26 November 2008 - NATAS is proud to announce that it has taken up the title sponsorship of the Singapore Women’s Everest Team (now to be known as NATAS Singapore Women’s Everest Team).

Though Singapore is a world class city in air transportation, financial trading, port handling and even tourism facilities, NATAS thinks that Singapore is ready to take on more world class challenges. NATAS sees the opportunity to support and be a part of this national cause especially when we now have a true blue Singapore team of women who aspire to scale the world’s highest mountain.

Mr. Jimmy Ooi, Deputy-President of NATAS says, “It takes great guts and belief in the team to make a stake on this. When the women’s team succeeds in this mission, Singapore will have every reason to celebrate and I am sure that every organization will want to be a part of that. I am and would be proud to know that NATAS is the partner with this team. No matter what the outcome of the expedition is, people will respect NATAS for standing behind the dream of this team.”

When the team of six leaves for Mount Everest next March, they will be the first all-women’s team in Singapore to attempt the summit of Everest. Leader of the team, Ms Jane Lee, says, “The team is energized by this partnership with NATAS. Women make the majority of the travel industry, and we’re thrilled to work together with NATAS in encouraging adventure travel. NATAS’ support for us reinforces our confidence for our coming Everest climb and we look forward to bringing the NATAS flag to the summit next year.”

At the press conference held earlier this morning, the title sponsorship announcement was sealed with the plunging of an ice-axe into a block of ice. The ice axe is one of the most important pieces of equipment for a mountaineer as it can assist the climber up steep pitches of ice and to assist with balance and walking on snow. In an emergency, it can even help to save a climber’s life in case of a fall down a steep slope.

Says Ms Jane Lee, “Like how the ice axe is essential to the life of a mountaineer, we also view it as a significant symbol of our partnership with NATAS because they are integral to the success of the expedition.”