Joining TNP's SUVival Challenge is an annual family tradition for last year's winners

When Mr Kwok Chee Wei, 49, took part in his first The New Paper SUVival challenge in 2006, his daughter Kwok Fei was only seven months old.

Since then, the shipping director has been coming back year after year despite his family not making it to the group of top 15 finishers.

That is, until last year, when Mr Kwok, his wife Tan Li Jin, 41, and Fei were finally crowned winners of TNP SUVival Challenge.

The family of three surprised everyone, including themselves, when they were announced as champions. They received a standing ovation at the Equatorial Hotel in Malacca as they walked up to the stage to collect their prize.

They are so proud of their achievement that last year's SUVival Challenge decal still remains affixed on the boot of their vehicle.

But Mr Kwok knows they will have a tough time replicating their success at this year's edition.

"There will be 10 off-road obstacles this year and we have to perform well at every one," he said.

"We also don't know if the past winners will be back for this year's event and give us a tough fight."

Said Madam Tan: "We know every point counts. We have to be alert throughout and we will mentally psych ourselves ahead of the event."

Now in its 10th year, the TNP SUVival Challenge takes participants on an off-road adventure in Malaysia where they will have to navigate their way through checkpoints with the help of clues in envelopes a la popular reality TV game show The Amazing Race.

Contestants will take part in games and challenges, as well as battle off-road terrain with muddy ditches, steep slopes and uneven ground.

The organisers have said that this year's TNP SUVival Challenge, which will take place later this month, will be the most intense and gruelling so far. So the seasoned veterans will have to rely on every ounce of their experience to defend their title.

There is also $70,000 in cash and other prizes to be won. Registration closes on April 12.

HAPPY

Although winning it would be nice, the Kwoks are happy just to be part of the SUVival Challenge for the 10th year running and enjoy some family bonding while on the trip.

Said Madam Tan: "It's become a family tradition for us to participate in TNP SUVival Challenge where we can spend time together. We've been looking forward to it for months now."

"We also don't know if the past winners will be back for this year's event and give us a tough fight."

- Mr Kwok 
Chee Wei