Cheang Lai Teng

“Conquering Mt Kinabalu, Borneo’s highest peak, was more than a sport activity for me and other Curtin students who went on the first-ever Curtin Malaysia Mount Kinabalu Expedition earlier this year.

“Climbing 13,435 feet to the summit was pretty challenging as we had to climb up to the base camp, then to the summit, and then back down again in just two days.

“It wasn’t the height or distance that wore us out, but the anxiety demons inside us! The fear of not keeping pace with the rest of group and seeming incompetent was always on the back of our minds a novice climbers.

“However, the experience taught me the importance of setting your own pace and not compare yourself with others. When you focus on your own strengths, and accept your shortcomings, you motivate yourself. I also learned to appreciate the support of others, how the team members motivated each other, constantly checking if everyone was okay. The realisation that you are part of the team, that someone is always looking out for you, was a great feeling.

“Of course, the greatest feeling of all was standing at the mountain peak. I was simply overwhelmed by it all – the magnificent view, the sheer size of the mountain, the feeling of being on top of the world, and the realisation that there’s so much more I could see and do in this beautiful world!” –Cheang Lai Teng, Chemical Engineering student