Mat lajaks are creative youngsters.

Some of the bicycles of mat lajaks are equipped with

suspensions, in which is unusual for normal small bicycles intended for primary school children.

One unique characteristic of the modified bicycle is its shorter length of the fork and handlebar,

forcing the rider to bow forward when riding the bicycle. As in theory, the position will improve

the aerodynamics of a cyclist during a race, making it easier for cyclists to accelerate.

Mat lajaks are free to express themselves through cycling. Expression of thoughts,

preferences and feelings is considered to be a way to express one’s selfhood and thus, freedom of

expression becomes a powerful sign of individual freedom. As the value of freedom and

individuality are core ideals that define individualist cultures, self-expression, defined as

“assertion of one’s individual traits (Merriam-Webster dictionary),” is strongly valued. Mat

lajaks express their inner thoughts and feelings through their cycling activities in order to realize

their individuality. Freedom of expressing themselves through modified bicycle symbolizes an

array of different self-expressive act through choices, action and artistic.

This increasing trend of mat lajaks no doubt raises concern, looking at it from a different

perspective; these youngsters were merely doing what they are passionate about, while foregoing

the dangers of such circumstances for these joyride activities. If perhaps these cyclists’ abilities

are polished, they could be a source of untapped talent for the cycling sport in Malaysia and one

day represent the country at a global stage, given their dedication and daring nature to race at

extreme speeds.

Mat lajaks do random acts of bravado. It would be a promising sporting talent if they

become a professional athlete in this extreme sport. Sports company can provide a platform for
them to polish their skills, but they themselves must have their own initiative to get better in a

sport. They must possess the right attitude as well. Majority of mat lajaks are in it for the peer

pressure and pure enthusiasm of cycling.

Though they have already proven themselves to be brave enough for high-risk sports, to

make a profession out of their passion, they have to choose a specific cycling discipline such as

track or mountain cycling to progress their skills to the next level. It is up to these aspiring kids

to work hard and prove themselves to be noticed.

Parental support is a key too. The ultimate beacon of hope to these kids is their parents’

guidance as parents play a crucial role in shaping their child’s future. If parents see their children

taking a huge interest in lajak cycling, instead of just letting them risk themselves on the roads,

they should guide their children’s passion to a correct and more structured path, such as

registering them under an organization or bringing them to competitions.

From an innovation point of view, this new bike-sharing phenomenon arguably provides

an opportunity to appreciate the power of divergent thinking and doing, which can be a catalyst

for creative value creation in an environment geared towards greater entrepreneurial risk-taking.

It is about spontaneity, out-of-the-box thinking and non-linearity - that is, an environment where

"blue sky ideas" can emerge. Divergent thinking is often found among people with personality

traits such as non-conformity, curiosity, and the willingness to take risks. Thinking divergently

about cycling may help to drive home the point that we should, from time to time, question our

routinized, convergent ways of thinking in order to appreciate the power of transformational,

out-of-the-box thinking which is critical to make innovation work. In that sense, one may also

applaud the creative behaviour of mat lajaks.