Defender Trophy: Asia-Pacific finalists selected for Global Final in Africa

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 against 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.

JLR Asia Pacific Managing Director Garth Turnbull said: “Asia Pacific is one of the most diverse and dynamic regions in the world, and that breadth was clearly reflected in the calibre of competitors we saw in Taiwan. Defender Trophy is about more than technical capability; it’s about resilience, teamwork and a shared respect for the environments we explore”.

He added: “We are proud to see our Asia-Pacific winners represent the region at the Global Final in Africa. They embody the spirit of adventure and purpose that defines Defender, and we look forward to seeing them compete on the world stage in support of our long-standing conservation partner, Tusk.”

The Asia-Pacific final forms part of Defender’s return to global challenge events – a new series of competitions designed not only to test human capability, but to leave a positive legacy for the people and places it touches.

Qualification rounds continue next month with the North American Finals in British Columbia, Canada.

At the centre of the adventure is the expedition-ready Defender 110 Trophy Edition, created to honour Defender’s heritage while supporting modern-day exploration.

The model featured in global celebrations marking the 45th anniversary of the original Camel Trophy – an event synonymous with Defender’s legacy of endurance and teamwork. Finished in exclusive Deep Sandglow Yellow, the vehicle pays tribute to that history while carrying its spirit forward.

This spirit continues with the arrival of the upgraded Defender line-up, now more distinctive and intuitive than ever. Updates include revised exterior detailing with new front and rear light signatures, refreshed colour options and new wheel designs, reinforcing Defender’s unmistakable presence on and off road.

Inside, a larger 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display enhances ease of use, while available technologies such as Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control make negotiating challenging terrain even more composed and intuitive. Enhancements across 90, 110 and 130 body styles ensure the unstoppable 4x4 continues to evolve while staying true to its core capability.

Together, Defender Trophy and the upgraded Defender range reflect the brand’s continued commitment to purposeful adventure – combining heritage, capability and modern innovation for a new generation of explorers.

Official Defender Trophy merchandise is available through selected Defender retailers. The collection includes performance apparel and expedition gear inspired by the competition, alongside practical travel accessories and limited-edition model vehicles. Selected items, including rhino and lion soft toys, support Tusk conservation initiatives.