Charles Murray from New Zealand and Ron Ng from Singapore have been named Asia-Pacific winners of Defender Trophy, following two days of intense regional qualification rounds held in the mountainous terrain of Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Selected from a field of 24 competitors representing Hong Kong, Indonesia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, the pair will now progress to the Defender Trophy Global Final in Africa later this year. There, they will join other regional finalists from around the world in an epic adventure challenge hosted in partnership with Defender’s long-standing conservation partner, Tusk.

Set in the rugged mountains of southern Taiwan, the Asia-Pacific qualification rounds were designed to test intellectual agility, endurance and teamwork. Competitors navigated a series of vehicle-based, adventure and physical challenges. Driving stages required careful line selection and technical vehicle control through tight obstacle courses under time pressure, while adventure tasks saw teams collaborate to transport heavy equipment and construct functional solutions in demanding terrain.

Physical elements further tested strength and resilience, with weighted load and 'push/pull' exercises adding to the intensity. Together, the stages demanded advanced driving ability, strategic thinking, and clear communication under pressure.

Competitors navigated obstacle-based vehicle trials, drove with precision across steep terrain and hidden drops, constructed rope bridges, transported equipment through challenging landscapes and completed night driving missions.

Emerging as standout performers, the Asia-Pacific winners demonstrated consistent composure, strategic thinking and technical capability across every stage. Their ability to adapt quickly to changing terrain and to support one another in demanding conditions set them apart in a highly competitive field.