May 25 2009
Historic Success for NATAS Singapore Women’s Everest Team
Five years of preparation, training and fund-raising paid off when the NATAS Singapore Women’s Everest Team (NATAS-SWET) put the first Singaporean women on the top of the world.
On 20th May 2009, the first summit team saw success when members Lee Lihui, Esther Tan and team leader Jane Lee stood on the summit of Mt Everest at 8,850m. 48 hours later, team members Joanne Soo and Lee Peh Gee added to the resounding success and reached the world’s highest peak. Team co-leader, Sim Yihui did not ascend due to recurring chest pains.
All members of the team are safely back at Everest Base Camp and are currently making their way back to Kathmandu.
The NATAS Singapore Women’s Everest Team would like to thank our Patron, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, and our generous sponsors and supporters, without whom this journey and resounding summit success would not be possible. We would like to specifically thank:
Title Sponsor: National Assocoation of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS)
Main Sponsors: TruMarine, Lee Foundation
Supported by: Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO)
Official Health Supplement: Centrum
Official Eyewear: Smith Optics
Gear Sponsor: Marmot
Training Venue Supporter: SAFRA Adventure Sports Centre
Product Sponsors: SingTel, SilkAir, Yeo’s, BUFF, PowerBar, Polar, Kyocera, Greenpac, NPE, Sin Mue Mue
Suppporting Organisations: Singapore Sports Council, National Youth Council, Singapore Mountaineering Federation, National Library Board, People’s Association Youth Movement, Singapore Pools, Tote Board, Central Narcotics Board
Cash Sponsor: Hyflux
We would also like to thank individual sponsors who contributed to our journey.
Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to our coach and Base Camp manager, Mr Lim Kim Boon, who was a constant source of guidance and encouragement throughout our journey.
We look forward to returning to Singapore at the soonest!
6 responses so far
I am so thrilled for you – all six of you and everyone of the people who supported you over that time have achieved so much. It is truly inspiring. Congratulations to you all!
Heartiest congratulations to Jane, Esther, Li Hui, Peh Gee and Joanne for their stupendous achievement in scaling the highest peak on Mother Earth.
It is truly a groundbreaking feat by an all-female Singapore team.
The other member, Yihui, can take great comfort and satisfaction in the knowledge that she too would have made it to the summit save for the chest pain which afflicted her before the final push.
Singapore is tremendously proud of all six of you.
Your conquest of Everest summit give Singaporeans back home a sense of optimism: We could collectively overcome the severity of the present global downturn, just as you did all obstacles in your way, unrelentingly and with panache.
The magnitude of your accomplishments should be the grist which could inspire and set aflame the thoughts and imagination of the rising generation.
Five long arduous years of intense, dedicated and methodical preparations have culminated in a resounding success.
Your “One Giant Leap” blog detailing your ascent of Everest is, without a doubt, a treasured legacy for your loved ones, in particular, and also many Singaporeans who were enthralled by your stamina, determination, focus, camaraderie and sense of mission.
In essence your epic journey and the scaling of Everest peak encapsulate the pioneering spirit of the modern Singapore women, who pursue their dreams relentlessly with the adventurism and fearlessness our forefathers were renown for.
Fantastic!!
“TOP OF THE WORLD” feeling…………. 
NATAS
Come home safely!! See you all at the airport!!
whoops!!! fantastic….right on fantastic! great job! Success is only for those who believe they CAN!
Congratulations!!!We are so proud of you.
god bless