Hello Mentor EP22 | Josiah Ng On being a three-time Olympian & Malaysia’s First Olympic Cyclist Finalist
From passion to career, Josiah Ng talks about how he broke out of his family traditions in order to pursue his dreams as an Olympic Cyclist.
By Matt Khoo on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM
Updated on 2025-03-17 at 7:14 AM
“I remember getting grounded and all the physical altercations with my parents at age 16 until one day my dad finally said to me, ‘Hey son, you look like you’re determined so when you turn the age of 18, you’re officially an adult, you can choose your own pathway but not under our rooftop.’” -Josiah Ng
About the episode
In Episode 22 of the Hello Mentor podcast, Derek Toh, Founder and CEO of Hiredly, sits down with Josiah Ng, Malaysia’s first Olympic cyclist finalist and a three-time Olympian who has left an indelible mark on the world of track cycling. Known for his unwavering determination and passion for cycling, Josiah shares his remarkable journey, from overcoming personal and professional challenges to achieving his dreams on the global stage. This episode is not only a deep dive into Josiah’s career but also a masterclass in resilience, mindset, and the power of mentorship.
Getting to know Josiah Ng
Josiah Ng (@josiahcyclist) is no ordinary athlete. Born into a traditional family, Josiah's love for cycling began as an escape from a regimented upbringing. Despite facing resistance from his parents—culminating in his father’s ultimatum to leave home if he chose cycling over studies—Josiah pursued his dreams with unrelenting passion.
By the time he was 18, Josiah had become the California State Champion and was ranked second in the U.S. His journey to the Olympics was far from smooth, marked by injuries, limited resources, and moments of self-doubt. Yet, he turned every setback into a stepping stone, eventually making history as the first Malaysian cyclist to reach the top six at the Olympics—Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, and London 2012. Josiah's story is not just about his achievements but also about his philosophy of turning failures into opportunities. As he puts it, “Learn to lose like a champion.” Whether recovering from a near-fatal crash just months before the Athens Olympics or battling self-doubt after a disappointing finish in Beijing, Josiah’s Olympian mindset allowed him to keep pushing forward.
He emphasizes the importance of gratitude, setting micro-goals, and focusing on what you can control—a lesson that resonates far beyond sports.
Life After the Track
Since retiring, Josiah has channeled his energy into empowering others. Through his cycling e-academy in Kuala Lumpur, he nurtures future generations of cyclists. His initiative, Sports Empowered, provides mindset coaching and workshops for corporate teams and individuals, focusing on the principles of discipline, teamwork, and resilience that guided his athletic career.
Josiah’s programs have attracted global corporations like Microsoft, Google, and Uber, underscoring his ability to inspire and mentor across industries.
Highlights from the Episode
- Every Day is Game Day: Josiah shares how treating every day as a high-stakes game day kept him focused and prepared, even during challenging times.
- The Power of Mentorship: From his grandmother’s sage advice to the kindness of strangers who supported his dreams, mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping Josiah’s journey.
- Staying True to Your Values: Despite facing pressures to use performance-enhancing drugs, Josiah stayed clean throughout his career, proving that success and integrity can go hand in hand.
Check out the podcast episode and get ready to be blown away by the unstoppable force that is Josiah Ng!
Hello Mentor is a podcast show that platforms raw discussions on career, ambition and success with inspiring and accomplished individuals.
Hello Mentor is hosted by Derek Toh, Founder and CEO of Hiredly.
Listen to all episodes on Spotify for your dose of inspiration and career advice from real people who’ve been there!
Looking to transform your career? Explore Malaysia’s top job opportunities and discover your Work Personality Test on Hiredly! Visit Hiredly to get started.
By Matt Khoo on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM