Asia-Pacific Finalists Selected For Defender Trophy Global Final In Africa

After two gritty days tearing through the rugged mountains of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Charles Murray from New Zealand and Singapore’s Ron Ng emerged as the Asia-Pacific champions of the Defender Trophy.

They rose above a field of 24 competitors from across the region - including Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam - to secure their place at the Global Final in Africa later this year. There, they’ll go up against other regional winners in a large-scale adventure challenge.

The Taiwan qualifier wasn’t just about off-road driving. It was a full-on test of skill, stamina and teamwork. Competitors had to tackle tight, technical driving courses under time pressure, pick their way across steep terrain with hidden hazards, and even handle night driving missions. On top of that, there were hands-on challenges like moving heavy equipment across rough ground and building functional structures like rope bridges, plus physically demanding tasks involving weighted loads and push-pull exercises. It really was a mix of sharp thinking, solid driving skills and staying composed when things got intense.

Murray and Ng stood out for their consistency - keeping calm, making smart calls and adapting quickly as conditions changed. Just as importantly, they worked seamlessly as a team, which gave them the edge in such a competitive line-up.

This Asia-Pacific leg is part of Defender’s wider return to global challenge events, designed not just to push human limits but also to create a positive impact in the environments they pass through. Next up, the North American finals in British Columbia, before the journey heads to Africa for the grand finale.

Right at the heart of the challenge is the Defender 110 Trophy Edition, a purpose-built machine that pays tribute to the original Camel Trophy, now marking its 45th anniversary. Finished in a distinctive Deep Sandglow Yellow, it carries that legacy of endurance and teamwork into a modern setting.

Alongside that, the refreshed Defender range brings a series of updates. Subtle exterior tweaks include new lighting signatures, colours and wheel options, while the cabin now features a larger 13.1-inch touchscreen for better usability. There’s also tech like Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control to make tricky terrain easier to handle. Across the 90, 110 and 130 body styles, the Defender continues to evolve without losing its core toughness.

In the end, the Defender Trophy and the updated line-up both point to the same idea - combining heritage, capability and modern tech to keep the spirit of adventure alive for a new generation.

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