by Adrian Lim

IN HIS books, there's no such a thing as a lousy trip. Every journey presents itself with a unique learning opportunity that offers a new perspective on life.

So even though Lance Ng - winner of AsiaOne's "Fly Singapore Airlines' A380 to Vivid Sydney" contest - has never set foot in the Australian city, he's going to relish every moment he's there.

For this 31-year-old, travelling is all about acquiring new perspectives of the world, and hence gaining a better understanding of oneself.

The avid angler, who is working in the construction industry, reminisces the time when a typhoon left his fishing group stranded in the Sierra Madre mountain ranges of Luzon island, Philippines.

It took the nine anglers three whole days to trek back to their fishing base camp and though many would consider it "torturous", Lance enjoyed every bit of it.

Contest winner Lance Ng

"I learnt a lot about myself - I am actually an adaptable person and quite a team player," he says.

Lance's passion for travel and his keen photographic sensibility was what captured the attention of readers and judges, earning him the prize which was hotly contested by hundreds of participants.

Ten entries were shortlisted by judges two weeks' ago, with an exciting online voting segment closing out the contest.

Compared to Lance's rough-it-out adventures, this 5-day 4-night Sydney vacation which commences Wednesday evening is set to be a cushier one.

For starters, he will be flying on the world's biggest commercial jet, the Airbus A380, and enjoying the top-notch cabin service and entertainment options provided by Singapore Airlines.

In Australia, Lance will attend the inaugural Vivid Sydney light and sound festival, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, wine and dine at the breathtaking Rocks area, and soak up the sights and sounds of the vibrant, cosmopolitan city.

Best of all, he's going to share his experiences and photographs in a travelogue on AsiaOne.

We are quite certain it's going to be special and enlightening - in other words, anything but lousy.

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"Fly Singapore Airlines' A380 to Vivid Sydney" is sponsored by Singapore Airlines and Tourism New South Wales.

AsiaOne's photojournalist Hannah Teoh is currently in Sydney attending the inaugural Vivid Sydney festival, and touring the hip and stylish suburbs of this vibrant Australian city.

Check this website for Hannah's daily blog updates and Lance's Sydney travelogue!