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Singapore team to attempt
scaling of Nepal's Xixabangma.
By Rozlin Othman
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Mr Lim Swee Say (in white)
with the team which will set off on Sunday to climb
Xixabangma
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A team from Singapore will soon be the
first in Southeast Asia to climb Xixabangma, the 14th highest
mountain in the world.
Students will also form part of the
team which sets off on Sunday.
Without pre-built
camps or fixed ropes, the Alpine Ascent, considered the most
challenging form of mountaineering, will be attempted by the
Singapore team.
It comprises three
of Singapore's top mountaineers including Dr Robert Goh who
was in the expeditions to Mt Everest and Antarctica.
Dr Robert Goh,
leader of the expedition, said: "Xixabangma has a very
difficult stretch of the route which is near the top. And
that part of the route is very steep and icy and if the wind
conditions are not good it can pose a great challenge to us."
Four students from
NUS will also be taking part.
They will climb
up to the Advanced Base Camp at 5,800 metres above sea-level.
Syed Shaffique
Syed Mohamed Aljoofri, student member, said: "Feel quite
lucky and actually honoured to be part of the make-it real
project. You get to see sides of people that you don't normally
see in everyday life and you learn to handle and deal with
them in a civilised manner as well as teamwork."
Lim Swee Say, Environment
Minister, said: "Hopefully that will inspire many more
young Singaporeans not just in mountaineering but in everything
that they we do. In everything that we do we think world class.
Have the determination and discipline to strive for success."
The team is expected
to reach the summit by May 30th.
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