Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA, 21 April 2008 – The Malaysian leg of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay reached its climax today when 80 selected torchbearers successfully carried the Olympic Torch through the streets of Kuala Lumpur. The relay, which started from Dataran Merdeka reached its final destination at Suria KLCC, covering a distance of 16.5 kilometers. This was the second time since 1964, for the Olympic torch passed through Malaysia where Malaysians witnessed the most prestigious sporting symbol up-close. 
Mr. Min Yong Ho, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Samsung Malaysia Electronics (SME) Sdn Bhd, proudly carrying the Olympic Flame.
The Beijing Olympic Torch Relay will have the longest route in the Olympic Torch Relay history, involving 21,880 torchbearers who will cover a total distance of 137,000 km in 130 days. Samsung, a Worldwide Presenting Partner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, had recruited approximately 1,500 torchbearers from all around the world.
The Samsung Malaysia Electronics (SME) Sdn Bhd torchbearers line up consist of four role models who were meticulously chosen by Samsung for their notable contributions to society and their tenacity to overcome challenges in their lives to achieve success in their respective fields. They are Yang Bahagia Datin Paduka Sharifah Mazlina Syed Abdul Kadir, Ras Adiba Radzi, Nicol Ann David and Lee Chong Wei.
“With their participation, Samsung believes that we have inspired all Malaysians to continue pursuing their goals, by showing them that dreams can come true. These individuals, with their relentless spirit of never giving up truly exemplified the theme ‘pushing the limits for a better life’,” added Mr Min.
The presence and participation of the four inspirational role models and the selected members of the public who had the privilege of being selected by Samsung via an online contest clearly reinforced the true spirit of the Olympics, sportsmanship, excellence and respect. The slogan of the 2008 Olympics “One World One Dream" fully reflects the essence and the universal values of the Olympic spirit - Unity, Friendship, Progress, Harmony, Participation and Dream, the common aspirations of people from all over the world.
“Seeing the thousands of Malaysians cheering us on today is a feeling that I shall cherish forever. The support shown by my fellow countrymen confirms my belief that despite our differences we are actually one and the same -- sharing similar values and dreams in the spirit of the Olympics,” noted Ras Adiba Radzi.
“This is my second time participating in an Olympic Torch Relay, and that feeling and experience is still as overwhelming. Carrying the Olympic Torch again is very special to me and I’m proud that this time it’s in my home country and for all Malaysians,” said Nicol David.
“It’s hard to believe that we actually had the Olympic Torch in Malaysia, but that’s exactly what has happened! This is a very significant moment for all of us in the country, and every Malaysian should be proud of this achievement as we look forward to the Beijing Olympic Games,” said Lee Chong Wei.
Samsung has been a worldwide Olympic sponsor since 1998 and a presenter of the Olympic Torch Relay from 2004. As the Worldwide Olympics Wireless Communications Partner for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Samsung contributes superior wireless technologies and mobile phones through the company’s Wireless Olympic Works (WOW) initiative, to ensure a smooth and efficient running of the Olympic Games. The most comprehensive information resource for a sporting event, WOW will transmit real time information related to the Olympics.
The company has consistently supported a broad range of sports for almost 20 years. In the region, Samsung has sponsored the Asian Games as well as the recently concluded AFC Asian Cup football championship. It will also be sponsoring the Asian Qualifiers for the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
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