July 6, 2001 was a big day for the Xixabangma team. That was the day Mr Lim Swee Say, Acting Minister for the Environment and Minister-of-State
for Communications and Information Technology, launched the expedition.

Held in the newly-redecorated Environment Ministry's Penthouse, the occasion kicked off at 10am with the arrival of the Minister. He was greeted by the Expedition leader Dr Robert Goh who showed the Minister to his seat.

Other guests included representatives from the sponsors, candidates from the National University of Singapore for the Make It Real Programme ad members of the media.