London is Calling!

Penang, Malaysia route to London, England route is out!

We will reach London on 30 July 2012. London, lookout for the Penang kia coming your way!!

Toyota HILUX 2.5G Auto 4x4!

8 Jan 2012 time 1200hrs- Today we moved another steps closer to our exciting journey to the west. After series of discussion and considerations, our team finally settled down with Toyota HILUX 2.5G Auto 4x4!

This is a large leap forward to re affirmed our commitment. We shall not walk our talk or to be taken lightly as how we been treated since we started this crazy idea of driving round the world!

We are still open for serious enthusiastic who wish to join us. All you need to do is to drop me a mail or contact any of our team members.

Start your engine gentlemen!

Christmas Visit a Great Success! Thank You All For Support

Dear family and friends

Thank you for all your effort and donations to Sinar Ceria Orphanage on 25 Dec 2011 in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

This again prove that everything is possible with good teamwork and proper planning.

We are looking forward for greater support in our up coming project World Tour for Children Driving Trip Penang to London 01 June 2012!

    

Christmas Joy To The Less Fortunate- Do join us to spread the joy of Christmas to children homes

Dear Family and Friends

It is end of the year again and the holiday mood is back... with Christmas round the corner follow up by New Year and Chinese New Year 2012.

One can't imagine all these 3 happy and family occasions happen within a month apart and I am sure everyone are busy preparing for the big day...  question like 'Should I wear Red or Blue for Christmas dinner?' or 'Where should we have our Chinese New Year eve dinner?' or 'Where should we party our head off for New Year Eve countdown?' sure rings everybody (or almost everybody) heads out there...

But yet again, there is a saying 'One complain about the ugly shoe he have but forgotten those without foot to wear his ugly shoe'...

There are always many ways to spread the joy of Christmas other than big turkey or lavish gifts. We could look around us and share a small portion of our happiness to those who are less fortunate than us...

I and wife are organizing a simple visit to a children homes this coming Christmas 25 Dec 2011 lunch time. We believe in sharing and there is nothing more cheerful to us than to see those smiles on everyone faces rather than those who can 'afford' Christmas... EVERY child deserve Christmas

Purpose: To understand the challenges faced by the 'less famous' and 'less financial' aided homes

Date: 25 Dec 2011

Time: 1100hrs till 1300hrs

Place: Persatuan Kebajikan Sinar Ceria, 1 Jalan Sejahtera, Taman Sejahtera, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Penang

What to bring: Bring yourself and lots of joy :)- Of course a little donation won't hurt the children... there is no obligation or commitment as to what you give... a gift is STILL a gift and the values comes from the heart and NOT from $$$ worth

Not provided: We will only provides food and gift for the children. Visitor are not provided with MEALS or Christmas gift. Please not come if you looking for FREE FOOD! 

Do feel free to contact us if you wish to join us for this beautiful event.

Note: This event has nothing to do with race, religion or politic! Keep those away...

Capt Steve Foong: th_steve@ymail.com or +65 9171 9635

Suchin Koay: suchinkoay@yahoo.com or +60 12 430 6548

Thank you very much!

Steve

Old Frees Association Singapore 21 Oct 2011 Dinner

Good friendship comes a long way and there is nothing more fulfilling compare to a simple dinner where decades old friendship bonded in Penang Free School comes alive again. 

We are all a very unique and special individual as Scholar, Sportsman and Gentleman. I hope the past, present and future Frees will continue to be the flag bearer to once a Great School. 

As my buddy Adrian King said, 'It is not the magnificent white buildings or the past trophies that makes us Great. It is Us, her children who continue to proved to the World that Old Frees are indeed Great man'

Cheras Uprising 20 Sept 2011... I LOVE MALAYSIA!!!

