CAITA 2011:

As I stood outside the port, waiting to receive my Hyundai Tucson, I recalled the special moments that I have spent with the car during the past 6 months. From the primary forest in Malaysia, through the highlands in Laos and into the city of Nanning, China, the car had just covered more than 6,000 kilometers of extreme road conditions before being transported back to Singapore via sea.

The car was one of the few units of the 2.7-litre version imported by Komoco Motors during 2005. I bought my car in May this year from the resale market, just in time to submit my entry for the 5th China Asean International Touring Assembly (CAITA). Proudly dubbed as the “largest, broadest and longest automobile assembly race in Asia”, the event was organised by the state government of Guangxi Province with support from General Administration of Sport of China and Federation of Automobile Sports, China. This was one of the main events leading to the annual China-ASEAN Summit that was held in Nanning City, China.



The primary objective of CAITA was to promote the overland connectivity between China and ASEAN countries. Participation for foreigners is strictly through invitation by the Organising Committee. This is usually extended to motorsports governing bodies in Asean countries. I had to confirm my entry 4 months before the flag-off of the event so that the Organising Committee had ample time to apply for Entry Permits into Vietnam. The country restricts right-hand drive vehicles and approvals are only granted on a special case basis.



Back to the car - it had 1 previous owner, registered as OPC, clocked 56,000 km and was sold to me for less than $28,000/-. An amount of $5,000/- was incurred on preparation works including suspension upgrade, timing belt replacement and engine tuning. In additional, I am grateful for the generous sponsorship and kind assistance rendered by the following companies:

Stamford Tyres (supply of tyres)

Espace Service (heavy duty under-carriage protection)

T3 Bicycle Gears (fine tuning of radio communication set)




The car was subsequently driven at high speed for its shake-down run along the North-South Highway in Malaysia. It even underwent this ultimate test in Taman Negara without encountering any problem.


On the route, the same cannot be said of this Mercedes ML350 where the inadequate angle of departure caused its rear bumper to give way.


After the mud ploughing exercise, the car was sent to Komoco Motors for a final check on the eve of her marathon drive to China.


My son Bingo and his bike gang were at the Singapore Flyer for the flag-off ceremony.


It was a very long and tiring day on 4th Oct 2011. We started driving from Penang (Malaysia), consumed much time at Sadao border crossing and finally arrived at Cha-am (Thailand) late at night. The journey of 950 km took almost 15 hours to complete. Looking back, we were rather fortunate to pass Bangkok just days ahead of the flood crisis.




I was given a pleasant surprise when I arrived in Siam Reap (Cambodia). News and a picture of me with my family were published in the main page of a local Chinese newspaper.


Away from the vast plains, the highlights of this year’s route were found in Laos. This land locked country has an interesting mix of roads.

Driving on gravel was a memorable experience, especially in rural areas. There is little traffic and folks look happy to live their life without creature comforts.








The principle of safe driving is to always stay alert and never attempt to stray off the beaten track. Otherwise, even a Hummer cannot redeem any act of fool hardiness.



I have taken part in all previous editions of CAITA. To leverage on my experience, the Organiser requested me to take on the duty of Vice-Commander. The role required me to carry out special tasks on demand such as answering distress calls from other competing cars or ‘shepherding’ cars that had strayed from its convoy. During the course of my job, I found my Tucson to be a highly competent vehicle. Its silky V6 engine provides useful torque while the handling (for an urban SUV) cannot be faulted. The car is seen here along a newly completed highway in Hanoi (Vietnam), waiting for instruction from the Rally Commander.



At the closing ceremony, I was invited to deliver a speech. I took the opportunity to highlight these 3 main reasons for my continuous participation in this event.


1. Rally Atmosphere -

The event is very well organised, keeps evolving and improves year after year. It is a fine example of “as much joy in getting there as reaching there”.


2. Learning Opportunities -

From the rallies, I have learnt to carry out various roles including lead car, sweeper, command duties and radio procedure during a rally. And I am pleased that these skills are essential safety factors of a rally.


