17-September-2007

Uniquely Singapore begins 16,000-mile race home to Keppel Bay

Uniquely Singapore yesterday started its 10-month long race against nine other internationally-backed yachts, in the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race.

This is the second consecutive year that Uniquely Singapore is representing the nation in the Clipper Race. Doing the nation proud, it clinched an overall fifth position in its maiden trip in the Clipper 05-06 Race.

Started with a synchronised shot from two cannons at 1500 BST, in a ceremony at Albert’s Dock, Liverpool, the race will see the yachts compete across 14 ports on five continents before returning to Liverpool on 5 July 2008.

In January 2008, Uniquely Singapore will reach home waters at Keppel Bay in Leg 4 of the Race.

The main sponsor of Uniquely Singapore for the 07-08 Race is Keppel Corporation Limited, together with race partner, the Singapore Tourism Board.

Ms Wang Look Fung, General Manager of Keppel Group Corporate Communications, said, “Keppel shares the same can-do spirit, passion and tenacity that the Uniquely Singapore crew has demonstrated during their training, we are certain that they will give of their best and look forward to celebrating their homecoming in January 2008.

“We are excited that Uniquely Singapore together with the other nine international Clipper yachts will berth at our new Marina at Keppel Bay, located in the southern waterfront precinct of Singapore.

“Their timely arrival will lend colour and vibrancy to Keppel Bay’s appeal as a waterfront lifestyle hub, showcasing a world-class marina, Asia’s iconic waterfront residences, Caribbean and Reflections at Keppel Bay, as well as the adjacent upcoming Sentosa Integrated Resort.”

Mr Ken Low, Assistant Chief Executive (Brand & Communications), Singapore Tourism Board, said, “We are thrilled that the Uniquely Singapore yacht is embarking on the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race once again. This is a wonderful opportunity for the Uniquely Singapore destination brand to be seen around the globe in such a visually stunning manner.

“We are confident that the Singapore crew will do us proud with their sportsmanship and can-do attitude, as they had in the previous race. As roving tourism ambassadors for Singapore, they have an important task of sharing with the world what makes us Uniquely Singapore. We wish them an incredible, fantastic journey, and we look forward to welcoming them safely home!”


Keppel’s Sailing Ambassador

Among the Uniquely Singapore crew onboard in Leg 1 at the flag-off is Keppel Ambassador Hizam Haiyon, a full-circumnavigator.

35-year-old Hizam shared, “Under the leadership of our skipper, Mark Preedy, we have been working very hard on Uniquely Singapore in the last few weeks leading up to Race start day. I am very excited and proud to take my place as crew, representing both Singapore and Keppel, from start to the end of the race as a full-circumnavigator.

“As an Ambassador onboard Uniquely Singapore, I am eager to share our country’s growth as a leading global business hub and choice destination in which to live, work and play. With all the crew, I also hope to share our Keppel values of passion, adventure and an inclusive mindset.”

As part of its people development initiatives, Keppel is fielding a team of six employees as Keppel Ambassadors to participate in the Race. Apart from Hizam, the other five will each crew in individual legs. This is a step-up from the previous Race in 05-06 where the Company sponsored two employees to provide exposure and self-development opportunities to its employees.

Ms Wang said, “With a strong focus on people development, the Keppel Group actively provides challenging opportunities for our people to grow beyond their personal limitations and to unleash their potential.

“To all the Uniquely Singapore crew, we wish for them fair winds and many extraordinary adventures to regale us when they return.”

The first race is a short hop from Liverpool to La Rochelle. The 610-mile race will take approximately three days with the fleet due to arrive on 19 September.



Follow the news on Uniquely Singapore around the world at www.channelnewsasia.com/keppelclipper, proudly sponsored by Keppel Corporation.


For further information, please contact:

For Keppel
Diana Chan
Group Corporate Communications
Keppel Corporation Limited
Tel : +65 6413 6430
Email: diana.chan@kepcorp.com


For Clipper Ventures
Heather Ewing
Communications Coordinator
Clipper Ventures Plc
Tel: +44 2392 526000
Mobile: +44 7792 408695
Email: hewing@clipper-ventures.com


For Singapore Tourism Board
Marianne Goh
Management Executive
Leisure and Brand Communications
Singapore Tourism Board
Tel: +65 6831 3470
E-mail: marianne_goh@stb.gov.sg


About Keppel

Keppel Corporation is one of Singapore's largest multinational groups with key businesses in offshore & marine, property and infrastructure, and operations spanning 33 countries.

Keppel Offshore & Marine is a global leader in offshore rigs, shiprepair and conversion and specialised shipbuilding. Its “Near Market, Near Customer” strategy is bolstered by a global network of 20 yards in the Asia Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, the Caspian Sea, Middle East and the North Sea regions.

Keppel Land is one of the largest listed property company by total assets on the Singapore Exchange. The company is a leading property development company in Asia recognised for its award-winning premier residential projects and investment-grade offices, and its high standards of corporate transparency and disclosure.

Keppel Integrated Engineering is the environmental technology and engineering division of Keppel Corporation. With a global footprint in more than 25 countries, the company provides technology and fulfillment services for the treatment of municipal solid waste, hazardous and medical waste, wastewater and sludge treatment, potable water, desalination and home filtration systems.



About the Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is an economic development agency for one of Singapore’s key service sectors – tourism. The mission of the Board is to develop and champion tourism, so as to build the sector into a key driver of economic growth for Singapore. The STB aims to differentiate and market Singapore as a memorable destination through the proliferation of the destination brand Uniquely Singapore.


About Clipper Ventures

Clipper Ventures Plc, the marine sports company founded in 1995 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and listed on the AIM market in London, is focused on developing and promoting major events capable of attracting significant participation, income, media coverage and associated sponsorship revenue.

The company operates the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, the VELUX 5 OCEANS, and Zapcat Racing, the world's largest one-design powerboat series.

In 2006 Clipper Ventures celebrated ten years of successful ocean racing and the Clipper 07-08 Race will be the sixth round the world yacht race for amateurs operated by the company.

The biennial race gives ordinary people the chance to race state of the art ocean racing yachts around the world. Clipper crew come from all walks of life, and receive full training before taking part in the challenge of a lifetime.

For more information log on to www.clipperroundtheworld.com

Uniquely Singapore competes for the second time in the 35,000-mile Clipper Race that will cross 14 stopovers on five continents.