PRESS RELEASE: Takagi Ramen signs $20,000 deal with Soh Rui Yong to support 2022 Asian Games journey
The deal comes as a boost for the marathoner’s 2022 Asian Games qualifying bid.
Rui Yong will also receive an unlimited supply of ramen as part of the year-long deal.
SINGAPORE, 23 Oct 2021 – Takagi Ramen, a fast-growing F&B chain that serves affordable authentic ramen at eight outlets in Singapore, today announced a partnership worth $20,000 with double SEA Games marathon champion Soh Rui Yong. This serves as a boost for the distance runner’s 2022 Asian Games campaign in which Soh will attempt to qualify in the 10,000 metres.
Soh Rui Yong is Singapore’s most decorated distance runner who currently holds national records in the 5,000 metres, 10,000 metres, half marathon and marathon events. Besides winning the SEA Games marathon twice, the 30-year-old also recorded the nation’s fastest official 2.4 kilometre time of 6 minutes 53 seconds, also the first time that a Singaporean male had run faster than 7 minutes.
It was never a smooth road to success for Soh, who took four years to win his first title at the National Schools Cross Country Championships. Soh also spent much of his formative years training in his father’s SAF-issued shoes until he saved enough money to buy his own pair of running shoes. Soh’s humble origins meshed well with Takagi Ramen's mission to provide "Ramen for the Average Singaporean".
“I had to work hard all my life to get to where I am today in sports,” said Soh. “I am excited to work with Takagi Ramen because I immediately related to their slogan. I really respected the portion size provided, compared to some other ramen shops that charge more but give smaller portions.”
Soh also does not hesitate to speak out on social issues, namely athletes’ rights. Takagi Ramen also champions social issues such as championing an inclusive workplace by not requiring declaration of criminal status during their job applications. This appealed to Soh as he gained a deeper respect for the brand for standing up for what they believe in.
“It takes moral courage on Takagi Ramen’s part to stand up for the right thing, not just take the convenient way out. The sad truth is that despite movements like Yellow Ribbon which are well intentioned, many convicts still face discrimination in their lives despite already paying their dues and serving their sentences. This is what makes me proud to represent a brand like Takagi Ramen.”
While a bowl of ramen usually costs upwards of $10 at boutique stores, Takagi Ramen peddles its wares at more affordable prices, which lives up to its slogan of Ramen for the Average Singaporean. With Soh being one of the few Singaporeans pursuing a non-traditional career path of a professional athlete and a vocal personality, Takagi felt that Soh was the perfect champion for what Takagi Ramen stood for.
“Soh comes from an average background and during his childhood he was never an athletic prodigy. It was his tenacious attitude and dedication to work hard which led him to become Singapore’s top marathoner today. This is the fighting spirit that is present in every average Singaporean,” said Yang Kaiheng, owner of Takagi Ramen. “That's why, as a brand that takes pride in serving the Average Singaporean, Takagi Ramen believes this partnership with SRY will help us inspire more average people to never give up on hard work.”
With outlets stationed all over the island, find your nearest Takagi Ramen outlet at https://takagiramen.com/ today.
About Takagi Ramen: Takagi Ramen has served over 3 million bowls of ramen since its incorporation in 2015. Founded by Takagi-san, who hails from Tsuruga, Japan, her vision is to bring Singaporeans authentic, quality ramen at affordable prices, hence, Takagi Ramen – Ramen for the Average Singaporean. Takagi Ramen’s affordable fare enables the working middle class to reap the fruits of their hard work while juggling responsibilities and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
Contact information:
Takagi Ramen
Soh Rui Yong
