Better, faster, stronger
> While acknowledged as the toughest and most eligible, Dinesh Jared Sundram is always competing against his greatest rival – himself
BAGGING the titles of Cleo’s Most Eligible Bachelor 2016 and Malaysia’s Toughest for KIX HD’s Are You Tough Enough challenge, Dinesh Jared Sundram has always had the competitive spirit in him.
Surprisingly, rising above the rest is not always the main concern for the 28-year-old lad because the one person that he is always competing against is actually himself.
“There will always be someone out there stronger, more good-looking and all around better than I am. I can’t be the best forever. I just keep trying to be a better person than I was yesterday,” explained Dinesh.
On top of his budding career in fitness and modelling, Dinesh is also a certified Science and Biology teacher at one of the local international schools.
Continuing to challenge himself with competitions and everything else in between, it is hard to believe that Dinesh was actually born with a lifethreatening disease.
You are not only a model and boxing coach but also a school teacher. Have you always wanted to work in education? I got my first taste of teaching when I became a part-time tutor to earn some extra money as a student. I was in finance for a while after I graduated but decided that it was not really for me. I began to remember how much I enjoyed teaching and decided to apply for a position at one of the international schools.
You were born with empyema disease. Could you tell us what it actually is? Empyema is a rare condition when the lungs are filled with fluid and pus. Unfortunately, I was misdiagnosed and treated for a wrong disease for three months after I was born. I have since recovered after receiving the right treatment but my lung is always my weakest point. I am very sensitive to airborne germs and that is why I catch cold and flu easily. I have to put extra effort when it comes to physical and endurance competitions.
What motivates your participation in physical endurance competitions like KIX HD’s Are You Tough Enough? I participate in these competitions to motivate myself to have short-term goals. I like to know that there is always something to look forward to. I need a goal that I can work towards or else I will lose my concentration. Signing up for these competitions is like putting a good stress on myself.
How different are they from competitions like Cleo’s Most Eligible Bachelor? Regardless of the method of training and preparation, these competitions are very much the same. I still put in the same amount of work and it gives the same feeling of anxiety. With modelling and male pageant, you are judged based on how you look which can be quite superficial. I learned all about it and see it as another educational journey.
You go through your own physical transformation. How important is the transformation to you? #underdog is my favourite hashtag on Instagram. I might have transformed physically but deep inside I’m still the same shy person that I have always been. I always think that other people are better than me. I see the positive side of it as it motivates me to push further. Knowing that I’m always the underdog actually takes away the pressure.
What’s next for you since you have achieved quite a lot in just a few years? I will compete again in KIX HD’s Are You Tough Enough competition. This time around it will be among past winners to defend their title. In terms of personal life, I will get married in July. I am currently completing my master level diploma that will allow me to teach the Cambridge syllabus all over the world.
Since my fiancé is British, I need it in order for me to move and work abroad.
What would you say to people who are inspired to be as successful as you are? You are your own competition. If you could be honest and challenge yourself to learn something new every day, your life will progress swiftly.
Everything will be aligned and you will attract positive energy. I remember the days when I couldn't even afford coffee at Starbucks.
Looking back, I realise how we tend to take things for granted and we keep wanting more in life.