Kuala lumpur: National tower running ace Soh Wai Ching is aiming to clock a faster time at the Merdeka 118 Tower Run and set a new personal best at the second edition of the event, scheduled for Aug 22. Wai Ching, who won the inaugural edition last year in 15 minutes and 37 seconds after climbing 2,845 steps across 118 floors, is now targeting to finish in under 15 minutes and 20 seconds. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wai Ching said the opportunity to train at Merdeka 118 ahead of the competition has boosted his confidence in achieving the target, although he acknowledged the pressure of competing as the favourite. "My biggest challenge this year is the Merdeka 118 Tower Run because it is being held on home ground and everyone expects me to win. I also hope to clock a time under 15 minutes and 20 seconds, especially as we have the advantage of training there, while the other competitors do not have that opportunity. I am confident I can do it," he said. He told reporters this after being announced as th e new brand ambassador for Next Energy here today. At the same event, Wai Ching received an annual sponsorship worth RM150,000 to support his preparations for a packed domestic and international competition schedule. The sponsorship covers competition-related expenses, including travel costs, equipment and other preparation needs throughout the season. Besides the Merdeka 118 Tower Run, Wai Ching will begin his race campaign at the Kuantan 188 Tower Run in Kuantan, Pahang, on Aug 1. He is then scheduled to compete in the International Vertical Marathon @ Guangzhou Yingkai Plaza in Guangzhou, China, on Aug 8 before taking part in the Sedona Sky Run in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the following day. His international tower running campaign will continue with the Metropolitan Sky Race in Barcelona, Spain, on Oct 3 before concluding the season at the 48th Empire State Building Run-Up in New York, the United States, on Oct 6.