3. Building Relationships –

Many leaders, officials and fellow participants of the rallies have become my close friends. In fact, plans are being arranged to invite members of Singapore Motor Sports Association to Nanning City for a driving event next year.



Meanwhile, my faithful Tucson is now back on Singapore roads. It appears a little weary and soiled; with each layer of dirt representing every country the car had travelled. The Tucson will be put into action again in 1 week’s time because I will be driving the same car to Phuket (Thailand). The 2-way journey will be approximately 3,000 km. Hence, for peace of mind, I have the car inspected thoroughly by the workshop. No surprise here - the job order is simply short and sweet i.e. change engine oil, remove stickers and a good wash! This is similar to the 2 earlier Hyundai cars which I had driven during previous rallies. The Tucson is amazingly versatile and, most importantly, trouble-free. Incidentally, Hyundai’s “New Thinking, New Possibilities” slogan lends me a unique way to promote my line of products.



In conclusion, I would like to thank the Organising Committee of CAITA 2011 and Singapore Motors Sports Association for my participation. I am also thankful to Komoco Motors for the support provided, World Freight for the freight logistics arrangement and to all well wishes who had provided much encouragement and help towards my successful completion of CAITA 2011.

Asean Family Rally 2010 – Day 2

The Asean Family Rally was initiated by Thailand to promote overland tourism and, most importantly, to foster closer relationship her neighbouring countries. Its inaugural event held during 2009 was a great success. Then, the Singapore team comprising 11 cars and 24 crew members drove from Singapore to Pattalung (Southern Province of the Thai Kingdom) to participate in the 2-day rally. The rare experience of driving on scenic country roads with fellow participants from all over South-East Asia and the warmth hospitality displayed by the Thai host made this event so special for those who made the trip. Story of the event can be found at http://singaporecarboy.blogspot.com/2009/02/asean-family-rally-2009-content-page.html

After some delays, Thailand managed to host the subsequent event titled “Hug Thailand Grand Rally” in Bangkok from 12th till 14th November 2010.


The following photo essay provides a summary of Day 2 (13th Nov 2011).


All participants had their breakfast at Chatrium Suites and were shuttled in coaches to the Royal Plaza. The venue is a public square fronted by King Rama V Monument. As seen in below picture, the square was cleared of traffic to standby for the rally’s ceremonial start.

Participating teams were lined up according to their respective countries for roll call and final briefing.


At this flag-off point, each car was given printed navigational instructions and a set of treasure hunt questions.


The route led the rally cars towards south-west direction, passing various Time Controls located within places of interest such as this attraction.


It was a trip down Thailand’s memory lane as we visited this Victorian styled summer palace, …….


….royal sea-side resorts…..


…and posing for photo shoot at this memorial park.


For the rally, all participants drove the same type of car i.e. Toyota Camry Hybrid. Though ordinary looking, its dual mode power plant is highly efficient and very quiet. To some, the opportunity to drive such a high-tech vehicle must be the highlight of the event. The rally cars were regrouped at below location before the final section of the route to end point located at Hua Hin.


On the rear door of each car allocated to the Singapore team, we applied various YourSingapore thematic logos provided by Singapore Tourism Board. Car # 20 was driven by Leslie Chang, Alex Tang and Carrera Chang. Theme of logo – “Explore your wild side this weekend at YourSingapore”


Car # 21 was driven by Mr and Mrs Eddie Ong and Samantha Tan with YourSingapore SPICES (Food) logo.


Car # 22 was driven by Peter Khoo, Cathyrn Chong and Louis Yeo. Theme of logo – “It’s a surprising smile every second at YourSingapore”


Car # 23 was driven by Mr and Mrs Lawrence Lee and ‘Bingo’ Chang. Theme of logo – “Make your Singapore nights electrifying at YourSingapore”


It was a tiring day but possibly the best way to discover the rich history and hidden beauties of the land known for its thousand smiles. The long drive ended at Marriott Hua Hin where the competing cars were surrendered to rally marshals. This view of the hotel’s serene poolside was taken from our sea-facing room.


