HONG KONG — With straight bangs, a pair of gold-rimmed glasses and a soft voice, Rebecca Lee looks more like a teacher than an explorer.

The 80-year-old has many identities: photographer, polar researcher, graphic designer, and most importantly, Hong Kong's first female explorer to have set foot on Earth's three extremes — the North Pole, the South Pole and Mount Qomolangma.

Now, having hung up her explorer boots, Lee is ready for the next expedition, one that would last a lifetime: environmental protection and education.