Ain't no Mountain High Enough

In the clear crisp morning of 26 May 2003 Appa Sherpa carried with him the pride and aspirations of each and every staff of Standard Chartered Bank to the Top of The World.

The Bank is proud and elated to be associated with the World Record setting 13th successful ascent of Everest by Appa Sherpa. And what better time for this momentous achievement then whilst the Kingdom and the entire world is in the midst of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary's first successful ascent of Everest on 29 May 1953.

At this moment of success we would like to share some facts about a truly magnificent personality, Appa Sherpa. Born on 20 January 1962 in Thame VDC, Namche, Appa has consistently made his father Lobsang Sherpa and mother Hila Phuti proud parents. He grew up in a large family with four brothers and two sisters. Although his formal education ended at Class 4 in Thame Primary School, his knowledge of his craft and the majestic mountains is unparalled. Appa tied the nuptial knot at the age of 27 with Yangi Sherpa and is the proud father of two sons, Tenzing Zando and Pemba Norbu and two daughters Ang Nimi and Dawa Yangi.

Although the call of the mountains rang in Appa's ears from the time of his birth, his accolades in mountaineering commenced in 1987 when he climbed Annapurna 1 as Sherpa 'Sardar'. Then there is Everest, he reached the top of the world in 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995. He was slated to take an expedition up in 1996 but on the insistence of Yangi, his loving spouse, he passed the opportunity. Gods seemed to have been looking after Appa, for that expedition met with a disastrous end. Then again he commenced his visits to the pinnacle of mother earth in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and now for his World Record setting 13th Ascent in 2003.

It is this dedication to consistently deliver extraordinary achievements that brings Appa close to our hearts. To reach the summit once is a really amazing feat, to repeat it a dozen time is astounding, to gaze upon the world from up above 13 times is truly a legendary accomplishment. Appa has reinforced our conviction that true excellence is more than just the ability to achieve an extraordinary feat once, it is the unwavering belief in one's self to consistently deliver remarkable achievements that is the mark of true success. It is this common desire to consistently deliver the highest of standards that binds Appa and the Bank so closely together.

Along with every Nepali, today each and every one of us at Standard Chartered Bank feels elated to have been a part of Appa's historic summit and surge in pride as we see the Bank's flag flying high on Top of the World. We are proud to have Appa Sherpa as the 'Standard Chartered Bank Brand Ambassador' for he truly lives our Values: Courageous, Responsive, International, Creative and Trustworthy. Whether in his trek through life, or up the slopes of Everest, Appa is a master at weaving these Values together to always put him on Top of the World. Just like the very fabric of Standard Chartered Bank is woven from the very same Values with which we strive to meet and exceed the needs of all our stakeholders.