From Malaysia to the World: love, adventure, and an electric dream

Travel is often seen as a form of education, with experts suggesting that visiting a new country is akin to reading ten books. For those seeking to escape depression, loneliness, or the monotony of daily life, exploring the world can be a powerful remedy.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the stories of those who undertake extraordinary journeys. From horseback rides across Uzbekistan to pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina, the tales of these adventurers capture the imagination. Some view their journeys as courageous acts of exploration, while others question the logic of choosing foot or bicycle travel in an age of modern transportation.

One couple embracing this adventurous spirit is Gloria from Malaysia and Fan Yuhu from China, currently in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Their journey, which began in Malaysia, spans over 5,000 kilometers. Their goal is to visit 100 countries in 800 days using an electric car, aiming to secure a place in the Guinness Book of Records. Their mission goes beyond mere adventure—they want to demonstrate that world travel is possible without harming the environment.

Gloria, 35, and Fan Yuhu, 54, embarked on their journey on September 16, 2023. Over a year, they have visited dozens of countries, entering Uzbekistan via Kazakhstan. Their commitment to using an electric car is driven by a desire to promote environmental responsibility and inspire others to adopt eco-friendly travel habits.

This adventure is not Fan Yuhu’s first. Before the pandemic, he embarked on a similar journey, financing it with the proceeds from his published book. Back then, he was a single man with a unique goal—to find a life partner. Friends had advised him to search for a wife in Russia, where, they said, marriage was less financially burdensome than in China. However, his quest for love faced challenges. One woman he met in Yekaterinburg was uninterested in travel, while another potential partner from the United States insisted he settle down, find a job, and start a family.

Everything changed when he met Gloria in Malaysia. Unlike his previous encounters, Gloria shared his dream of traveling the world. Their shared passion for adventure blossomed into love, and soon after, they were married. Reflecting on their relationship, Fan Yuhu describes Gloria as not only a beloved wife but also a reliable travel companion.

Gloria and Fan Yuhu’s love story is intertwined with a profound environmental mission. Their decision to travel using an electric car is deeply personal. Three members of Fan Yuhu’s family—his grandmother, father, and brother—died from lung cancer. This tragic experience shaped the couple’s commitment to promoting cleaner air and reducing pollution.

“Three people in my husband’s family have died of lung cancer: his grandmother, his father, and his brother. We don’t want more people to breathe polluted air,” Gloria explains.

Their stance is supported by research from UNESCO, which highlights the dangers of exhaust fumes from vehicles running on fossil fuels. Studies have shown that air pollution from these sources increases the risk of lung cancer, bronchial asthma, and other respiratory diseases. By using an electric car, which produces no exhaust emissions, the couple is actively contributing to the fight against air pollution.

Gloria and Fan Yuhu’s journey is far from over. Their adventure will continue for another two years, with Canada as their ultimate destination. After exploring North America, they plan to return to Malaysia, having fulfilled their dream of traveling the world in an environmentally conscious way. Along the way, they continue to share their experiences on social media, inspiring others to see the world through a lens of love, adventure, and sustainability.