56-year old S'porean wins Nissan Kicks e-Power at TCCC 2023!

The Tan Chong Car Challenge 2023 has its winner. 56-year old Mr. Chan Kok Seng walked home at 7:00pm yesterday with a Nissan Kicks e-Power, after holding it out for over 30 hours. The first and second runner-ups, Mr. Nguyen Doan Tho and Mr. Do Dang Hoang Trung, respectively, are from Vietnam. Unlike Mr. Chan, both runner-ups each received a cash prize worth S$5,000 and S$1,000. 

Previously known as the Subaru Car Challenge, the event returned after a three-year hiatus. In this 19^th edition of the Tan Chong Car Challenge (TCCC), Subaru teamed up with Nissan to offer either a Nissan Kicks e-Power or a Subaru Forester iL-EyeSight as the Grand Prize. 

Contenders of the TCCC 2023 had to endure sweltering heat, flash thunderstorms, and hourly elimination games in addition to keeping their hands on the palm decal

This year's challenge saw contenders from Singapore and the region taking part in the gruelling two-day endurance test on 4 and 5 November 2023. More variables were thrown into the equation this time round, to level up the game. Apart from battling bad weather conditions, the contestants also had to conquer elimination games held every hour to emerge victorious. 

Newly introduced in the finale this year was the "Bottle Cap Ballet", which was used to determine the champion of the competition. Contestants had to grip a one-litre bottle by the cap with their left arm. During the process, contestants had to keep their arm extended at shoulder height with their wrists straight. 

All this action took place concurrent to them ensuring their right palms remained flat and firmly planted within the palm decals on the car. Down to only four contenders then, Mr. Do Dang Hoang Trung, aged 35, was the first to let slip of the bottle. He was followed by Mr. Nguyen Doan Tho, aged 33.

The challenge featured remarkable displays of sportmanship and camaraderie between the competitors, on its return after three years

Beyond the fight for the grand prize, the TCCC 2023 created opportunities for the contestants to forge meaningful connections with one another. When the victor was announced, both runners-up ran up to congratulate Mr. Chan in a show of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

"This year's Tan Chong Car Challenge marked a fantastic revival of our iconic national competition. The degree of difficulty was increased phenomenally with the introduction of mini-challenges and car swops. Heartiest congratulations to every single contestant for the inspiring resilience and tenacity they displayed," said Mr. Glenn Tan, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Tan Chong International Limited.

Tan Chong International Limited sought to create an inclusive and memorable experience even for those who did not participate in the challenge

The TCCC 2023 was certainly not all about the competition. Tan Chong International Limited had collaborated with the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Charis ACE Active Ageing Centre to host 36 of their seniors on the first day. 

The seniors enjoyed a tour of the event space and front-row seats to preview the action and cheer on contestants. They were also treated to baked goods, carnival games, and a shopping spree at the Subaru Merchandise store.