“Extraordinary!” If there is one word that best encapsulates the essence of those whom we feature in the pages of PASSIONS and who read it; that would be it. From our very first issue to this, our 46th edition, we have always highlighted the achievements of those who have led (and also lead) extraordinary lives.

 

What does being extraordinary mean? It is not a trait that can be measured in tangibles such as monetary value. Nor does it correlate with one’s material possessions. Too often, people think that being wealthy is a sign of being extraordinary. Not PASSIONS. For us, wealth, power and prestige are the results of excellence, not the causes.

 

Being extraordinary means being committed to excellence. It means having the drive and tenacity to overcome any obstacle that comes one’s way. It means being able to persevere in your endeavour no matter what others may say – to ignore the brickbats from the nay-sayers and the negativity from sceptics during the arduous journey to the top.

 

The sportsmen and sportswomen at the Olympic Games, in particular the winners, embody that spirit. Every four years they meet, after years of intense training, to pit themselves against each other in a gruelling trial of strength, endurance, agility and yes, even intelligence.

 

The Olympic Spirit is not just limited to sportspeople though. As you can see in this issue of PASSIONS, Olympians can be found outside the track, field and pool. They are captains of industries making decisions that shape the world of business, they are entrepreneurs who have personally brought their companies to the top with creativity and innovation, they are public figures who have given their all to the service of their country and fellow citizens.

 

The Olympians of the world are those who dare defy convention when convention needs to be defied. They are the women who fought against prejudice to take what is theirs by right. They are artists who rebelled against conformity to create new modes and new forms of art.

 

Do turn to page 33 to read our special feature on the extraordinary men in Malaysia who embody the Olympic Spirit in their lives and work. And while you’re there, why not flip over to page 52 to read the speech that our Editor-in-Chief, Datuk Beatrice Nirmala, gave to the 2nd Women In Leadership Conference, where she paid tribute to women past and present who spearheaded and inspired change in the world.

 

Till we meet again, may you always continue to live the life of the Olympian… an extraordinary life full of passion.