The camaraderie continued as leaders of participating teams exchanged contacts during prize presentation dinner.


On stage, a representative of the Singapore team presented a memento to our host.


Finally, our efforts were rewarded with a prize.


For formality, the Singapore team finished as 1st Runner-up (same as 2009).


Although the 1st place have eluded the Singapore team again, our spirits remain undaunted by the result. In fact, we felt very privileged to be among the participating teams. Congratulations to our host for a well organised event. Best wishes to the friendly people of Thailand!

Asean Family Rally 2010 – Day 1

The Asean Family Rally was initiated by Thailand to promote overland tourism and, most importantly, to foster closer relationship her neighbouring countries. Its inaugural event held during 2009 was a great success. Then, the Singapore team comprising 11 cars and 24 crew members drove from Singapore to Pattalung (Southern Province of the Thai Kingdom) to participate in the 2-day rally. The rare experience of driving on scenic country roads with fellow participants from all over South-East Asia and the warmth hospitality displayed by the Thai host made this event so special for those who made the trip. Story of the event can be found at http://singaporecarboy.blogspot.com/2009/02/asean-family-rally-2009-content-page.html


The following photo essay provides a summary of Day 1 (12th Nov 2011).


After some delays, Thailand managed to host the subsequent event titled “Hug Thailand Grand Rally” in Bangkok from 12th till 14th November 2010.


The host extended invitation to the Singapore team through Singapore Tourism Board. Again, I was honoured to be given the opportunity to lead the mission with a team of 12 members including drivers, co-drivers, treasure-hunters, photographers, radio-man and an entertainer! This time we left our cars at home because the event took on a different format. On 12 Nov 2011 (Day 1), our host arranged air passage for us to fly from Singapore to Bangkok. We were promptly greeted by the event officials at Suvannabhumi International Airport.

Participants were checked into this relatively new service apartment (Chatrium Suites) situated along the majestic Chao Phraya River.

A press conference was held in the afternoon at the grand hall of the same venue. Leaders of each participating team (country) were on stage to field questions from the media and fellow participants.

All participants were later invited to a river cruise with international dinner buffet served onbaord.

Till this day, the river still provides a major form of transportaion for commuters within Bangkok city. Long tail water-taxis and crowded ferries are a common sight along the water way. However, the busy scene is transformed into beautiful scenery as night falls. Some of the distinctive landmarks spotted during our evening cruise include the rich architecture of a Thai temple, ....

…an unmistakable Roman Catholic Church with its sky high blue cross,…

...the impressive Rama IX cable-stayed bridge, ….

, and an interesting row of historic and modern buildings lining the river.

On board, a bubbly Thai female journalist took turns to interview a representative from every country.


Particpants were in party mood even before the rally has started.

Although the night was still young when the boat returned to the jetty at Chatrium Suites, it was a well planned party that contributed towards the success of the event.

Asean Family Rally 2010/ Content Page

Daily Reports

Asean Family Rally 2010 - Day 1
Asean Family Rally 2010 - Day 2

CAITA 2010: Surviving a Super Typhoon

“After driving more than 11 hours, we barely covered half of today’s journey towards Hanoi.
The continuous rain has caused massive flood in central of Vietnam.
We must have had driven through miles after miles of 1-meter deep water.
It was quite a worrying experience as my car may stall.
We finally arrived at a hotel in Vinh City for dinner.
This was originally our lunch destination.
Then we received news that the road towards Hanoi will be flooded over many sectors.
It was getting dark and we were terribly concerned about having to drive through more flooded areas during the dark hours.

Fortunately, the Rally Commander decided to call it a day.Without any delay, we were checked into the same hotel where we just had our dinner.
As I am writing, the rain continues to pour heavily outside the hotel room window.

