2025. To combat this, SJMC’s multidisciplinary team of endocrinologists, diabetes educators, and nurses provides early detection, education, and ongoing support to help individuals take proactive steps towards better health.
“Lifestyle modification is the most effective strategy to prevent the progression of diabetes,” said Dr Hew Fen Lee, Consultant Endocrinologist at SJMC and Advisor to the Event Committee. “This can be achieved through reducing daily calorie intake and engaging in regular physical activity – such as running, brisk walking, swimming, or cycling – for at least 150 minutes per week.”
Bryan Lin, Chief Executive Officer of SJMC, added: “Events like the Diabetes Dash highlight the critical role of regular exercise and a balanced diet in diabetes prevention. The sense of community also plays a vital part in raising awareness and encouraging others to prioritise their health in the fight against this growing epidemic.”
Group photo with the winners of all categories, featuring ACP Wan Azlan Wan Mama, Tuan Ir. Balachandran Naicker (first and second left), Mr. Bryan Lin (center), Tuan Syed Shahril Anuar Syed Sulaiman, and Mr. Ken Chia (second and first from the right).
Since its inception in 2014, the SJMC Run has been a key platform for raising diabetes awareness and empowering the community to take control of their health. The hospital’s broader initiatives, which focus on reducing the prevalence of diabetes, include various educational and health promotion programmes designed to improve the overall wellbeing of Malaysians.
The run featured multiple categories, from a 3km Fun Run to competitive 10km and 21km races gathering multiple generations of participants. Esteemed guests at the event included MBSJ Councillors Tuan Ir. Balachandran Naicker and Mr. Ken Chia; Dr. Chan Boon Kheng, Managing Director & Group CEO of Asia OneHealthcare; as well as senior officials from local authorities, including ACP Wan Azlan Wan Mamat, Chief of Police, IPD Subang Jaya, and Tuan Syed Shahril Anuar Syed Sulaiman, Chief of BOMBA Subang Jaya, who joined in supporting the initiative.
The event also saw participation from social media influencers, radio announcers, and media representatives, all coming together to celebrate its success.
“Tackling diabetes requires not just medical intervention, but community-wide awareness and action. SJMC’s continuous efforts to educate and empower individuals through events like this play an important role in promoting a healthier, more informed society,” said Tuan Ir. Balachandran Naicker, MBSJ Councillor.
“We both commend SJMC for its invaluable contributions to the wellbeing of our community. Together, we can work towards a healthier future,” echoes Mr Ken Chia, MBSJ Councillor.
To double down on its efforts, SJMC donated Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices and glucometers worth RM19,000 to underprivileged diabetics through Action4Diabetes, a non-governmental organisation. This contribution is a testament to the hospital’s dedication to supporting those in need and helping them manage their condition effectively.
The event offered participants the chance to compete for cash prizes totaling RM21,600. In the 21km Men’s Open, Job Minacho Kamonde emerged victorious with a time of 1 hour, 13 minutes, 18 seconds, while Noor Amelia Musa claimed first place in the 21km Women’s Open with a time of 1 hour, 33 minutes, 41 seconds. The 21km Veteran Men’s and Women’s Open categories saw Mohd Nazri Ahmad and Tiffany Lee take the top spots, respectively.
In the 10km Men’s Open, Nikos Tai Lee Onn crossed the finish line at 34 minutes, 42 seconds, with Pauline Barbet, triumphing in the 10km Women’s Open with a time of 42 minutes, 36 seconds.
Reinforcing its commitment to holistic health, SJMC sponsored complimentary entries for its employees and hosted running clinics to encourage staff wellness. This initiative complements other SJMC programmes, such as the Growing Well Together (GWT) programme, in collaboration with Engage Life, which focuses on managing chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes.
Mock cheque presentation to Action4Diabetes Malaysia, with (from left to right): Rachel Teoh, Communications Manager, Action4Diabetes Malaysia; Fiona Ooi, Regional Manager, Action4Diabetes Malaysia; Mr. Bryan Lin; Dr. Chan Siew Pheng, Consultant Endocrinologist, SJMC; Dr. Hew Fen Lee, Consultant Endocrinologist, SJMC.
"This year’s event reflects our ongoing commitment to preventive healthcare,” said Bryan Lin. “Each participant today demonstrates a shared responsibility for their health and wellbeing, proving that collective efforts can create meaningful change in building a future where everyone is empowered to take control of their health.”
SJMC remains committed to supporting the community that has been integral to its growth as a leading regional healthcare provider. Beyond the SJMC Run, the hospital sponsored health initiatives like 3D mammogram screenings earlier this year for underserved women in Subang Jaya. Recently, SJMC received two prestigious awards for its community efforts: the Community Initiative Award at the ACES Awards 2024 and the Community Health Outreach Programme Award at the ESG Business Awards 2024, highlighting its dedication to provide support and care to more communities around SJMC.
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