1. What inspired you to pursue a career in shipping? How have your experiences shaped your understanding of the industry, and how have they better enabled you to play the role of Executive Director at the SSA?
My journey into the industry was unexpected. Initially aspiring to be an engineer, I ended up studying economics and that path eventually led me to shipping. I reasoned that it was the best industry sector to allow me to see the world. Thankfully, it has given me that and much more! Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work across many areas — from container lines and oil tankers to ship agency work, freight forwarding, and logistics. Every role taught me something new, and the diversity kept things exciting. I also spent 19 years living and working overseas, which really shaped my perspective and gave me a deep appreciation for the people and cultures that power global trade.
In a way, my professional journey was ‘quietly’ preparing me for the role in SSA, which is inherently global, filled with nuances and complexities. Crucially, I also think the desire to give back to the community is also important. SSA is community driven, and I am drawn by our members’ passion in giving back.
2. In your opinion, what is the role of a shipping association? What is your vision for the organisation in the next five years? What are your top three priorities for the organisation?
At its core, SSA exists to be the unifying voice of our members, championing their interests and strengthening Singapore’s position as a leading International Maritime Centre — a mission that’s firmly anchored in our Constitution. Beyond our shores, SSA also works closely with partners across ASEAN, Asia, and beyond to advance shared goals and foster meaningful collaboration across the global maritime community.
Today, SSA is actively engaged with more than 20 local and international partners, tackling a broad spectrum of issues — from decarbonisation and talent development to supporting maritime startups and innovation. The maritime ecosystem is incredibly diverse and complex, and to serve it well, we must evolve with the times.
That’s why my vision for SSA is to build a future-ready secretariat — one that is people-centric, performance-driven, and powered by digital tools. To get there, I’m focused on three key pillars: People, Process, and Structure. It’s about empowering our team, refining how we work, and building a strong foundation that allows us to better support our members, today and tomorrow.
People: Our secretariat team, SSA members and the wider shipping community is the core of what we do. Starting with our Secretariat, my aspiration is for us to focus on the three Cs: Collaboration, Co-ownership, and Co-creation. I believe these are the core unifying ingredients to elevate our community.
Processes: As we enter Industrialisation 4.0, SSA is also undergoing modernisation. This includes revamping our website and CRM systems, developing a searchable AI-enabled knowledge base, and creating an e-learning hub. We are on a digital transformation journey that will elevate our internal capacity and serve our members better.
Structure: Our organisational structure provides the framework for success, enabling us to scale and adapt to emerging challenges. We aim to refine our structure and governance to address new and emerging global themes and alignment with broader industry initiatives, such as decarbonisation and sustainability. The goal is to ensure that organisationally, we can flex to the situation.
Moving ahead, it would be a dynamic interplay of People, Process and Structure that determines our future success. There would be a combination of broad change and micro-changes (to borrow the Gen Z lingo) coming our way!
3. How would you describe your leadership style? What is your approach to building strong relationships with colleagues and stakeholders?
My leadership style blends being a Collaborator and a Harmoniser. I naturally gravitate toward building strong teams, coaching others, and creating a positive, supportive environment — all while keeping a clear focus on getting things done. I truly believe in the idea of “taking care of business by taking care of people.”
At the end of the day, leadership — and any meaningful relationship — is built on trust, human touch, and being genuine. And I’ve learned over time that the strongest bonds aren’t forged overnight. They take time, patience, and a whole lot of heart. Some things simply can’t be rushed.
4. What do you think is the greatest challenge facing the shipping industry?
The shipping industry has long operated in a VUCA world — one marked by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. But today, we’re transitioning into something even more challenging: a BANI world. This new landscape is Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible, and it calls for a different kind of response — one rooted in resilience, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of how everything is connected.
In this environment, the industry faces mounting pressures: fragile supply chains, rising cybersecurity threats, regulatory complexities, and infrastructure vulnerabilities. The pace of digital transformation and the push for decarbonisation add layers of complexity, while geopolitical tensions and shifting trade dynamics — like the recent wave of U.S. tariffs — bring uncertainty that directly impacts operations and freight flows.
Amidst all this, SSA remains deeply committed to supporting our members. We’re focused on helping the industry build resilience, embrace innovation, and stay competitive. By pushing for forward-looking policies, encouraging sustainable practices, and championing new technologies, SSA is here to help our community navigate these turbulent waters — together.
5. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Could you share with us your hobbies or passions outside of work?
Outside the office, you’ll often find me either on two wheels or in the water — I’m a passionate cyclist and reluctant triathlete. It all started with cycling as a way to lose weight, but as I got more into it, I picked up running and swimming so I could take on triathlons. What drew me in was the mental and physical challenge — triathlons demand discipline, resilience, and a good grasp of sport nutrition, data, and gear, all of which I really enjoy exploring.
Truth be told, running and swimming didn’t come naturally to me. But I took them on for a very personal reason — to set an example for my son. I wanted to encourage him to live a balanced life and not be a ‘bookworm’. Signing up for races, learning new skills, and pushing my own limits was my way of bonding with him and showing him what’s possible when you commit to something. I’m proud to share that he took part in several kids’ triathlons — and completed his first race at just nine years old.
More recently, I’ve been diving deep into ultra-distance cycling. I’ve completed a 600km Audax and even rode 1,600km solo from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, bike-packing along the way. One of my big dreams is to finish the legendary Paris-Brest-Paris Audax — a 1,200km endurance ride with a 90-hour cutoff. It’s a test of both body and spirit, and I’m excited to work toward it.