Media Advisory
4 March 2010

Aero Versus Auto: Taking Charity to New Heights

First ever “planes versus cars” charity race aims to inject a new perspective into traditional
fundraising

Singapore, 1 March 2010 – Quotient TravelPlanner Pte Ltd, a leading customised private travel agency, has gathered a formidable stable of partners to launch a unique and exciting fundraising initiative. Dubbed “Aero vs. Auto” (http://www.aerovsauto.com), this is the first charity race of its kind in Asia Pacific, which pits private airplanes against MINI cars, with money pledged in support of each team going to the Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home. A team of five planes from WingsOverAsia, a privately funded aviation social network, and a team of five MINI enthusiasts in their MINI cars will attempt to outmanoeuvre each other from Subang Jaya in Malaysia back to Singapore. The race will kick off from Subang Jaya along a pre-determined flight plan for the Aero team and the North-South Highway for the Auto team. The teams will race to be the first to reach the finish line at MINI Habitat in Singapore.

“Singaporeans are already very familiar with fundraising activities but we wanted to introduce a fresh perspective that would be more fun, engaging and interactive,” said Ms Lim Hui Juan, co-founder of Quotient Travel and Aero vs. Auto co-project leader. "We hope Aero vs. Auto would get people excited and revved up about doing their bit for charity.”

Supporting Equal Educational Opportunity for all Children
After careful research and consideration, the Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home was chosen as the official charity for Aero vs. Auto. The Home’s mission is to provide love and nurture for needy and disadvantaged children, spanning all races and religions. Its aim of providing a supportive home environment for children and parents alike, while strengthening family relationships, was a goal that resonated with the project leaders.
 

“Coming from a close-knit and loving family, it was important to us that we choose a charity that seeks to offer children a chance at a healthy and bright future,” said Mr Wei Lim, Aero vs. Auto co-project leader. “We wanted to contribute to an organisation that supports children by giving them an equal opportunity of quality education that every child should receive, regardless of their background. We chose to support the children at Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home.”

From Subang Jaya to Singapore
Since this is the first time such a race is being organised, the invaluable assistance of WingsOverAsia, its pilots, MINI Singapore, and a group of MINI owners in Singapore have been enlisted to make Aero vs. Auto a resounding success. On paper, it seems the planes have an advantage, but in reality, it will be a very close race right to the finish line. This is because the airborne teams will need to make their way from the start point to Subang Airport before conducting the required safety and pre-flight checks prior to take off. A further delay will occur when the planes land at Seletar Airport in Singapore, following which the teams will need to rush to the finish line. The landbound teams on the other hand, will have a longer journey via the North-South Highway, but they will be able to start immediately on the race. There is a possibility of a slight bottleneck at the Singapore-Malaysia Second Link customs checkpoint, but again, they have the advantage of being able to drive straight to the finish line. In addition, Aero vs. Auto is honoured to have Gordon Alexander Lit, Chief National Scrutineer for Singapore Grand Prix – Formula One as our race marshal. Racing is practically in this 42-year-old’s blood, having practically grown up on the race track since the age of five.

Making Charity Fun and Engaging
In order to engage the public and make it easier for people to support their favourite teams, all relevant information pertaining to the race can be found on the official website at http://www.aerovsauto.com. This includes real-time race updates, project information, race map, team bios and introductions to the partners and sponsors, and detailed data on the Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home. Members of the public are invited to pledge their donations online via the website, or in person at the Quotient TravelPlanner office located at 36B Boat Quay. All donations are tax-exempted. Crossed cheques are to be made payable to Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home.
 

Supporting the donation drive is Citibank Singapore Limited, which has committed to match $1 for every $5 donated using a Citibank credit card at the Aero vs. Auto website. Walking the talk, Team Aero & Team Auto has kicked off the donation drive by pledging for the event. Do check out http://www.aerovsauto.com for the latest donation figures.