The cancellation of the night driving may result into a longer driving distance for tomorrow’s journey.If that is the case, our morning call may be as early as 4 am.
There is nothing we could do other than to wait for further instructions.
Meanwhile, we witnessed the arrival of the last group of rally cars at the hotel around 11:30pm.
The group was painfully delayed by the breaking down of 2 vehicles whilst threading water through the flood.

While we were comforting the crew of the latter group, we heard breaking news over CNN.
It was reported that Luzon, Philippines (similar latitude as our current location in Vietnam) will be expecting Super Typhoon.
At this very moment, the air is filled with so much uncertainty for everyone in the rally convoy.”
The above is an extract from one of my daily mission reports forwarded to Singapore Motors Sports Association (SMSA). It was written close to midnight on 18 Oct 2010. Though worried, I was relieved that the Singapore team managed to complete the most challenging part of the rally route without any major incident.

Having led the Singapore team in all previous CAITA’s since 2006, I must say that this year’s edition has been the toughest by far. Seasonal monsoon coupled with record rainfall around central part of Vietnam threaten the progress of the rally. As a result, the organiser had to repeatedly impose official delays on the rally schedule. To make matter worse, there were a high number of vehicle breakdowns. Here’s an insight on how my Santa Fe and I survived the marathon drive relatively unscathed.

The car, seen below with Hyundai and Komoco Motors liveries applied across its side doors, was registered in 2007.


The mileage on the car was nearing 50,000 km when I had its maintenance service and pre-rally preparation works done at Komoco Motors. This Santa Fe was used as the lead car of the convoy during CAITA 2009. The performance was highly commendably that it became a logical choice to use the same car again. And what a wise decision it turned out to be!


The trusty engine provided useful mid-range torque on the tricky B-roads in rural areas of Cambodia and Vietnam. Yet, it was neither harsh nor noisy when the engine was extended during overtaking manoeuvres. Same can be said for the suspension and brake systems. The car remains poised over broken roads and rode on the new highways with superlative comfort. Ultimately, it was Santa’s ability to wade through the flooded terrain that amazed me.


The Santa Fe is seen here embarking on a ‘watermanship’ course amid the chaotic condition.
(Note the boat on the right)



Our initial progress over the flooded areas was expectedly cautious and nervous. The engine rev on the Santa Fe was maintained around 1,300 rpm to prevent water getting into the exhaust. At the same time, I applied my left foot gently on the brake in order to slow the car to a constant speed, thus avoiding water splashing onto the grill and bonnet. Every now and then, we would momentarily lose directional control over deep water. And, occasionally, we were ‘drifted’ by strong under currents brought along by each passing heavy vehicle. The experience was rather scary. But the fears gradually subsided as both the car and the crew learnt to ‘thread’ water. Soon, we started to overtake some slow rowing boats. We even managed to sneak ahead of a Rover Rover to take this photograph.



Unlike the much publicised flash floods in Orchard Road, we saw no end of flooding in Vietnam. Few houses withstood the weather. Even fewer survivors were found sitting on the roofs, waiting to be rescued. Many a time, we had no clue as to when we can get onto a higher ground. As we chased a Toyota Prado in below picture, one would have easily mistaken the sight as a naval exercise.



The number of ‘casualties’ increased as the days passed by. A total of 6 cars were classified as DNF – Did Not Finish. These cars had to be towed to the end point at Nanning, China. Yet, as the rally come to an end, the Santa Fe displayed readiness for another marathon drive. In terms of reliability and performance, it has once again matched and, in some cases, outshone the pricier makes/models such as Hummer, Jeep, Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery, BMW X5 / X6 and Toyota Landcruiser / Prado. Best of all, the Santa Fe remains the undisputedly no. 1 value for money SUV.

The car has since returned to Singapore via sea freight. After such a gruelling event, the Santa Fe does not require any repair, tuning or adjustment. It is back to its usual role of providing daily transport for me and my family. The car is so amazingly trouble-free that the next service at 60,000km interval may well be another ‘routine exercise’. I am thankful for the versatility of my Hyundai and the support provided by Komoco Motors.


[This story was published in The Komoco Chronicle Vol 6.1]