JFE Shoji Steel Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (JSSM) participated in ALEPS Ekiden Half Marathon 2025, which took place at Shah Alam Independence Square on September 7. This unusual event—first organized by the Alumni Look East Policy Society (ALEPS) in 2024—incorporates a Japanese-style Ekiden relay format. In this second edition, which had about 1,200 runners participate, entrants chose between a 21K Ekiden relay (in teams of four, with each runner racing 5.3 kilometers) or a beginner-friendly 5K individual fun run.
Seven teams of 28 JSSM employees participated this year. After finding that running in the event’s inaugural edition last year strengthened trust and unity among the members of the teams, the company decided to participate again this year.
All of the teams that competed in the Ekiden completed the event within the three-and-a-half-hour time limit. Setting the fastest JSSM time was a team consisting of general manager Mr. Ishii —who was just assigned to JSSM in June—and three national staff members. They finished in 1 hour 56 minutes, earning them fourth place in the senior men’s (40-plus) category.
The members of the JSSM teams enjoyed running and handing off the sashes to their teammates, which strengthened their “relay-tionships” with colleagues.
JSSM will continue to participate in such events as a way to enhance communication and strengthen teamwork between employees.