Glittering Welcome Dinner Reception Celebrates Return of Kaspersky Lab Commonwealth Antarctic Expedition Brunei Team Member, Era

Bandar Seri Begawan, February 3, 2010 –Dk Najibah Eradah binti P. A. M. Al-Sufri Pg M-L Kahar, better known as Era, Brunei’s representative on the Kaspersky Lab Commonwealth Antarctic Expedition Kaspersky Lab, and the first Bruneian to make the 900km overland journey to the South Pole has been back for five days and the celebrations and accolades are still on-going.

The Brunei Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport held a lavish dinner at the Jerudong Park Polo Club, graced by Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador at Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, yesterday to fete Era and representatives from the expedition’s main sponsor, Kaspersky Lab.

Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna praised the accomplishment and inspiration that Era, fondly known to Bruneian as the Polar Girl, has brought to the nation.

“Being the first Bruneian to ski to the South Pole, Era has made history. Her triumphant move to plant the Brunei flag there was a moment of great joy and pride to all of us,” Her Royal Highness Princess Masna said.

Stating that Era’s achievement was also about finding solutions to problems during the journey, Her Royal Highness said that these are the messages that the Polar Girl could share with the youth of Brunei.

The Ambassador at Large commended the members of the Kaspersky Lab Commonwealth Antarctic Expedition Team for their teamwork, courage and perseverance that enabled them to overcome dangerous challenges along the way.

Her Royal Highness Princess Masna acknowledged the role of Kaspersky Lab towards the success of the Commonwealth Antarctic Expedition, congratulating the information security solution provider on a job well done.

“Without your generous contribution and earnest support, the journey to the South Pole would have remained a dream for these young women,”Her Royal Highness Princess Masna said.

Mr. Harry Cheung, Managing Director of Kaspersky Lab, Asia Pacific said in his address that he was immensely proud of Era and her team members. “From the time we heard about Era and her team’s quest we knew we had to support them. Throughout the Expedition, Kaspersky Lab has been part of the team and we feel a great sense of achievement that we share with the people of Brunei.”

Also in attendance at the dinner was Minister of Culture,Youth and Sports Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Ahmad Hj Jumat; Managing Director of Kaspersky Lab South East Asia Gun Suk Ling; and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports permanent secretaries, Dato Paduka Hj Jemat Ampal and Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid Hj Mohd Jaafar.

Era shows HRH Princess Hjh Masna her apparels during her expedition to the south pole

Era receiving a souvenir from Princess Hjh Masna

Era, Harry Cheung, Princess Hjh Masna, Dato Paduka Hj Jemat Ampal

(From L-R) HRH Princess Hjh Masna, Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Hamid bin Haji Mohd Jaafar, Era, Harry Cheung

About Kaspersky Lab Commonwealth Antarctic Expedition

Representing 5 continents, 6 faiths and 7 languages, the expedition will mark the 60th anniversary of the Commonwealth which is an association of 53 nations incorporating more than 2 billion people around the globe. The aim of the very first all women expedition is to reflect the ethos of the Commonwealth by promoting greater understanding and cooperation between nations and to highlight the achievements of women worldwide.