The Women's Ministry Is Looking To Bring 5 Malaysians On An Epic Expedition To Antartica
Malaysian women aged 18 and above are welcomed to apply for the expedition.
By Tang Ruxyn — 16 May 2017, 01:03 PM
The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has launched a special programme to bring five Malaysian women to Antarctica
The Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim (second from right) launching the All Women Expedition to Antarctica (AWETA) programme yesterday, 15 May.
Image via AHMAD IRHAM MOHD NOOR/NSTPIts minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim officially launched the All Women Expedition to Antarctica (AWETA) programme yesterday, 15 May. She said that this programme is an effort to cultivate women empowerment.
To promote the expedition to the public, a roadshow will be held in every state.
"We want to put our women to a great test. We want to see how tough they can be and show the world that Malaysian women can do it," Rohani was quoted as saying by NST.
Participants will embark on a mission to retrieve a time capsule that was buried in 2004 by famous Malaysian trekker Dr Sharifah Mazlina Syed Abdul Kadir. They will also plant a National Transformation 2050 (TN50) time capsule.
According to media reports, the expedition is estimated to cost USD1 million (RM4.33 million).
This special expedition will be led by Dr Sharifah Mazlina Syed Abdul Kadir
Dr Sharifah Mazlina Syed Abdul Kadir (right) at the All Women Expedition to Antarctica (AWETA) programme launch yesterday, 15 May.
Image via All Women Expedition to Antarctica - AWETA"It's a reality programme to find, the next me. I want to groom my protégé. Youngsters nowadays are looking for a true success story so instead of just loafing around and engaging in unhealthy activities, we need to maximise their potential," said Sharifah, as reported by NST.
Dubbed as the "Ice Queen" of Malaysia, Sharifah made history in 2004 when she became the first Asian woman to conquer the South Pole.
Three years later, she once again outdid herself and travelled to the North Pole in 2007, to claim the title as the first Asian woman to do so.
Who is eligible to join Sharifah in this adventurous trip?
Any Malaysian women above the age of 18 are welcomed to apply for the expedition. Some of the basic requirements include being physically, mentally, and socially fit.
"I am not just looking for young Malaysians. Even if you are a bit older, but if you believe you are fit enough to join, then why not?" Sharifah was quoted as saying by The Star Online.
The selection process will begin after the Hari Raya celebrations and the expedition is scheduled to take place in November next year.
Selected participants are expected to go through a series of training locally and abroad to prepare themselves for the challenging task ahead.
For more information on the expedition, visit the AWETA 2018 Facebook page.