10 July 2019, Singapore – The Automobile Association of Singapore (AA Singapore) is excited to organise its first ever London to Singapore driving holiday for its members, known as the AA Singapore 92-day AUTOVENTURE^TM London-Singapore Expedition Drive 2019. The 92-day trip begins from 8 August 2019 – 7 November 2019 and it will be the longest ever expedition drive to be undertaken by the Association.

The official flag-off ceremony for the expedition drive will be held on 10 August 2019, 2.00pm at the Intercontinental London – The O2. The Singapore High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ms Foo Chi Hsia, will be the Guest-of-Honour for the flag-off ceremony. The drive will oversee a convoy of 16 cars and 31 participants.

2019 is a significant year for both Singapore and the United Kingdom, marking the Bicentennial of the founding of modern Singapore and the beginning of a new era for the UK. The SG-UK Partnership for the Future builds on our historical links by celebrating all that our nations are already achieving together and looks to the future by launching new collaboration initiatives. The London-Singapore Expedition Drive was conceptualised as part of AA Singapore’s efforts to join in the Singapore Bicentennial celebrations and in support of the SG-UK Partnership for the Future.

Traditionally, these AUTOVENTURE^TM drives begin their journey from Singapore towards their intended destinations. To commemorate the 200th anniversary of Sir Stamford Raffles’ arrival, leading to the establishment of modern Singapore, the 92-day drive is specially planned to flag off from London. This is also the first time the AUTOVENTURE^TM convoy will be flagging off overseas.

“This year is a meaningful one for both Singapore and the UK, as it will be for our participants as well. As Singapore celebrates her Bicentennial, it also commemorates the beginning of a new era for the UK. The trip will, not only be the experience of a lifetime, but also a great opportunity for us to proudly share the accomplishments of Singapore Bicentennial across the world through our participants on their travels.” states Mr Bernard Tay, President of AA Singapore. The convoy will pass through a total of 15 countries, with the route beginning from the United Kingdom, first heading towards Germany then other countries such as Croatia, Turkey, Iran, Uzbekistan and China as it makes its way back to Singapore. A driving distance of over 22,000km will be clocked along the route.

Mr David Wong, an AUTOVENTURE^TM veteran who is also a General Committee Member of AA Singapore says, “The 92-day drive will be challenging for the convoy as they will be travelling across different terrains and varying climates in the 15 countries, of which the highest altitude could go up to 6,345m when the group passes through China. They would also need to adapt to driving on different sides of the road in different countries.”

“We believe that this journey embodies the Singapore spirit of resilience for participants who have to endure stretches of long arduous drives, akin to how Singapore overcame many obstacles in its 200-year journey to achieve her success today.” added Mr Lee Wai Mun, Chief Executive Officer of AA Singapore. “With our affiliation to the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, it makes it easier for participants to receive support, when needed, by the overseas automobile clubs. With this, the group will be able to travel with a peace of mind.”, he further said.

Sharing his excitement, an AA Member Mr See Lew Hang chimes, “When I first heard of the trip, I knew I had to participate in this bucket list adventure. It is definitely a test on endurance as 92 days is a substantial amount of time to be on the road. However, I feel much safer travelling under the hands of AA Singapore’s experienced expedition leaders and knowing that they have carefully curated the itinerary and taken care of all necessary travel arrangements. I’m counting down the days till our departure!”