Sport has always been an arena of passion — a place where emotions run high, adrenaline surges, and every try, goal, or point feels personal. But sometimes, the intensity spills beyond the field, and what should be a celebration of athleticism turns into a showdown of egos, often among those not even playing: the spectators. We've all seen it — raised voices, exchanged words, sometimes even scuffles at youth tournaments or community games. And while these moments may seem isolated, they reflect a deeper misunderstanding of what it truly means to support sports, especially at the grassroots level.
Selamat Hari Guru to all the chalk warriors, whiteboard magicians, and even those who master the art of saying “Dengar sini!” louder than a stadium speaker.
But today, I want to shine a light on a slightly different kind of educator. One who trades books for balls, chalk for cones, and lesson plans for training drills. Yes, I’m talking about the coach—the teacher who doesn’t always wear batik on Thursdays but wears heart on sleeves, every day.
Rugby players bring a unique blend of qualities to the workplace that give them a distinct edge in corporate environments, especially when compared to individuals from sports more traditionally associated with business, such as golf, tennis, or marathon running. While individual sports emphasize personal achievement, focus, and endurance, rugby’s team-based nature fosters additional attributes critical for organizational success.
Much has been said since last week after the Malaysia Rugby Team lost to Sri Lanka in our attempt to defend our rightful status as a contender in the Asia Rugby Championship. The loss relegated Malaysia back to Division 1. Without discounting the hard work and sacrifices of our players, coaches, and management team—I salute their dedication and effort on the field and during the preparation.
As a rugby practitioner, I feel compelled to speak up—not just for the love of the game, but for the pride of our nation. Watching our national team struggle against the Tuskers, I couldn’t help but see the larger elephant in the room: we need to address the root issues plaguing Malaysian rugby. While discussions are now buzzing about establishing a semi-pro league and other top-level reforms, no one is talking about the urgent need to rebuild from the grassroots up.
In today’s fast-paced world, achieving a balanced life is no easy feat. Many people ask how I manage to split my time between a demanding full-time role at Remedi, running a rugby academy, and spending quality time with my family. The answer lies in flexible working arrangements, support from those around me, and most importantly, a strong sense of purpose that keeps me grounded.