What personal connection does the High Commissioner have to Mount Kinabalu?

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Singapore High Commissioner's Personal Connection to Mount Kinabalu

Singapore's High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vanu Gopala Menon, has a profound personal connection to Mount Kinabalu, stemming from his role in coordinating consular assistance following the tragic 2015 earthquake and his subsequent climb as a tribute. He had previously visited Sabah in June 2015 to manage the consular response after an earthquake on the mountain resulted in the deaths of several Singaporean students and their teachers.
Response to the 2015 Earthquake Tragedy

In June 2015, Vanu Gopala Menon, then recently appointed as High Commissioner, travelled to Sabah to oversee the consular efforts in the aftermath of an earthquake that struck Mount Kinabalu. This natural disaster claimed the lives of 18 individuals, including 10 Singaporeans, two of whom were teachers accompanying students. Menon expressed his gratitude for the support provided by the Sabah state government and its people during that difficult period.
Climbing Mount Kinabalu as a Tribute

Menon returned to Sabah in April 2015 to climb Mount Kinabalu, an endeavour undertaken to honour the state and commemorate those who perished in the 2015 earthquake. He viewed the climb as a way to pay homage to Singapore's ties with Sabah and to highlight bilateral relations, particularly as travel and interactions resumed post-pandemic. His wife, Jayanthi, who was initially hesitant due to the painful memories associated with the mountain, joined him, believing that honouring the lives lost was the best way to confront the trauma.
Personal Preparation and Experience

At 62 years old, Vanu Gopala Menon and his wife trained for the challenging ascent by climbing stairs in their apartment building in Kuala Lumpur and hiking local trails. Upon reaching the summit of Mount Kinabalu, Menon described the climb as arduous but ultimately rewarding. He particularly appreciated the changing scenery, from the diverse flora and fauna encountered along the route to the spectacular panoramic view from Low's Peak.

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What personal connection does the High Commissioner have to Mount Kinabalu?

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