[Photo: Lee Lihui, 27, Esther Tan, 26, Jane Lee, 25, Lee Peh Gee, 32, Sim Yihui, 26, and Joanne Soo, 39, are members of the Singapore Women's Everest Team]

Three Singaporean women have conquered Mount Everest.

Ms Jane Lee, Ms Lee Li Hui and Ms Esther Tan began ascending Everest on May 8 and arrived between 3.45am and 4.43am at the peak

The world's tallest mountain at 8,850 metres above sea level.

When told of the news, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, and patron of the team's expedition, said, "This is another historic achievement for Singapore. I am very proud of what our Singapore Women's Everest team has accomplished.

"It takes courage, determination and excellent leadership and teamwork to scale the world's highest peak. They have once again demonstrated what our people can do against all odds when we set our minds to it.

"This is the spirit of Singapore. I hope it will inspire many more Singaporeans to go forth and pursue their passions and achieve their goals".

Read also:

» Jane Lee's Everest blog