Edwin Siew, the Deputy Chief Instructor
at the Outward Bound School, is one of the two climbers on
the Singapore team who summitted Everest in 1998. Quiet and
unassuming, he is a motivated and committed mountaineer who
remains humble about his achievements.
Q: Tell us how
you started climbing/trekking.
A: I started trekking back
in 1987/88. I got hooked and wanted to find out more about
trekking, so I read up on it. From there, I went on to trek
in places beyond the Southeast Asian region. My interest grew
particularly after I graduated from polytechnic and I started
looking towards Nepal in 1993.
Q: What is it about trekking
that has kept you going for so long?
A: Probably the scenic view!
There is a kind of tranquility and serenity in the surroundings
when you go trekking.
Q: So the goal is not
always the summit?
A: No, no. I was not
thinking of any summit at all. I just enjoy being in
the outdoors. The summit is an added bonus. The best
part is to be able to catch a glimpse of snowy peaks!
Q: Mountaineering is not as
popular as, say, swimming for example. It could also be dangerous.
What are your other motivations despite the odds?
A: I think that is the best
part, despite the odds. In doing something different and out
of the norm, we go beyond our self-perceived limits. That
is what pushes us on. To be able to see cohesion in the team
itself also makes mountaineering worthwhile, because climbing
a mountain is not just about the individual, but about interdependence.
Q: Is it always about stretching
yourself or is it also about knowing that you are able to
conquer nature?
A: Conquer is not quite the
word to use. Being able to experience nature rather than conquering
it I would say. Given the time constraints and weather conditions,
it is really a tremendous bonus to be able to make it to the
summit. A lot of it depends on luck, determination, preparation
and being able to anticipate problems. Still, however well
you plan, something is bound to crop up. We then have to work
out alternative plans in a short time. That challenges us
as well.
Q: Sometimes you have to be
away for a few months, so what kind of sacrifices do you have
to make?
A: Physically, I have to go
through strict training to get in shape. There is also the
financial aspect, for it is not a cheap sport. Another big
sacrifice is not being able to spend time with the family.
Q: Is your job affected too?
A: My job is not and will
not be jeopardized because it is a matter of priorities. If
I have to stay behind because of work, then I will. I went
on the last two trips on paid leave but it might not happen
again this time.
Q: How do your family members
view your passion for mountaineering?
A: They were shocked initially,
wondering why I had to spend 3-4 months up in the mountains.
But they soon noticed that beyond climbing, I was able to
relate climbing experiences to daily life situations, and
that made mountaineering meaningful. They have also come to
realise why it takes so long to prepare and go on a trip.
Q: What is your view
regarding the outdoor scene in Singapore and how do
you see it developing?
A: Climbing and mountaineering
has been popular due to sports climbing in recent years.
People are getting interested; many groups are pushing
limits for themselves, their teams and their federations,
setting new benchmarks. For the next 3 years, probably
more expeditions will be coming up and pushing new limits.
Eventually we will be able to share experiences with the
world and use the World Mountaineering Federation (WMF)
as a benchmark to set higher standards for ourselves.
Q: Apart from expeditions,
how do you think this interest can be generated?
A: One of our ways of supporting
the youth is basically to share experiences through talks
and workshops. Also, the organization of outdoor activities,
like sports climbing competitions, help to raise awareness,
not just about climbing but also about the whole nature of
the outdoors, such as risk management, etc.
Q: What's your advice for people
interested in mountaineering?
A: Be ready to accept the
fact that mountaineering is never a cheap sport and more often
than not, it is a dangerous sport. You have to be really sure
of what you are getting into. Once you start climbing and
fall in love with it, it is hard to turn back. But sometimes
you must turn back and say no, depending on your commitment.
You must know your limits.
Q: Comparing this to the Everest
expedition, how will it is be different?
A: Every expedition has its
own challenges and differences. This time, it will be something
new to the Singapore mountaineering fraternity, because we
are doing something different: climbing without the aid of
supplementary oxygen and alpine style ascent. No doubt it
is a smaller mountain compared to Everest, but our approach
will make the climb very physically demanding.
Q: Are you taking anything
special with you up the mountain?
A: Physical ah? (Laughs) I
think when climbing mountains, one has to be realistic, so
I cannot carry anything heavy up. The lightest thing I can
think of is a picture of my family members. It will be my
source of motivation to spur me on when I think about the
good times we have had.
