Contributed by Denise Leok

Nine cyclists from all walks of life completed the first-ever 1,000km night cycling expedition in Southeast Asia.

Started from Singapore on 20 January 2010 at 7pm, the team cycled through Mersing, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu, and into the border town of Sungai Golok in Thailand on 24 January 2010 at 8.30am.

The organisers of the Firefly Night Race hope to garner the support of individuals and corporations to pledge $1 for every 1 km ridden, with the objective of raising $100,000 for the aim of providing individuals an opportunity to realise their dreams and to have the light in them shared with the rest of the world.

Traveling at an average speed of 25km/h, the team covered an average distance of 230km each night from 6pm to 6am over four nights, braving rain and fatigue. Along the route, the team received strong support from the Royal Malaysian Police Force who escorted the team throughout the eastern coastal roads of Malaysia.

At the South Thailand immigration border, the team received a warm reception from the Chief Immigration Officer and the Royal Thai Police Superintendent of Golok. The cyclists completed their final lap with the Royal Thai Police of Golok escorting them around the town.

The team has raised S$20,000 thus far.

Monies raised from this will go towards the Asian Cultural Enterprise Singapore Limited (ACES) Creative Social Enterprise Fund. This fund will go towards harnessing and nurturing the creativity of individual talents across Southeast Asia through providing them financial resources and access to creative advisory services.

"What started as a sole passionate quest to discover talents in Asia has become a common thread amongst nine cyclists, many volunteers and new found friends made along the journey of 1,000km. When you put together people from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, you really can harness a combustion of power that opens to a whole new world of possibilities," says Lyndon Yeo, creator and team leader of the Firefly Night Race.

"Our 1,000km night ride is done. The journey has ended with the final destination but it has opened a new horizon. A new journey has begun with new friends we met along the way and those who have gone through pain and joy together for the cause and for each other. The Firefly Night Race, though miniscule in scale like our tiny bike blinkers in the vast landscape, is an experience beyond precious," says Filipino Joaquin Deles Yabut, 50, who took part.

Another participant, Muhammad Rushdi, a 23-year-old Singaporean, said: "It has been a priceless and legendary journey."

Public can contribute to the fund by pledging S$1 or more per kilometer the cyclists rode through the official website, www.fireflynightrace.com.

Yeo and the team are currently in the midst of conceptualising Firefly Night Race II.

About ACES

Asian Cultural Enterprise Singapore Limited (ACES) ACES is a newly incorporated not-for-profit organisation governed by its Chairman Dr Richard Helfer and its Board of Directors. ACES serves as a cultural and creative intermediary within Asia and aims to be a resource and agent of change in the realm of international exchange of the arts, culture and heritage industries.