What does masculinity mean today? In the past, masculinity was often associated with strength and aggression; think pro-wrestling or any movie that Jason Statham is typically associated with. However, as society became more accepting and old belief systems started breaking down, the world has been redefining what it truly means to be masculine (or feminine). In the search for the modern definition of masculinity, let’s reframe the question and ask ourselves, “What is healed masculinity?”

Regardless of whether masculinity is viewed through a modern or traditional lens, the emotional well-being of men undeniably plays a crucial role in shaping the future for generations to come. Understanding the fluidity of this topic can be challenging, which is why it is important to hear from someone who embraces duality with an adventurous and bold career path, while still staying in touch with his softer, expressive side. 

Enter Adam Khalid – a name that local racing enthusiasts may be familiar with due to his participation in the 2017-18 Formula 4 South East Asia Championship, where he achieved a commendable ninth place. However, under his helmet lies a down-to-earth, relatable individual who isn’t shy to stop and smell the roses or pursue other passions.

On racing and rom-coms

“I’m a proud ’90s rom-com lover,” Adam gushes, dressed in a simple white shirt and a black pants for our shoot. Growing up close to two sisters and under the watchful eyes of his parents, the Malaysian professional racer and founder & CEO of Royong, a fundraising platform, shares that people typically see him as this adventurous, bold and bubbly person; but deep down, he is extremely sensitive and romantic. “The movie Fifty First Dates will always be my favourite. You see the character of Adam Sandler, he never gives up. And honestly, that’s just me. I’m a certified lover boy like that.” 

Hailing from Terengganu, the 25-year-old further explains that he is never afraid to connect with his emotions. “My parents taught me the wealth of prioritising emotions and mental health, especially my dad – he keeps me on my toes.” 

With a perpetual smile and a knack for cracking jokes, Adam’s energy is consistently at a high during our time in the studio. Perhaps his exposure to the adrenaline-fueled life has infused him with this innate vigour. Being raised in an automotive-focused family, Adam was introduced to the world of racing at the tender age of seven but didn’t actually start racing until he was 12 – guided by the influence of his father and uncles. “My uncles were heavily involved in the motorsport industry, so they were kind of pushing me in that direction, too. It was the first industry that I just fell in love with from the get go.” 

“Once I was introduced to the world of racing, I knew there was no turning back,” he goes on, “I kept telling myself for as long as I can, for as long as I still have the strength to keep pushing and make sure that I am world champion, I will always do it. It’s not just about becoming world champion; it’s about empowering Malaysians and showing people that we can get there. And the more I get to talk about the sport, the better it becomes, right?” 

“I enjoy exploring different interests and keeping an open mind, but I will always remain true to who I am.”

Having had the pleasure to work alongside big names like Jazeman Jaafar and Alex Yoong, Adam likes how the idea of motorsports has now started to merge with various industries. “Jazeman and I joked about how the motorsports industry feels a lot sexier than before. It’s so much fun now. We have our own community, our own fans; we get invited here and there. Especially with Drive to Survive on Netflix, motorsports is finally getting the spotlight it deserves,” he beams.

Though the idea of spending most of his time around the circuit and rubbing shoulders with prominent racing figures might sound exciting, Adam admits that he enjoys being alone and regains his composure with quiet moments. Kicking off a career so early on, I ask if he has ever experienced imposter syndrome – a sense of self-doubt or feeling like a phony – which many pop stars have faced. Adam replies, “Not going to lie, it’s always going to be a struggle, especially when you get thrown into something at a young age. But as long as I know who I am and I live not to impress people, I won’t stray away from my compass of life.”

On minding his (men)tal health

Adam maintains that spending time with the right crowd helps him to distinguish what’s right and wrong when it comes to being his authentic self. “Not many people know but I have struggled emotionally and mentally and even took a year off racing last year because of this. I was too focused on being the ‘elite athlete’, so I made the decision [to take a break] before going back to racing with Aston Martin, which I won. That was refreshing.”

