The Power of “Belief”: Why You Should Always Believe in Yourself  – By Evelyn Chen

So, the Ironman World Championship took place on 14th September 2025, in Nice, France. Normally, I wouldn’t give two hoots about this event, but this time, it was a little different. This time, I had a vested interest! Our beloved, most hardworking, most handsome Muar Statesman / Model (did I mention he is so handsome?), YB Syed Saddiq was competing! 

Now, for a little background about this phenomenal (did I mention good looking?) man I adore! At just 31 years old, he got offered a scholarship to study at Oxford TWICE and he turned them down TWICE, all in order to serve the people of Malaysia. He was later accused of criminal breach of trust but he denied the allegations and went on to appeal the judgment, ultimately getting acquitted! 

He then took on some modelling work, which is where he met the beautiful actress / model / singer, Bella Astillah. They got on so famously that all of Malaysia is waiting for them to tie the knot! On top of that, he has said that most (and in some cases, all) of his earnings will be channelled to help the people of Muar! And amidst all of that, he found time to write a book, Jalan Tegak! 

And if that is not an impressive CV as is, this incredible man, amid Parliament sittings, visiting his constituents, modelling, making appearances at Bella Astillah’s events and even attempting to dance, decided to join the Ironman World Championship. 

An Ironman event by itself is already more than challenging; it is a daunting test of human limits. But for YB Syed Saddiq, it was a profound demonstration of the power of belief. It was not just about physical endurance; it was an act of faith, a belief in himself, his ability to overcome impossible odds and a belief in a cause larger than himself. This same belief is what he applied when he turned down Oxford (twice!!) to serve the people of Malaysia, taking a leap of faith for a larger purpose. It is the very same belief he used when he ventured into the entertainment industry, when he tried to dance and sing… and thrived. 

Almost everyone I know stayed up to follow his journey. We were worried for him and rightfully so! Every stage of the gruelling triathlon required a steadfast conviction. The cold waters of the Mediterranean for the 3.8-kilometre swim demanded a belief that his training would carry him through. The 180-kilometre bike ride through the challenging French mountains was a relentless test, pushing him to believe that his body could endure. As he said, the mountain elevations were akin to going up and down Genting Highlands twice! And the final 42.2-kilometre marathon was a pure battle of will, a triumph of mind over matter, powered by the unshakeable belief that he COULD and WOULD cross the finish line. 

It was a powerful message to everyone that with the right mindset, barriers crumble. His journey proved that a commitment to a goal, fuelled by the power of belief, can inspire an entire community and show that true leadership is about demonstrating what is possible when you simply believe you can. Congratulations, YB! 

 

Words to learn: 

give two hoots: to not care about something or someone 

breach: an act of breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct 

tie the knot: get married  

daunting: seeming difficult to deal with in prospect; intimidating  

profound: (of a state, quality, or emotion) very great or intense  

gruelling: extremely tiring and demanding  

steadfast: resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering  

conviction: a firmly held belief or opinion  

akin: of similar nature or character 

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