PANGKALPINANG -- Balancing a dual role as an employee and an athlete is no easy feat. However, Waisya Hidayat, an employee of the Human Capital Division at PT Timah, has proven that it’s possible by consistently achieving success in the sport of table tennis.
Despite his daily work routine, Waisya still makes time to train and develop his passion. His journey as a table tennis athlete began at the age of 18 while studying in Yogyakarta. Though considered a late start for an athlete, his determination and strong will helped him catch up quickly.
Not only does he continue to train, but Waisya is now also mentoring the next generation through the table tennis club he founded. Some of his students have already achieved success at the provincial level.
“I first joined a tournament and, thankfully, won. That’s when PT Timah recruited me because of my talent and achievements in table tennis,” he recalled.
Since then, Waisya has continued to build an impressive track record. His accomplishments include third place at the 2023 South Papua National Championship in mixed doubles alongside his wife, and first place at the JFX event in August 2025 with fellow PT Timah employees.
For Waisya, PT Timah’s support has been a key factor in his athletic career. The company provides flexible time for competitions and offers complete sports facilities, including a table tennis gym, futsal court, archery range, and fitness center.
“PT Timah really supports both my hobby and my achievements. This support motivates me to keep training and deliver the best results—not just for myself but also for the company,” he said.
Beyond personal achievements, Waisya believes that sports also help strengthen camaraderie. He actively organizes internal table tennis tournaments at PT Timah, which have attracted more than 100 participants.
“On the court, things are more relaxed. There’s a lot of laughter and bonding, and that positive energy carries over into the workplace,” he said with a smile.
In the near future, Waisya will once again represent the Bangka Belitung Islands Province at the upcoming National Championship in Banjarmasin this November. He hopes to bring home another victory and make PT Timah proud on the national stage.