Thanks to the current culture of openness and acceptance surrounding taboo topics like emotional and mental well-being, men on social media are increasingly at ease with displaying vulnerability, emotions, or seeking assistance when necessary, particularly those navigating unique life paths. For Adam, juggling racing, his clothing brand, and a few other things that constantly demand his attention can get overwhelming at times. But his solution is to have an open conversation with the people close to him. 

“Sometimes all you need is a conversation with someone who gets you.”

“Sometimes all you need is a conversation with someone who gets you. For me, I’d always go back to my mum, she’s my backbone. I’m not scared to pick up the phone and tell her whether I’m nervous or confident before the race. Even to my friends, I’d straight up tell them, ‘Thanks bro, I love you.’ There’s nothing wrong with that,” he asserts. On that note, I agree that it’s time to break free from the outdated notion that men aren’t supposed to show emotions. Or demand extra attention from their partner. 

“Even on the first date, if I don’t get your attention, it would be a complete turn-off for me,” Adam reveals candidly. He reflects the notion that when men begin to embrace their emotions without hesitation, they will naturally attract genuine connections from others. “I want someone who’s eager to know about me; not Adam Khalid the race driver. But the real Adam Khalid.” 

On his passion for fashion 

Throughout our entire photoshoot, Adam doesn’t shy away from trying out different things and stepping out of his comfort zone, welcoming our creative direction of incorporating floral and lace elements. That’s Adam Khalid for you – proudly embodying healed masculinity and being comfortable in his own skin. When it comes to his personal style, Adam says, “Tyler, the Creator greatly influenced me during my formative years. I like his fashion sense and his unwavering commitment to personal growth and reinvention […] He transitioned from being aggressive to becoming a flower boy.”

Speaking of fashion, Adam discloses his idea of embarking on a different path with a clothing line he co-founded, Rhumi. It’s a brand that focuses on luxury streetwear and aims to cater to fashion-forward men who value both style and comfort. Although the brand is currently on hold, Adam has ambitious plans for its future.

“Being a race driver is one thing, but running your own clothing line is a whole different ball game. Just because you have a passion for fashion doesn’t mean running a business is any easier. Seeing what Emran does with Emri Vision, Asyraf with SVG and Hakim with OPT – they are amazing! It’s crazy! All I can do is just clap my hands for what they do,” he enthuses. 

Emphasising the importance of staying true to himself – from pursuing his dreams of becoming a world champion and engaging in community initiatives through his Royong campaign to envisioning himself racing alongside his idol, Michael Schumacher – he made it clear that he will not compromise his authenticity to fit in with the wrong crowd. “I enjoy exploring different interests and keeping an open mind, but I will always remain true to who I am. Whether it’s my love for racing, fashion, or prioritising my emotions, I’ll always be me,” he adds.

“Being a race driver is one thing, but running your own clothing line is a whole different ball game.”

Once again, Adam credits his relationship with his parents and his two sisters for shaping him into the man that he is today. “They always keep me in check and matured me in a lot of ways. I guess having sisters helps me to understand women more and make peace with my emotions because living in this era, mental health is no joke, especially for men,” he says. 

At the end of the day, he believes that being a good person is what truly matters. A modern man, in his words, is someone who is comfortable in his own skin, unafraid to express his emotions, and creates a safe environment for those around him.

Living up to this definition himself, Adam Khalid is undoubtedly the perfect personification of FirstClasse Malaysia’s Modern Masculinity issue. 

Featured image: Shirt, Gucci. Suit jacket, Ermenegildo Zegna. Watch: Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph. Rings: FRED.

Editor: Natalie Khoo 

Interview: Aqilah Najwa

Assisted by: Hanan Khair 

Art direction & styling: Anson Siau

Art direction & styling assistant: Mon Kai  Siong

Photography: Tommi Chu of Blink Studio

Videography: Haoyii 

Videography assistant: Denise Mak

Hair and makeup: Ling Chong