PENANG is proud to have a representative selected to take part in the upcoming ‘All Women’s Expedition to Antartica’ (AWETA) from Dec 18 to Jan 3.
She is none other than Nurul Atiqah Tamarun, 31, who will be one of the three ‘ice queens’ to represent the country in the historical and remarkable expedition to the South Pole.
The other two are Malaysian Army Corporal Siti Jumaidah Bensali, 34, from Sabah, and administrative and diplomatic officer at Ministry of Home Affairs, Salehah Abu Nor, 33, from Melaka.
During a courtesy call on Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Nurul Atiqah, who is from Sungai Dua in Seberang Perai, said she was ready for the challenge.
Now working as a pharmacist in Shah Alam, Nurul Atiqah said she was full of confidence after being selected for the three-women team.
AWETA mentor Dr Sharifah Mazlina Syed Abdul Kadir said the trio were selected after undergoing mental and physical tests since applications were opened in 2017.
She said they came out tops after going through the thorough and tedious screening from over 1,000 participants.
“It’s a chance for the younger ones to explore this lifetime achievement.
“My duty as a mentor is to guide them based on my experience. In fact, I will be joining them in the upcoming expedition.
“Hence, I hope that Nurul Atiqah could share her experience on a roadshow in Penang upon her return,” she said at the Penang International Airport (PIA) VIP’s lounge today.
Chow complimented Nurul Atiqah for succeeding in going through the arduous tests and being chosen from such a big field of participants to represent the state and country in the coming expedition.
The expedition would see them ski to the last degree of South Pole, covering about 110km.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alvie Cheng