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● Nobody asked, but I picked up cycling recently… It all began when I won a  at our company’s Christmas year-end party last year (yay!). Since then, I’ve been hitting the pavement, finding it more accessible than going to the gym, and enjoying the freedom cycling provides. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jeshua Soh, an avid cyclist passionate about giving back. Jeshua shared with me his ambitious plan to raise $100,000 for a good cause by cycling from Singapore to , all on a $150 secondhand bicycle from I kid you not. The journey is about 2,000km… Read on to learn more about this plan and how he intends to do so! This article provides an overview of Jeshua’s journey and motivations for his attempt to raise $100,000 for the refugees along the Myawaddy – Mae Sot border. The funds will go towards supporting refugees in healthcare, education, and shelter. Jeshua Soh is a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, filmmaker, investor, traveller, and soon-to-be long-distance adventure cyclist. Unlike the typical path many Singaporeans take in pursuing a university degree, Jeshua chose a different route and left junior college early. He subsequently founded four companies that allowed him to follow his passion for film and media, as well as explore the realms of venture capital and investing. Jeshua’s connection to Myanmar began in 2018 when he founded Crossworks Myanmar to help employers hire and retain Myanmar’s talents. The recent conflict in Myawaddy, Myanmar, displaced as many as 100,000 people and sparked Jeshua’s decision to undertake this journey. He believes that by raising awareness and funds, he can positively impact the lives of those affected. All proceeds will go directly to Mae Tao Clinic, which provides healthcare services, education, and protection to refugees along the Thai-Myanmar border. To provide some historical context, Myawaddy is a border town in southeastern Myanmar, next to Mae Sot in Thailand. Due to its location and ongoing regional conflicts, it has often been a flashpoint. The town serves as a gateway for trade and transportation between the two countries, and it is home to a significant number of refugees and stateless individuals who have fled conflict zones in Myanmar. The region around Myawaddy has faced years of armed conflict and ethnic tensions, resulting in fresh waves of fighting and the displacement of many civilians. These displaced individuals often face precarious living conditions and lack access to essential services such as healthcare. In light of these challenges, Jeshua’s journey is inspired by the plight of stateless and undocumented individuals along the Thai-Myanmar border. These people encounter significant difficulties accessing healthcare due to low income and a lack of identification. While the $100,000 fundraising goal is substantial, Jeshua acknowledges that it may only provide temporary operational support given the clinic’s annual budget, which reaches millions of dollars. However, he sees the real value in raising awareness and inspiring others to support the cause in various ways. Jeshua’s approach focuses on creating a lasting impact through his efforts, aiming to drive meaningful change and amplify the effects of his journey on the community he seeks to help. On , Jeshua will begin his two-week cycling expedition from Singapore to Bangkok. Jeshua’s cycling route will take him through on Highway 5, the same path historically used during the Japanese invasion of Singapore. He plans to cycle in the early mornings and late evenings while working remotely in the afternoon, covering 60 to 70 kilometres to avoid the day’s heat. A volunteer will support Jeshua for part of the journey, driving alongside him to provide spare parts, photography, and logistical help. Throughout the expedition, Jeshua aims to inspire others to support the cause and raise awareness of the challenges people face along the Thai-Myanmar border. If you think reaching the goal will stop him, it won’t. He will continue cycling an additional 420km to Tak, near the Thai-Myanmar border town of Mae Sot, and donate his bicycle to the Mae Tao clinic. One might assume you will need a top-notch bicycle to go on a cycling expedition, and there’s a reason why—a online would reveal that an expedition-touring bike would cost at least 1,000 EUR (~S$1,460.83). However, Jeshua’s choice of bicycle is modest but reliable. He purchased a preloved Raleigh Misceo 2.0 Hybrid Bike at $150 from Carousell and overhauled the bike system. Jeshua has kindly shared his cost breakdown with me, as he’s never been on a bicycle expedition. The whole 12-day journey is estimated to be ~$5,000. For the uninitiated, a 200km expedition at Okinawa, Japan, from 25 Apr to 1 May 2024, costs about S$5,500 – S$6,000, and a 14-day cycling trip around Vietnam is about S$3,910.66 (AUD4,390). Jeshua has helped to raise from as of today. Thankfully, with technology, there are many payment methods, and you can help by donating any sum. Note: 1% fee to be absorbed by Jeshua If you donate directly to the Mae Tao clinic, remember to send the screenshot(s) to so that progress can be tracked and public updates can be provided. For more details, visit the fundraising website: As Jeshua continues his journey, his dedication and passion for making a difference are commendable. His story reminds us that even small acts can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to take action and contribute to a better world. While personal finance and money are essential aspects of life, it’s even more critical to help one another in times of need. If you wish to support Jeshua’s cause, you can follow his journey and donate to his fundraising campaign. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those in need.