Cheras, Malaysia- 20th Sept 2011 marks another milestone journey closer to our dream. Thanks to the arrangement made by fellow team mate, Kek Fei- I managed to meet up with one of our most important missing link in our journey, our Technical Adviser Mr Vicky hailed from Sg Petani, Kedah. A guy with pleasant personality and someone who knows what he is talking especially when comes to Land Rovers, I am truly delighted and happy to have him on our team. Not to mention he is fluent in few languages including Hokkien, Cantonese, Tamil, Bahasa Malaysia and English! A true Malaysian by heart and just the right person to represent our team... A Truly Malaysian Team!

I arrived Taman Segar Cheras at approximately 430pm by taxi from KLCC. It was a smooth ride except I got ripped off by the taxi fare, it cost me RM30 from KLCC to Cheras on a blue KIA taxi where else a conventional Red taxi only cost RM15. Reason: I didn't know it was a Premium Taxi.

The first thing I did when I arrived Cheras was to stop by Oriental Martial Arts shop. It was a dream comes true. The moment when I stepped into the shop, I felt like a small little kid stepping into a ice cream shop. The feeling was unexplainable. As a karate-ka myself and been practicing the sport since Penang Free School days, I can't help myself by asking the question that I always wanted to ask for 18years now 'How much it cost for a Shureido or Tokaido gi?'

For anyone for practices Karate, these two are like the Rolls Royce and Ferrari for karate-ka's. No one will ever understand how it feels when you donned the Ultimate gi and in total trance and concentration on the art. It is not a sport but an Art, an Art where the mind controls the actions and perfection by 10,000days of practicing the same movement.

Nonetheless, I didn't forget about my primary task  that brings me to Cheras (apart from Oriental Martial Shop) is to meet up with Vicky, an appointment made 2 weeks in advance. That shows the importance of 'Cheras Uprising Meeting'-

After couple of phone calls made, Vicky sent his friend Bala (sorry if I got his name wrong) in the most charming Orange Colour Land Rover to picked me up in front of Hong Leong Bank Jalan Manis 2.

The journey from Taman Segar to Vicky's place didn't take long as both are in Cheras. Once arrived, Vicky gave me a warm welcome to his humble workshop and showed me around. I was most impressed especially the 6x6 in his garage. We didn't waste time and go straight into business.

Firstly I need to explain to Vicky my purpose of organizing the trip and how are we going to do it. We shared the same frequency in speech and Vicky quickly understand my goal. Approximately after an hour into the discussion, we came into few conclusions:

1) We should consider reversing the trip from London/ Europe to Penang instead. This is to create a 'balik kampung' feeling and it will be more meaningful to drive home.

2) Ownership of vehicles and numbers of vehicles. At the moment, we are able to commit only to two Land Rover of the same model. We need to check on the budget of transporting the Land Rover from Malaysia to Europe or would it be cheaper if we get it from UK? Further enquiry with fellow Old Frees who worked in a logistic firm in KL, we figured out approximate cost for a 40' container including agency fees around RM10000 from Port Klang to Southampton/ Rotterdam. This comes down to RM5000 per vehicle.

3) We need to take into account of different types of travelers. Since this is not a convoy, we are skeptical of choosing our team player and only those who willing to play a role are allow to tag along.

4) As we are not sponsored by Malaysia giants telecommunication company, unlike the world trip by Datuk Azhar Mansoor we will have limited communication ways and will rely heavily on long range VHF and hand held UHF.

5) We need to make up a list of Rules of Do's and Don'ts. Strict Rules where NO ONE in convoy are allow to break.

6) Paperwork used to be my biggest concern but I was given the assurance by Vicky that this is something we should not put much effort into. Everything can be done with local agent and of course, money!

After everything was well said and done, I gave my final handshake to Vicky to a beautiful beginning in friendship.

Our next step, who are our team members?

Thank you all for your support and we shall make it back to Penang in 2012!

Steve
27 Sept 2011
0030hrs Singapore

An average person with average talent,ambition and education, can outstrip the most brilliant genius in our society,if that person has clear,focused goals. 

We Choose To Challenge Ourselves To Our Limits... We Are Who We Think We Are!

