Last December, Mr Sam Yeoh saw an Internet video that changed his perception of global warming. It warned that the ice in the north Arctic could disappear by as early as 2012.

The 30-year-old said: “I was shocked by the video. We all know about global warming, but we don’t know how much it will affect us.” While many practical Singaporeans might forward the video to their friends, and then forget about the whole thing, Mr Yeoh went a step further. He gave up his job as a quality assurance engineer, a relatively cushy income plus his rented room in Bukit Batok.

From next Monday, for the next six months, he will be cycling from Singapore to Beijing to drum up awareness for the environment. His aim is to promote cycling as an alternative mode of transport to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and also vegetarianism as a choice diet.

The 9,000km journey will no doubt be a physically taxing one as the furthest Mr Yeoh has ever cycled is to Kota Tinggi in Johor last year. On that trip he injured his lower back in a fall.

If the pain comes back on the upcoming trip, “I will consult a local doctor,” he said simply. For his journey, he has been training twice a week – each trip is about 70km long.

Mr Yeoh, a Malaysian and Singapore PR, will be accompanied by a friend to Penang. From there, he will continue on his own through Thailand, Laos and then to China. Mr Yeoh became a vegetarian about 10 years ago because he believes the rearing of livestock is a major contributor to global warming.

Before plastic bags started getting out of fashion, he was already using his own reusable shopping bags. The video spurred him to take things further. During the journey, he will distribute flyers to encourage people to be more green. He also hopes to visit schools or associations to give talks on the effects of climate change. He also had his slogan “go veggie, go green” printed on his bicycle.

He will visit cyber cafes along the way to upload photos and update his online journal. He expects to spend about $1,000 for the six months on road, and a further $2,000 has gone to the bicycle and spare parts, all using his savings. He plans on making the money last by cooking his own food and living outdoors. “I will spend my nights in my tent or hammock near the roadside, by the sea, or in a friendly home,” he said. Mr Yeoh, who earned “over $2,000” a month in his previous job, said the sacrifice was painful but “it’s worth it, if my message reaches people”.

He has not approached any sponsor, but hopes that eco-friendly companies can help. His friends offered to pay his credit card bills, if needed. He added: “After I come back, I hope to tell my story on YouTube, and in a book. I also want to see what else I can do. The more people I reach, the better.”

marcelp@sph.com.sg