DSP (NS) Muhammad Zaki bin Hyder’s fitness journey has always been powered by the people around him — from family and friends to fellow NSmen.
Back in 2002, as a student at Nanyang Polytechnic, DSP (NS) Muhammad Zaki bin Hyder found two lifelong passions — rock climbing, and Aini, his future wife. They met through the school’s climbing co-curricular activity, and his love for the sport quickly earned him the nickname “Spideyzek,” a nod to his Spider-Man gear and gravity-defying skills on the wall.
“The name just stuck,” he recalled. “I was drawn to climbing because I admired how fearless and fluid climbers looked. They seemed weightless — graceful, yet powerful.”
Zaki scaling the climbing walls at Adventure HQ
Now 39, Zaki is a cabin crew member, husband, and father to a nine-year-old daughter. While his rock climbing sessions are less frequent these days — limited to once or twice a month while overseas for work — the sport still holds a special place in his life.
He has also scaled at My Climbing Place located at Adventure HQ in HomeTeamNS Khatib, which he describes as clean and spacious, with friendly staff and a wide range of climbing options for all levels.
Zaki remains close to his climbing circle — a group of friends he’s known for over 20 years. “Rock climbing is like playing chess with your whole body,” he explained. “You have to be present, solve problems on the go, and think on your feet. It’s physically and mentally rewarding — much like life itself.”
Zaki (bottom row, third from right) at HomeTeamNS REAL® Run 2024 with his Alpha Division NSmen contingent
When gym access was restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic, Zaki turned to running as a way to stay active outdoors — and to finally train for triathlons, something he had been meaning to do for years. He started clocking 5 to 10km daily along park connectors near his home, sometimes joined by Aini when their schedules aligned.
“I never turn down an opportunity to run with my wife, especially when she’s the one who initiates it,” he shared. “My work schedule is erratic, so I usually run solo unless I can find someone whose timing matches mine.”
His favourite routes include Mandai T15, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and MacRitchie Reservoir. He’s also a regular at the REAL® Run, having joined the event four or five times — though he admits he’s lost count.
“It’s the one event where I reconnect with my Home Team buddies from the Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force,” he said. “I even clocked a personal best at one of the recent runs, so it’s a mix of family, friends, and personal challenge.”
One of his most memorable REAL® Run experiences? “It was held at Sentosa, and I participated with Aini, her sister, and my brother-in-law. They didn’t realise it included trail, road, and beach running. It was a surprise for them — but a fun one!”
Zaki, his wife Aini, and their daughter stay active together through regular family workouts
As parents, Zaki and Aini believe in leading by example when it comes to staying active. From a young age, their daughter was introduced to outdoor activities like swimming and hiking. Today, she joins them two to three times a week for family workouts that include cycling, running, badminton, or rollerblading.
She has even followed in her father’s climbing footsteps. Zaki recalls with pride how she overcame her initial fear of heights with repeated practice — eventually scaling the wall with confidence. “We believe that nature is a great teacher, and kids should be exposed to the outdoors early,” Zaki said. “Also, a family that sweats together, stays together. Sometimes, she’s the one who initiates these sessions, which we see as great bonding time.”
Zaki participated in the V Trail Laos – Vang Vien Trail 23km Race in February 2023
Sport has been more than a hobby for Zaki — it has been a lifeline. In 2009, he was involved in a serious motorcycle accident while returning from reservist training. The injuries were so severe that doctors initially feared they might have to amputate his left leg. “But when I woke up after the first operation and saw my leg still intact — with metal rods sticking out — I felt like I’d been given a second chance,” he shared.
That chance came with a long and painful recovery. Zaki had to relearn basic movements like walking, squatting, and climbing stairs. It took two years before he could run again — and even then, with a limp. But the experience transformed his perspective. “Rehabilitation gave me a different outlook on life. Being able to walk for hours on your own two legs is something many of us take for granted. I didn’t anymore,” he said.
The accident didn’t deter him. In fact, it fuelled his desire to push limits. In the years since, Zaki has taken up triathlons, motocross in New Zealand, scuba diving in the Maldives, and most recently, ultramarathons — completing distances ranging from 50km to 100km. “I used to think anyone who ran more than 10km was nuts,” he joked. “Now I’m aiming for another 100km soon — and maybe even a 100-miler (161km) one day.”
As Zaki reflects on his sporting milestones, he’s also proud of his long-standing service as a Police NSman (PNSman). Currently the Commanding Officer (CO) of Division Special Task Troop 10, he oversees the operational readiness of his fellow NSmen and supports their deployments throughout the year.
One of his most meaningful contributions was serving as Guard of Honour Contingent Commander at the most recent Police Day Observance Ceremony, commemorating 50 years of Police National Service. “It marked 20 years since I entered the Old Police Academy in 2005 as a trainee special constable. Marching in the parade again — two decades later — was a full-circle moment,” he said. “It was an honour to represent NSmen and share my journey with the younger officers just starting theirs.”
At this year’s REAL® Run, Zaki is looking forward to reconnecting with fellow NSmen, new and old. His advice to first-timers? “It’s not about how fast or far you run — it’s about showing up. Come with your friends and family. Even if you come alone, you’ll make friends. Either way you are bound to meet like-minded individuals, and the atmosphere is incredible. You won’t regret coming for the run.”
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