Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Our own "Polar Girl" Najibah Eradah PAM AlSufri has done our country proud. It wasnt an easy path for her especially in preparing for Commonwealth Antarctic Expedition. Sponsorship and attracting funds (to support Eras expenses for the training and the expedition) were pretty tough.. I was pretty surprised not many local prominent companies seize the opportunity to support our local heroine who has tremendous for Brunei. Well, I think its a lost opportunity for them. But I salute BARA for standing by Era from Day 1 to the end and they were also involved in making Eras journey possible by holding charity events and publicity.

She has already turned into a Brunei icon and I hope she gets awarded in the upcoming Brunei Youth Day later this year and I hope she gets more acknowledgement from our country. She became the first Bruneian woman to ski to the South Pole and thats a very historical moment. During the press conference, she mentioned that she became more determined when people doubted her because shes small and wont last the whole journey. Apparently one of the ladies had to make a uturn because of frost bite ouch If I was given the opportunity, Ill probably think three or four times and end up turning down the offer.

Last Saturday she had a warm reception from her family, friends and sponsors when she arrived at the Brunei International Airport. She was also welcomed by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Press conference was held for Era hosted by Kaspersky Lab who are the main sponsor for the Commonwealth Women Antarctic Expedition. Its one of the leading IT international companies that battle against computer malware and neutralizing IT threats. Harry Cheung, Mananging Director of Kaspersky Lab, Asia Pacific, represented the main sponsor during the press conference.

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Harry Cheung said that he was immensely proud of Era and her colleagues. "From the time we heard about Era and her teams quest, we knew we had to support them. Throughout the expedition, Kaspersky Lab has been part of the team and we feel a great sense of achievement. Every day, Kaspersky Labs staff overcome the challenges of cyber crime, computer malware and IT threats in order to keep our customers secure. Ambition and desire to overcome obstacles are qualities Kaspersky Lab shares with the women in this team."

During the press conference, Era shared her experience from the beginning of the journey to the end. Probably the most challenging moment for the ladies was when they experienced a storm in the earlier part of the journey. It was those moment when anyone can just call it quits. Kaspersky Labs CEO and Harry also went to the South Pole to great the ladies upon the completion of their journey.

So whats next for Era? To inspire the youth in Brunei and believes anyone can achieve their dream if they set their mind to it and never to give up. She was really determined to prove people who doubted her from the start and she showed that we Bruneians can do it.