But come September, she will face her biggest challenge yet, as she will be the first Singaporean woman to sail round the world in the Clipper Race boating competition.

Ms Ho, 34, recently quit her job as an operations manager and paid $75,000 to take part in a race that will see her braving storm force winds, raging seas and sub-zero temperatures. But it will be worth it, she said.

'I'd like to show Singaporeans how it's really like, and hopefully people would be inspired to spend on something like this instead of shopping or holidays. You may not gain a Louis Vuitton bag, but you gain a lot more here,' said Ms Ho, pointing to her heart.

She is among eight Singaporeans and four residents here who have been chosen from a record 207 local entries to represent the nation in the bi-annual yachting race.

The chosen few include a housewife, engineers, a banker, and two undergrad medical students from the National University of Singapore.

The international competition distinguishes itself from other similar tournaments by opening it to sailing amateurs.

The boats will set sail in September fom the Humber River in England. Singapore's entry will have a crew of 44, who will take turns to staff the boat over seven race legs. The other participants in the Singapore team hail from countries such as Oman, Belgium and Canada.

The race will end in July 2010.