The expedition is a source of spiritual stimulus for the country as well. Like the Himalayan expedition, it spurs the country on to achieve more, instilling national pride in the hearts of both the old and the young. It is something that every single citizen is able to identify with --- the constant motivation to achieve what was previously an impossible task.

Having a common goal --- reaching the South Pole --- aids in the bonding of a people. Although it is merely the team who will be reaching Antarctica itself, the rest of Singapore will nevertheless be with them in spirit. The nation’s willingness to participate is clearly shown through the avid sponsorship of many private companies, be it seen through advertising or unseen but silently aiding. This will be an event that will bring the people together, whether it is the common person or politician. Like the team members, we can transcend racial, age and occupational barriers to exalt jointly in the nation’s progress in the year 1999.

Singapore may be a small country with limited land area, but this is no deterrent to the motivated and creative mind. The world no longer holds any barrier to us --- the fact that Singaporeans, being Equatorial people, have the capacity to explore the poles is proof of this. We are able to do whatever that bigger countries can, and more.

What, as individuals, can we gather from Singapore’s first Antarctic expedition? Undoubtedly there is a wealth of lessons to be derived from this brilliant undertaking. The desire to reach the world’s last frontier is an admirable thing. It inspires us to dream bravely, to fulfill the ambition with determination and motivation, to nurture the spirit of never saying "No". Perhaps from the expedition we learn to challenge all boundaries, norms and conventions, and we dare to achieve the impossible, entering new realms that may be hostile and which will require the hardest of efforts to overcome.
 

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