[18 September 2004]
Singapore Straits X'ing – the SMU way

SMU teams attempt swim from Batam to Singapore in the quest for adventure and to foster community spirit

Singapore Management University ( SMU ) today announced an unique student initiative, Singapore Straits X'ing , organised by the University's outdoor adventure club, SMU Xtremists (SMUX), and supported by the ExPLOR programme offered by the Office of Student Life. The event will see a group of students, faculty, staff and University volunteers attempt to swim and kayak together across 17km stretch of water from Batam ( Indonesia ) to Singapore on 18 September.

Whilst the University is in the forefront of academic excellence and nurturing articulate and confident graduates, SMU students are proactively broadening their Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) experience as an integral part of the holistic, well-rounded university education. In line with Education Minister, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam's call for “a certain ruggedness characterized by qualities like resilience, tenacity, confidence and perseverance” in our youths, the SMUX has initiated the Singapore Straits X'ing to challenge themselves with a new and unconventional experience while promoting the sense of adventure and camaraderie within the SMU family. As part of the proficiency test to determine their ability to handle unpredictable sea conditions, prospective swimmers and kayakers had to undergo a series of time trials both in the pool and open waters.

“This is a first of its kind in Singapore and we are excited to embark on this initiative despite its mammoth scale. Though swimming across 17km across the open sea is a daunting task to most, the X'ing team is confident that success is possible, when each person – whether staff, faculty or student - is working together as a team and supporting one another in the quest for adventure and fostering community spirit within and outside of SMU,” said Gerard Chua, Chair, organising committee of SMU X.

The initiative has received much support and guidance from the community such as the Singapore Armed Forces Yacht Club (SAFYC) Changi, which will be part of the welcoming party; Singapore Sports Council (SSC) and Raffles Marina Limited (RML). Mr Khoo Swee Chiow, Singapore 's adventurer who was the University's Convocation speaker in 2002 is the appointed beacon of inspiration at this event. He would join the swim team in conquering the waters between Batam and Singapore.