We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.

President John F. Kennedy, September 12, 1962, at Rice University, Houston, Texas

Milestone Progress- Penang Meeting 25th May 2011

Dear friends     

First of all, I would like to thanks Andrew, Wong, Kai Sheong, Lih Fong and Adrian (who I met a day later personally) for their precious time on 25th May to listen to my proposal for the Round the World charity drive.

There are few proposals made for the trip and we have also received sincere sponsorship and support from close friends.

Summary of meeting on 25th May 2011 (12months and 1week to go)

1) Kai Sheong aka The Specialist, agreed on the use of Land Rover Discovery V8 model and shall start look up for available unit in Sabah sometime next month. Kai Sheong will take the lead on preparing the monster V8 for the trip and familiarization on her for the next 12months. 

2) Adrian King, being a 'local' to Sabah has volunteered to provide relevant contacts to Kai Sheong for his easy reference to search for our new monster wheel.

3) Andrew and Wong, both from Penang have showed tremendous support both mentally and manpower for the trip. As both of them are from the event and marketing industry, no doubt that their inside view and opinion stands and they are most valuable for us to kick start the charity drive. Andrew has offered his expertise to provide a proper website to our trip in a nearer date once we are into the planning stage (6months from now)

4) Steve reminded all that this is solely all assistant rendered into this project is solely for charity purposes and no any type of monetary will be paid to anyone. All money collected will channel into a charity fund for the needy orphanage in Penang and PFS Foundation (subject to OFA and PFS involvement)- PFS= Penang Free School, OFA= Old Frees Association

5) L Fong has agreed to work hand in hand with Andrew and his team for the charity drive which set to benefit the may under privileged children in Penang and along the trip. A few suggestions given as how to maximum the charity drive:

a- collect old edition and unused children's book from the public and Penang state library and children library. We shall carry with us collected books for free distribution among the childrens home along the journey.

b- collection of public donation for the good course of children's welfare. None of the cash collected will be use for the trip but in fact will channel 100% to the needy homes. 

c- work closely with interested secondary schools in Penang to use the trip as a study platform and to show to fellow Malaysian that nothing is impossible.

5) Mr Lee aka HaHa Lee is interested to compile all beautiful picture taken along trip for coffee table book compilation. Suggested part of the profit from sales to channel to charity.

I have to admit that we are now at the very infant stage of our dream but nevertheless we have good progress as long as all us are doing our part. 

Thank you once again and welcome to the exciting journey of once in a lifetime.

Please download all trip material from the two links provided below. You need to download both links (total 140MB) for complete trip material. The expiry date for download is 4th June 2011. I urge all interested members to download below material so we could all posses the same information as we progress along the way.


I shall keep the trip material updated from time to time to ensure all informations are fresh and relevant to our trip.

http://www.yousendit.com/download/dkJwR0laMGt6NFB2Wmc9PQ

http://www.yousendit.com/download/dkJwVWRqVEhCTWswTVE9PQ

Good luck 

28th May 2011

Singapore

Time To Get Serious!

Hi all

I would suggest first meet up session in Penang to discuss in details about all the preparation for our up coming trip.

Date: 24th May 2011
Time: 8pm
Venue: Penang New World Park

Do drop by for those who are in Penang as we are working out as a team for this exciting journey.

If you're big enough for your dream,
your dream isn't big enough for you!

Erwin Raphael McManus

Cheers
Steve

Start Your Engine- Team Members Name Out For Our Exciting Trip!

Dearest Families, Friends and Supporters!

Here a lil updates for our trip round the world... the dream and passion carries on! 

I was actively looking for committed people from the beginning of year 2011 who share the same noble vision and idea about a Better World For Our Children. My effort paid off as I have received numerous supports and feedbacks. 

I wish to extend my appreciation to all who supported this idea and we will ensure all will not be disappointed and WE WILL REACH LONDON 2012!

