'Making all dreamers PROUD' AirAsia’s ‘Dare to Dream’ ambassador Ben Proud returns to where it all began, inspiring Next-Gen Asean talents with swim clinic

Photo Caption: From left to right - Rudy Khaw, CEO of AirAsia brand co. (Abc.) and Olympian Ben Proud during the press conference of Ben Proud's Talent Pool swim clinic 2.0 at Team Q Swimming Academy, Petaling Jaya

KUALA LUMPUR, 27 September 2024 – In a region rich with untapped potential, AirAsia continues to lead the way in empowering Asean's rising stars through its Dare to Dream initiative. Leading this campaign is Olympic swimmer Ben Proud, fresh off his silver medal triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. As a Dream ambassador, Proud truly represents what can be achieved through unwavering dedication, determination and hard work, inspiring the next generation to never give up.

After almost stepping away from competitive swimming following the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, Proud’s comeback is a true testament to his resilience. Following his recent achievement, Proud has returned to Malaysia, where it all began, marking a meaningful homecoming and reunion with his former coach, Francis Kiu, who first guided him into the world of competitive swimming. The reunion will take place at Coach Kiu's swimming academy, the Team Q Swim Academy at the heart of Petaling Jaya, where the second edition of Ben Proud's Talent Pool swim clinic is hosted. 

First introduced in 2017, the ‘Ben Proud Talent Pool’ swim clinic offers aspiring athletes aged seven to 19 the unique opportunity to learn from an Olympic medalist. As part of AirAsia’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment through the Dare to Dream initiative, the clinic not only focuses on teaching swimming techniques but also imparting long-time life values such as perseverance, goal-setting, and mental resilience. The clinic serves as a full-circle moment for Proud, who hopes to inspire the next generation of swimmers in the same environment where his own journey began.

Rudy Khaw, CEO of AirAsia brand co. (Abc.), said: “We are more than proud of Ben’s accomplishments at the recent Olympics. I can’t think of anyone more deserving. We started our journey with Ben in 2017 with an aim to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics and he showed year after year his strengths through breaking records, winning world championships, Commonwealth Gold and more. Despite missing out on podium finishes in previous Olympics, Ben continued to break records and never gave up. True to the spirit of Dare to Dream, he kept pushing, never losing sight of his goal. We’re happy to have Ben back in Malaysia where his swimming career first began. As he returns to his ‘roots’ to give back to the next generation through his Talent Pool swim clinic, we are reminded once again that no dream is too big if you are willing to chase it. Ben’s story is proof of that, and we could not be prouder to have him as our Dare to Dream ambassador.”

Ben Proud said: "Three years ago, I was at one of the lowest points in my life, unable to even talk about the setbacks I faced. But in those tough moments, I found the strength to keep going, and now, standing here with an Olympic medal, I am grateful for every high and low I have experienced along the way. AirAsia’s Dare to Dream initiative embodies this spirit of resilience, and I am honoured to partner with them to show young athletes that even in the darkest times, there is always a path forward. As my journey has shown, “work hard in silence, let success be your noise”. Returning to Malaysia, with AirAsia by my side and reuniting with Coach Kiu, to inspire the next generation of swimmers is a moment that truly brings my journey full circle."

AirAsia remains dedicated to supporting and uplifting Asean talents, empowering them to achieve their dreams and fueling their passions across all fields and endeavours.

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About AirAsia, the masterbrand

AirAsia is a leading Asean brand that has evolved from a pioneering low-cost airline into a dynamic travel and lifestyle platform for the underserved, the believers and the dreamers. With a legacy of more than 20 years built on affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity, AirAsia has connected over 800 million people across the region and beyond, inspiring dreams and empowering communities. Rooted in Asean, AirAsia continues to champion the region's diversity propelled by its "Dare to Dream" spirit committed to delivering exceptional value, unforgettable experiences, and innovative solutions.

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