Contributed by Denise Leok

10 passionate cyclists from all walks of life will embark on a 1,000km route over 100 hours in pitch darkness and challenging terrain.

Starting from Singapore on 20 January 2010, the team will cycle along the eastern coastal roads of Malaysia to the borders of Thailand while making pit stops at firefly camps along the route/

The Firefly Night Race – inspired by the insects' goal of devoting every night of their short adult lives to the art of survival in how they live, love, and die – aims to provide talented individuals an opportunity to realise their dreams and to have that light in them shared with the rest of the world.

Driven by this passionate and single-minded focus, the team hopes to garner the support of individuals and corporations who share the same aspirations, to pledge $1 for every 1 km, with the objective of raising $100,000 for the cause.

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.

"Firefly Night Race is not about the destination but the journey of like-minded individuals who believe that as individual talents, we can only shine so far. However, if we can work together for a common cause, we can harness a combustion of power that transform the lives of others…" says Lyndon Yeo, creator and team leader of the Firefly Night Race.

Muhammad Rushdi, 23-year-old Singaporean, cyclist of the Firefly Night Race says, "I strongly believe in helping talents realise their dreams when they are young. Thus, I am highly driven to participate in the Firefly Night Race. I believe that the right support and direction should be given since young to nurture the talents. Together with the rest of the team, I believe by giving our fullest energies, we can contribute and make a difference."

Marc Hartman, 35-year-old American, another cyclist of the Firefly Night Race says, "I like the fact that this is for a creative positive cause and not for something sad and depressing. Although I have really never done anything creative as such, I believe in the power of the creative arts, music, writing, and painting to make this world a more enjoyable place. I hope to raise funds that will have a positive influence in many people’s lives and will contribute to
bringing even more soul to Asia."

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