MediaCorp Subaru Car Challenge 2015 crowns first regional winner
Mr Nguyen Phuoc Huynh (second from right) was declared the first regional winner of the MediaCorp Subaru Car Challenge today (Nov 3). Photo: Ngau Kai Yan
SINGAPORE — Vietnamese national Nguyen Phuoc Huynh was today (Nov 3) crowned the winner of the MediaCorp Subaru Car Challenge 2015. He is the first competitor from outside Singapore to win the grand prize of a car.
The 33-year-old salesman outlasted 400 contestants, keeping his palm on a Subaru car for 77 hours and 58 minutes. The winner of the 2014 edition, Mr G Jaishanker, clocked 82 hours and 16 minutes.
Mr Nguyen walks away with the grand prize of a Subaru XV and fuel vouchers from Shell.
Mr Nguyen was declared the winner barely a minute after the hand of first runner-up, Mr Tan Hong Sheng from Malaysia dropped out after his palm slipped. The second runner-up, Singaporean Yip Yu Wai, exited earlier after a time of 77 hours and 53 minutes.
Earlier this afternoon, two other Singaporeans Mr Sunawr Ali and Mr Abdul Hamid Jonid, the oldest participant, bowed out of the challenge. Mr Sunawr’s hand slipped after he clocked a time of 76 hours and 58 minutes.
Mr Abdul Hamid, a 56-year-old personal driver and part-time martial arts instructor, clocked in a total of 74 hours and 44 minutes before switching his hands in a moment of confusion, said organisers. The visibly-emotional man was seen being helped out of the competition venue in a wheelchair by family members and marshals. Nicknamed Kacang, Mr Abdul Hamid had participated in the contest nine times and came in second place in 2010.
Ms Elizabeth Chua, 38, was the last woman standing in the competition before she dropped out at about 2pm on Tuesday. The six-time participant clocked a duration of 73 hours and 17 minutes.
“There is a state of mind where you can’t remember where you are, and you can’t recall what you are doing,” said Ms Chua, describing her past experiences. “I’ve encountered such a situation over the last few years, but it has improved over time.”
The endurance challenge kicked off on Oct 31, inside a tent at Ngee Ann City’s Civic Plaza. Participants have to place their palms on the cars, and the last person standing will receive the grand prize.
A total of 80 participants from across the region also took part in the challenge. They are eligible for additional cash prizes such as S$1,000 for Country Winner and S$5,000 for the last standing regional contestant. CHANNEL NEWSASIA