“We could have done something tried and tested like a car wash or an auction, but we wanted
to create something that combined two very Singaporean pursuits – travel and charity – in
one fun and innovative package,” said Hui Juan. "It involves a lot of work, but the end result
will be worth it, and we really hope the public will come forward to help us reach our target of
S$50,000. So please donate generously, and come race with us!”
-end-

Getting ready for the big day at Seletar Airport
http://www.wingsoverasia.com/Meng/videos/19

Interview with Raymond and Joline
http://www.wingsoverasia.com/Meng/videos/20

John Giddens and his Cirrus SR22 G3
http://www.wingsoverasia.com/Meng/videos/21s

Kris and her Snow White
http://www.wingsoverasia.com/Meng/videos/22

Interview with Ingo
http://www.wingsoverasia.com/Meng/videos/23

[Quotes from the Aero Team]
“Flying does have its uncontrollable variables like weather, air traffic conditions, etc that may
render some in the air decisions and delays. But we'll be doing some careful route planning
and observing the weather forecasts for contingencies.” – Yeow Meng, Business Owner

On his chances in the race: “Slam dunk winner of course!”
On what’s in his favour and what’s against: In his favour – “I have the fastest plane in the race
(I think); Against – “Possible delays on the ground and weather” – John Giddens, Founder
and CEO, Hallin Marine

[Quotes from the Auto Team]
“As this is a team event, most of the drivers have good experience driving in a convoy. The
team work will be our main advantage against the pilots. Unlike the pilots, we will be
restricted by the actual drive conditions and environment. But such challenges will be
lessened if the drivers are able to compete as one.” – Erik Tan, in the sales industry.

“It is all about teamwork, I guess traffic plays an important role during the race. At the end of
the day, it is not about winning, it is the company and most importantly for charity.” –
Lawrence Teo, Sales Executive

“I have never really thought about my chances for winning. The focus has always been on the
cause, which is something close to my heart.” – Charlie Seo, Deputy General Manager

[Quote from Race Marshal]
“Well, all I can say is that it’s going to be interesting. There are many variables and two totally
different platforms. Whether it’s going to be a fair or lob-sided race, we just have to race and
see.”

On which team he thinks will win: “As a marshal, I cannot have a favourite to be fair, but I’ll
choose the winner.” – Gordon Alexander Lit, Technical Engineer
Appendix B – Partners and Sponsors Profile

About Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home
Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home (CSLMCH) provides shelter, opportunities and education for children who find themselves without family support.

Founded by the resources of the trust for Dr Chen Su Lan, a crusader against opium in the last days of the Qing Dynasty and British Colonialism, the Home has become more than a refuge. Many of the children in their care come from broken or abusive families, others shattered by drug problems. Chen Su Lan seeks to provide them with every opportunity a child should
receive and return their childhood to them.

CSLMCH provides care, protection and shelter to children aged from 5 to 16 years with services ranging from childcare education to youth development. The Home takes care of the emotional, physical, educational, social and developmental aspects of the children from all races, religions and social-economic backgrounds through in-house programmes.
To encourage family bonding, CSLMCH conducts parenting workshops and family life education programmes to integrate these children into their family and the community.

About Quotient TravelPlanner Pte Ltd
Set up in early 2007, Quotient Travel Planner is a revolutionary company that specialises in facilitating customised independent travel. With a combined travel experience covering more than 100 major cities in over 38 countries, we have the expertise to plan exciting holidays in already familiar locations, as well as create itineraries for places that you probably didn’t even
know existed.

The team consists of travel infected engineers, legal practitioners, technopreneurs, writers, and of course airfare and travel industry veterans, who will play an integral role in creating a holiday experience unlike any other.

About WingsOverAsia
WingsOverAsia is a privately funded aviation social network with objectives to promote General Aviation activities and services for aviators and enthusiasts throughout Asia. Founded by executives, entrepreneurs and technical professionals, WingsOverAsia grew from an informal group of private aviators to becoming an Asia-wide aviation network and provides its members with the convenience of facilitation through its pioneer aviation networking portal, WingsOverAsia.com, and soft services such as seminars and other events for their aviation pursuits.

WingsOverAsia includes key personnel who have been instrumental in organising charity flights for Singapore Airlines and Silk Air. They are well-prepared for the logistics involved in flying for humanitarian and charitable causes.

About MINI in Singapore
MINI is headquartered and manufactured in Oxford, UK and is a brand of BMW Group. This iconic car was launched in Singapore in 2002. The full range of MINI is available in this market – MINI One, MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S, MINI Cabriolet, MINI Clubman and MINI John Cooper Works.

MINI Habitat is located at 27 Leng Kee Road.