Yusof Lateef, People’s Action Party (PAP) Marine Parade Branch Secretary, recently accomplished a remarkable feat by trekking to the South Base Camp of Mount Everest for the second time.
At the Base Camp, he commemorated his latest accomplishment by flying the PAP flag and the Marine Parade 50th anniversary flag. He left both flags at a friend’s trekking lodge in Gorakshep, on his return trek down. A quarter of a century earlier, he had marked his first successful trek by carrying a Singapore flag.
At the age of 55, Mr Yusof has dedicated over 36 years of service to the Party at the Marine Parade branch. In a conversation with Petir, he reminisced about his experience summiting the Kala Patthar peak in 1999, near Mount Everest, and his recent expedition.
“With the turn of the millennium approaching, we brought along a Singapore flag,” Mr Yusof recounted. “Now, 25 years later, a few of us decided to revisit the trek and embark on that journey once again, to see if we could still accomplish it.”
Mr Yusof said that he and his friends carefully considered the feasibility of the trek, and it was not a “spur of the moment” decision. They had trained for nearly a year, climbing staircases of housing blocks and hiking Bukit Timah hill weekly to prepare.
“The most crucial factor for me was whether the general elections would be called this year(2024),” he said. “Once it seemed unlikely, we booked our flight tickets and finalised our plans.” Dr Tan See Leng, the Branch Chair, cautioned: “Trekking Mount Everest is dangerous. You must return safely.’”

In late October 2024, Mr Yusof and his friends embarked on an arduous 16-day trekking adventure to Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal. They summited Kala Patthar, reaching an impressive altitude of 5,644 metres, before arriving at the Everest Base Camp, situated at 5,364m. Their journey was grueling, with daily treks spanning 7 to 9 hours, and the longest day involving a strenuous 14 to 16-hour trek.
The expedition was far from easy, given the impact of climate change and geological shifts on the terrain, he noted. Many slopes were covered in ice glacial sheets, where a single misstep could prove disastrous. “It was physically and mentally demanding, requiring sheer determination to overcome,” he said. “And at 25 years older, the engine is also different, but we persevered by the grace of God.”
Fortunately, they did not suffer from altitude sickness, which “could hit even the fittest” or life-threatening conditions like high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).

This time round, Mr Yusof brought along the party flag and the Marine Parade 50th anniversary flag during his ascent to Mount Everest base camp, both significant to him.
He said he carried the party flag as a tribute to the hard work and perseverance of the party’s members. “I have been a branch secretary since Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong’s time [as an MP]. Flying the flag was also a tribute to ESM Goh and Dr Tan See Leng, who is the current MP.”
Although Mr Yusof did not intentionally bring the flag for the party’s 70th anniversary, seeing it fly high above the clouds filled him with immense pride. “Looking back now, it fits beautifully with PAP 70. That’s my humble gift to the Party – 25 years later.”
As for the flag that celebrates 50 years of the formation of Marine Parade town, Mr Yusof proudly shared that he has been serving the community as a grassroots leader as well. His family moved to Marine Parade when he was five years old. He started joining his father who was a grassroots leader when he was merely nine years old, he recounted.
Mr Yusof’s mountaineering expeditions have taught him valuable lessons that he applies to his work as a PAP activist and grassroots leader serving the community.
“It is important to look out for and care for one another. We must observe and support fellow trekkers during a climb, ensuring no one suffers from altitude sickness or other issues. I apply this spirit of compassion when I serve, caring for the community and our neighbours.”
“Trekking has transformed my perspective on life, allowing me to appreciate the blessings I have. During challenging times serving the community, I am reminded of the difficult moments I persevered through on the trek. When residents face setbacks in their appeals, I share with them these perspectives.”

Mr Yusof proudly flew the Young PAP flag atop Mount Kilimanjaro in 1997

Over the years, Mr Yusof has embarked on 15 trekking expeditions, including the challenging K2 Concordia trek in Pakistan.
In August 1997, he scaled Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania with a Young PAP flag. At that time, he served as the Assistant Secretary of the PAP Marine Parade branch and was a member of the YP Executive Committee.
“In my philosophy, no mountains are conquered. They are magnificent, heavenly creations. We only pay homage to them.”
With an unwavering spirit, Mr Yusof has set his sights on future treks, such as the K2 Base Camp trek in Pakistan and the ascent of the Mardi Himal peak in Nepal.
His humble advice to fellow seniors resonates with wisdom: “We are all unique in our own ways! Keep active, keep moving! When we remain active, our muscles stay agile.”