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Singapore Hosts Asia Pacific Tree Climbing Championship for the First Time

19 Jun 2011

Singapore hosts Asia Pacific Tree Climbing Championship for the first time

- 23 participants from 5 countries gather to compete in tree climbing 

Singapore, 19 June 2011 - 23 representatives from Australia, Hong Kong, Nepal, New Zealand, and Singapore gathered in Esplanade Park from 17 to 19 June to compete in the 4th Asia Pacific Tree Climbing Championship (APTCC), jointly organised by the Singapore Arboriculture Society (SAS) and Centre for Urban Greenery and Ecology (CUGE). Held in Singapore for the first time, the Championship aims to promote the arborist profession, promote safe tree climbing, foster deeper relationship between arborists in the region, and raise benchmarks of tree climbing in arboriculture internationally. Amongst the 23 participants are the champion of APTCC 2010, James Kilpatrick, and the current women's world record holder for the Footlock event, Nicala Ward-Allen, both from New Zealand.

The 23 participants competed in five categories - Aerial Rescue, Footlock, Throwline, Work Climb, and Speed Climb. The five events were held concurrently and judged by 20 experts from Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. The male and female champions from APTCC will represent the Asia Pacific region to compete in the International Tree Climbing Championship, which will be held in July in Sydney, Australia.

Representing Singapore were:

Singapore Tree Climbing Championship winner

- Mr Chaibut Khathawut from Soh & Tan Enterprise

Singapore Tree Climbing Championship runner-ups

- Mr Brett Moir from ArborCulture Pte Ltd

- Mr Boo Ghim Yew from Arbsolutions Pte Ltd

- Mr Clayton Lee from National Parks Board

Enhancing capabilities of Arborists in Singapore

During the APTCC Awards Ceremony, Guest-Of-Honour Mr Poon Hong Yuen, CEO of National Parks Board (NParks), presented certificates to six graduates of the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Higher Certificate in Landscape Operations (Arboriculture). He announced that by the end of the year, the full suite of Arboriculture courses would be made available to the public. The courses are jointly developed by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), CUGE, and the landscape industry. The new WSQ Advanced Certificate in Landscape Supervision (Arboriculture) and WSQ Diploma in Landscape Management (Arboriculture) would provide the trainees with a strong foundation in the study of Arboriculture as well as the knowledge and skills needed to take care of Singapore's diverse plant life.  In addition, they complement the Certified Arborist Programme delivered by CUGE for arborists to receive international certification by the International Society of Arboriculture.

"As the continuing education and training institute for the landscape industry, CUGE plays a vital role in ensuring that quality training is provided for the arboriculture workforce. We hope that through APTCC, local Singaporeans would be inspired to upskill themselves for better career pathways in the field of arboriculture." said Mr Teva Raj, Director, Centre for Urban Greenery and Ecology.

The two new WSQ programmes would provide the landscape industry with another opportunity to gain specialised skills and knowledge. With courses catering to all levels of the arboriculture subsector, new entrants can now gain a good foundation to help them embark on their new landscape career and experienced arborists and arboriculture workforce can further sharpen their skills to take on even more specialised tasks." said Mr Ang Chai Soon, Director, Healthcare, Retail and Business Services Division, Singapore Workforce Development Agency.

As part of ongoing efforts to raise the standards of the local landscape industry, SAS and CUGE organised workshops as part of APTCC for the arborists from various countries to exchange knowledge on various aspects of arboriculture, including showcasing innovative tree climbing equipment and techniques that improve operational safety. An exhibition was also organised to showcase various arboriculture-related technology, equipment and information on common tree species in Singapore.


Activities for the public

Apart from viewing exciting speed climbs by tree climbing experts, members of the public also had the opportunity to try their hand at Tree-D tree climbing, using an innovative system designed by SAS. This free activity was designed for both young children and adults to experience safe tree climbing under the professional guidance of expert tree climbers from SAS. 


International Year of Forests

APTCC is organised in Singapore in celebration of the United Nation's International Year of Forests (IYF). A year-long calendar of activities has been planned by NParks to raise awareness of the importance of trees and forests in our lives. For more information on IYF, please visit www.nparks.gov.sg/iyf2011 .


Results of Asia Pacific Tree Climbing Championship 2011 (APTCC)

Male champion:          James Kilpatrick from New Zealand (26 years old)

Female champion:      Kiah Martin from Australia (41 years old)


James Kilpatrick also achieved a new world record for Footlock challenge at APTCC 2011. James climbed 15 meters in 13.65 seconds, beating the former world record 13.8seconds.

Last updated on 06 April 2021

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