Muhammad Shah Feroz was an Innova Junior College physical education teacher.

He quit his job in July to train full-time for a year to compete at next year’s SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, according to Today.

He wants to break the national 3,000m steeplechase record of 9:11.42, which was clocked by Mathevan Maran at the 1989 SEA Games, when he won a bronze.

In his SEA Games debut held in Singapore in 2015, Shah Feroz, 32, finished ninth in the 3,000m steeplechase event in 9min 42.78sec

He was 43 seconds behind eventual winner Christopher Ulboc Jr of the Philippines (8:59.07), who is six years his junior.

Shah Feroz achieved a new personal best in that run -- his first in four years -- shaving 17 seconds from his previous best time.

And he had achieved it after taking a month of no-pay leave to undergo altitude training in Cameron Highlands in Malaysia to prepare for the SEA Games.

Shah Feroz decided to quit his job this time round because it was difficult juggling his work and training commitments.

He had to wake up at 5.45am during his teaching days and end at 11pm after finishing his training.

Despite being offered part-time positions, he prefers to dedicate all his time to training and is currently looking for sponsors.

He told Today: “I rejected them because I’m taking this one year off to put my full focus on it.”

His apparel is currently sponsored by New Balance.

This is an appeal on his behalf:

If you're a company based in Singapore, this is why Feroz would be a good ambassador for your brand:

1) He is Singapore's top athlete in the 3000m steeplechase. Requiring speed, endurance and agility, this is probably one of the most demanding events in the sport of track and field.

2) His positive demeanor and industrious approach to training makes him a fantastic role model for kids.

3) Having years of experience as a school teacher, Feroz is able to deliver public speaking proficiently and is useful for company workshops/inspirational talks.

4) He's got that smile to die for.

Please share this post if you agree. Let's get this guy some support so he can fly our flag high at next year's SEA Games!

Top photo via Shah Feroz

If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest updates.