There is a saying from best seller author Mark Sanborn in his book, You Don't Need a TITLE To Be A Leader 'Fame is based on what we get in life, but true greatness is based on what we give in life'

The team members who showed their interest are:

1) OFA Capt Steven Foong- Blogger and focal contact person

2) OFA Mr Hoe Kek Fei- 4x4 world trip specialist and current trip advisor

3) OFA Kai@ Yeong Kai Sheong- Specialist in all kind of moving machineries and hardwares

4) OFA Lim Lih Fong- Focal contact point in Penang 

5) OFA Kesh@ Capt Keshvinder Singh- Professional airline pilot and best navigator to bring us to UK

6) OFA Kelly Goy- Avid adventurer! 

7) OFA Yazry Helmy- No1 supporter from KL

8) OFA Jeremy Chong- Best in marketing and sponsorship deal from KL

9) OFA Blake@ Thong Dao Wei- The best DGPS system in the field 

10) OFA Jonathan Chye@ Chye Min Yee- Our point of contact in the UK 

10) Penangite Ng Chui Lim- Family member and a crazy world traveller

11) Penangite Andrew Tan- Kind soul and a strong believer in charity for a better world. Our best bet in events and exhibitions

12) Mr HaHa Lee- Best landscape photographer who will make our Coffee Table book a reality

Nevertheless, we are still sincerely looking for potential contributer to our trip and all suggestion and welcome. 

 

I will organize localized meeting both in KL and Penang along the way to ensure WE LEAVE PENANG on 1st JUNE 2012

For those who wish to follow us on our news, do subscribe to our blog updates by entering your email address to the box provided on the right hand side. You will be automatically updated if there are further update on this blog.

Thank you once again.

Cheers

Steve Foong

New Suggestions from Interested Team Members

Dear all

After a fruitful meet up with several Old Frees in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang we have consolidate a few information which are useful for our trip next year.

Among the feedback received are:

1) Trip to postpone to 1st June 2012. This is because myself (Steve) has taken up new assignment and will only end sometimes May 2012. This new date tentatively agreed by members.

2) Changes of Route: To warm up, we have a member suggesting instead to going round the world next year. We shall consider doing PENANG- NORTH CHINA- MONGOLIA- SIBERIA- EASTERN EUROPE- EUROPE- UK. Personally I would love this idea as new route will take us approx 2-3months and this schedule will enable more people to tag along.

3) Number of Vehicles: Best would be around 2-3nos 4x4 cars, with best 2pax per car. It will not be comfortable for back seat passengers as we expect bumpy road throughout the journey. At the moment, we have already interested 3 cars for the trip including mine.

4) Type of cars: No control on this as only will leave it to individual preferences. Few suggestions:

a) Land Rover DISCO with Diesel 3.5 engine
b) Toyota Land Cruiser Ninja Turtle Diesel 4.0 engine
c) Mitsubishi Pajero Petrol 3.0 engine

 5) Strictly Free and Easy, everybody participating the journey need to play a role and step up for volunteering task. We need contacts in:

a) Good and reliable Pre Owned 4x4cars dealer
b) Professional and competitive 4x4 mechanics
c) All spares and consumables at lower than market price
d) Sponsorship contacts. This is CHARITY DRIVE and no profit will be make from the trip. All donation in cash will channel to Children's Home in Penang.

Do contact me and keep the ball rolling. If it is not now, then when? 6ft under?

Cheers
Steve
17th Apr 2011

Latest Updates as 07th April 2011...

Dear All Friends and Family members

It has been a while since any updates on the tour and it would be my responsibility to keep everyone updated as frequently as possible.

Since I signed off from my last assignment on the Lewek Toucan in mid March 2011, things has been a bit wee busy here and there... both in Penang and Singapore

Rest assure planning for the trip is still on going and we (me and team) are still moving towards to our goal...

I would like to ensure to all our faithful supporters that we never forget our pledge, to help the needy children around the world and in Malaysia.

Cheers
Capt Steven Foong