Singapore
- 24 June 2001 - Adventure-sport enthusiasts and supporters
will be able to follow the progress of four Singaporean climbers
as they plan and execute a historic alpine ascent of Xixabangma
through the expedition's official website, www.xixa.com.sg
Xixabangma is the highest peak located entirely in Tibet,
China. Standing at 8,027m, it is the 14th highest mountain
in the world.
Visitors to the website will be able to
interact with the team members via email. In addition to basic
information about the expedition, visitors can also find out
more about the planning of the expedition and the training
schedule, the equipment and the route, photographs and members'
reports.
The website was produced and implemented
by National
Computer Systems Pte Ltd, a leading IT service provider
in Singapore and the region. A supporter of previous expeditions,
NCS is now proud to extend this support to the Xixabangma
expedition team. Says Mr Lee Kwok Cheong, Chief Executive
Officer of NCS, "NCS is a firm believer in the strength
of the human spirit. We hope that this presence in the Internet
will provide the Xixabangma expedition team a gateway to the
rest of Singapore. This two-way communication will enable
the team to receive all the moral support they can get from
their fellow Singaporeans to spur them on to make this challenge
a success."
The Xixabangma team, led by aeronautical
engineer Dr Robert Goh, will be attempting the climb in March
2002. They aim to mark a first for Singapore and South-east
Asia using the extremely challenging Alpine method, which
involves no supplementary oxygen and pre-built camps, and
is highly regarded and recognized by the international mountaineering
community.
Said Dr Robert Goh, Team Leader, "We want to share our
experiences as much as possible with other Singaporeans, especially
new mountaineers and students who want to take up the sport.
We hope that through this line of open communication, they
will send us any queries or comments about our expedition,
or about mountaineering in general and we will do our best
to respond."
Dr Goh added, "My team and I are moved
by the tremendous support we have received from the organizations
to date, particularly Singapore Pools which is our Summit
Sponsor, and to NCS for producing this information-rich website."
Members of the public can access the website
now. The official launch of the expedition will take place
in July by the expedition's patron, Acting Minister for Environment
and Minister-of-State for Communications and Information Technology,
Mr Lim Swee Say.
Dr Goh was the Co-Leader of Antarctica 2000, Climber and Treasurer
in Everest Expedition 1998. He is leading an experienced team
with a sterling track record, having participated in previous
record-breaking expeditions.
About Xixabangma
Expedition 2002
The Singapore Xixabangma Expedition from March to May 2002
aims to push the limits of high altitude mountaineering. The
team plans to climb into the death zone (8,000m) without using
supplementary oxygen and without depending on pre-built camps,
a style known as the Alpine Ascent.
The aims of the Expedition in climbing
Xixabangma are:
To push the limits of mountaineering
in Singapore
To increase awareness and broaden the
scope of high altitude mountaineering
To promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle
——————————————————————————————— For further information:
Angelina Ong Weber Shandwick Worldwide, Singapore
Tel: 825 8031
Fax: 720 8102
Email: aong@webershandwick.com
