SINGAPOREAN TO BE FIRST SOUTHEAST ASIAN TO SUMMIT  EVEREST WITHOUT OXYGEN

Singapore’s best known adventurer, Khoo Swee Chiow, will embark on his most dangerous challenge yet as he attempts to climb the world’s highest mountain without oxygen. 

If his attempt succeeds, Swee Chiow will be the first Southeast Asian to have climbed Mount Everest without oxygen. He will also be one of only six percent of climbers worldwide to have completed the climb to Everest without the aid of oxygen.

The expedition is expected to last about 70 days, from 23rd March 2004 and 31st May 2004. 

On why he is attempting such a feat, Swee Chiow says, “The truth is, every time I go out on an adventure, there is no guarantee that I will come back alive, let alone succeed. There are always fears and questions in my mind. But the only way to answer those fears and questions is to do it.” 

Despite the apparent danger, Swee Chiow’s first attempt at climbing an 8000 metre summit without oxygen was in 2001 at the world’s 14th tallest peak Shishapangma, Tibet (8,021 metres). This feat was a success and the first step in the direction of his new challenge. 

Swee Chiow, 40, already holds the title of the first man in Singapore and Southeast Asia, as well as the fourth in the world to complete the Adventure Grand Slam, which consists of scaling the World’s seven highest mountains, and reaching the North and South Poles.

Apart from yet another huge leap in his impressive career, this expedition represents a milestone for Swee Chiow on two other significant levels – NORCA, a Thai company based in Bangkok, is the sole and title sponsor of the event. It will also be the first non Singapore-based company to sponsor one of his expeditions.

NORCA is a wholly-owned Thai company which deals with the innovation and production of environmental lifestyle products.

“I am indeed honored that a company from our neighboring ASEAN country of Thailand wants to sponsor me for this major expedition. I hope I can help forge a stronger friendship among the people of Singapore and Thailand in my own personal capacity,” said Swee Chiow.

As icing on the cake, Swee Chiow has been selected by NORCA to train and lead the first ever Thai expedition team to Mount Everest, scheduled to begin in March 2006. NORCA will sponsor the Thai team.

An adventurer himself, CEO and owner of NORCA, Khun Saroj Pruangviriya was so impressed with Swee Chiow’s history as an adventurer that he decided to approach him to coach the Thai team for an expedition only to find Swee Chiow on the lookout for a sponsor for his newest challenge.

“I watched the movie ‘Into Thin Air’ about Everest and there were many people who risked their lives to reach the summit. It made me wonder how people in hot climates prepared themselves and succeeded in such a challenge. Then last year, I found out about Swee Chiow. He was the perfect candidate who could fulfill my dream of finding a coach and leader for the first ever Thai expedition team to Everest,” says Khun Saroj.

For his upcoming ‘Norca Everest Without Oxygen’ challenge, Swee Chiow began his intensive training & preparation in December 2003 and will continue until he departs on his expedition. He runs 10km 3 times a week and climbs Bukit Timah Hill and HDB blocks 3 times a week with a 15kg backpack.

Khoo Swee Chiow, Everest Climber, author and motivational speaker

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