Having conquered Everest, they’re now training to be the first Southeast Asian women to summit K2

In the spirit of International Women’s Day, we speak with Joanne Soo and Jane Lee of the Singapore Women Everest Team (SWET), who were part of the first all-female Singaporean team to summit the world’s highest peak in 2009.

Having conquered the 8,848-metre Everest almost a decade ago, Jane and Joanne are now setting their sights on the notoriously challenging K2 mountain (often dubbed Pakistan’s “Savage Mountain” for reasons you can imagine) – something they have not stopped training for since Everest.

At 8,611-metres tall, K2 is the second tallest mountain in the world following Everest, and is said to be far more technically difficult than the latter. Fewer than 30 women in the world have climbed K2 (in comparison to over 150 for Everest); an expedition that will take them a grueling 90 days to complete. And if they succeed, they will make history as the first Southeast Asian women to do so.

There’s no denying that mountain-climbing still remains a visibly male-dominated sport, which is why it couldn’t be more timely to celebrate these ladies for paving the way for more women to conquer the slopes and find out the peaks and pits of their climbing experience thus far – particularly as a female climber.

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MFA: Having formed the Singapore Women’s Everest Team (Southeast Asia’s first all-women’s team) to summit Mount Everest, to say that your climbing resume is inspiring is an understatement. What has been your most memorable climb and why?

Joanne: Everest is definitely the most memorable but for another interesting reason – a group of men were tailing behind our female team hoping not to break trails. We were leading the way unintentionally, and other teams just followed behind us taking advantage of us clearing the path (despite being the underdogs)… I’ve never experienced that on any other expedition. Normally, other teams would keep to themselves to be competitive and carve their own way up. That incident showed me that the mountain does not care if you are a man or woman.

Jane: Probably Denali in Alaska. It was a really tough climb with atrocious weather. At one point, my climbing partner and I were blown over by a crazy gust of wind and literally pinned to the ground. The climbing was mentally and physically taxing, but it was also incredibly wild and beautiful. 

MFA: In the same vein, what has been your most challenging climb?

Joanne: The challenge for me is not a particular mountain but more about fitness, lol. As I grow older, I  realise I have to be patient and more disciplined with my fitness regime as it takes a lot more to achieve the level of fitness expected for an 8,000+ climb.

Jane: Definitely Everest. Aside from the fact that the climb was physically demanding, the fact that we were on the mountain for more than 2 months is mentally and emotionally draining as you’re constantly in a high risk and high-stress environment with little rest and a lot of expectations. 

MFA: Describe what it feels like everytime you summit. What is your favourite part about it?

Joanne: I feel empowered and invincible. Like I can do anything.

Jane: The idea that we arrive at an amazing peak somewhere remote, based entirely on our own strength. There is something very powerful, romantic and satisfying about getting to the top of a mountain with your own two legs, in a day and age when we can fly across continents in hours.

MFA: You’re currently in the midst of preparing for your K2 expedition. Often touted as the most challenging and demanding of mountains to summit, how have you been getting ready for that?

Joanne: I have not stopped climbing since my summit on Mt Everest. Training for K2 will be a natural progression and I am ready to increase my training intensity and level up!

Jane: By firstly, ramping up the intensity of physical training which means going back to the tried and tested, rigorous training regime adopted for Everest; then engaging with fellow climbers around the world who have climbed K2 to learn from their experiences; and reading up on the history of past expeditions and generally getting excited!

MFA: What are some challenges and misconceptions that you or your fellow counterparts face as a female climber, if any?

Joanne: There are more female climbers now than 20 years ago, and women are elevating the standards of climbing here and globally. I think the misconception remains that being a female climber, you have to behave more masculine and keep your hair short and nails unpainted. Female climbers, just be who you are and wear what you’re comfortable with. The mountain does not care how you look.

Jane: That we are physically weaker, less technically skilled, more emotional and hence prone to irrational decision-making under stress. All of which I am happy to report, are completely false.

MFA: (to Jane) You’re a consultant at a top-tier management firm. What’s your secret to committing to a full-time day job and your climbing demands? And how do you unwind in between it all?

Jane: Being incredibly disciplined with time management and keeping to a schedule; accepting that sometimes I have to make sacrifices (e.g. less social time and less sleep); and definitely getting used to a fast pace of life with little idle or down-time in between. I love water sports so I surf and kiteboard whenever I can – at least every other weekend. It’s my stress reliever! I’m also passionate about my work, and during the week, I work really long (but fulfilling!) hours.

MFA: What is a life motto or philosophy you live by?

Joanne: Leave no man or woman behind.

Jane: If you’re equal parts scared and excited, you’re doing something right!

MFA: Some of your well-deserved accolades, Joanne, include being named one of the ‘Great Women of Our Time’ by Women’s Weekly and being inducted into the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame. In light of International Women’s’ Day, who are some women you both personally look up to and why?

Joanne: Firstly, my late mum who was brave, strong, determined and trustworthy and she was good at planning for the future. Then there are a few local female celebrities that I look up to – Diana Ser, Michelle Chong, Aileen Tan, Kim Ng. 

Jane: My best friend and fellow SWET member, Yi Hui. She has always been a beacon of resilience, strength and kindness, and is someone I try to emulate, especially in the steadfast and compassionate manner which she uses to deal with challenging situations in work and life.

MFA: We’ve come a long way in terms of fighting for gender equality and women’s rights globally – with much more to accomplish, however. What do you hope to see change for women in the next 50 years?

Joanne: That women will not be ‘punished’ for love, that any form of abuse and harassment will be unheard of instead of being the norm that we see everywhere – in relationships, at home, at work and even on expeditions.

Jane: In 50 years, I hope that gender equality is so entrenched to the extent that it becomes the norm, and we stop talking about it, or explicitly having to champion women’s rights! 

MFA: What is your proudest achievement so far (climbing- and non- climbing-related)? And what do you hope to achieve next?

Joanne: An uncle that I’m close to, has mild autism and for many years he was very misunderstood in the family. I got the opportunity to read about autism and learnt to deal with his condition. I am now able to communicate with him better and have an improved relationship with him. I hope to dedicate time to volunteer on a regular basis with the autism resource centre.

Jane: That the Singapore Women’s Everest Team (SWET) are still the best buddies, after 15 years together!

Sarah Khan

Photos: Joanne Soo and Jane Lee