Tell us about your job working in the Singapore boating scene?

I run Ximula Sail, a yacht charter company with two beautiful sailing catamarans, Ximula & Gracefully. We are a small (and growing) team, so every team member wears multiple hats. While my main role is in business development, and I spend a part of my time working on potential partnerships and overseeing the scheduling & finances, I’m also out at sea serving as crew for our charters almost daily. 

How did you get into the boating industry in Singapore?

My father inspired me. His retirement dream was to sail around the world, which led him to buy a sailing catamaran, Ximula, seven years ago. Since then, I’ve joined him on his several sailing adventures in & out of Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. I love every bit of it – exploring new island destinations, being in the middle of nowhere out at sea and waking up to the most beautiful sunrises on the horizon, meeting dolphins, turtles and amazing underwater scenery. 

Back then, there were only a few charter yachts in Singapore, but we sensed an increase in demand as friends of friends started to ask if they could rent our yacht for birthday parties, team outings, etc. So we decided to give it a shot and licensed our yacht for charter, me as crew and my dad as skipper. By word of mouth and support from our amazing guests, our charter business grew, and there is no turning back for me!

What do you like most about your job?

I like seeing the happy faces of our guests when they’ve enjoyed their time onboard our yachts most. Our guests always tell us we have the best job/office view, and I fully agree! I also like my job because I’ve learnt a lot about different cultures from meeting so many people from all over the world during charters, it is very eye-opening.

As a business owner, I also like witnessing the growth of our team. Watching the individuals in our team grow to become leaders themselves and knowing that we are a part of this growth makes me happy and motivates me to keep going when the going gets tough.

Just my thoughts about being a woman in this industry:

It’s great to see more and more women in Singapore’s boating industry. I’ve never felt disadvantaged as a woman here, in fact I feel very encouraged as boaters are generally always willing to share and lend a hand. When I struggled with the technical bits of the job, fellow sailors are always ready to teach me. I believe women can do very well in this industry because we can be tough and strong but we can also bring a softer side to the work we do. (:

Tell us about your job working in the Singapore boating scene?

I am an Assistant Manager at Raffles Marina; my portfolio is Events and Marketing Communications. By virtue that Raffles Marina is a marina, I also support the marina division in my day to day work, including organising and executing sailing activities at the Club.

When did you first get into the boating scene, and what role was it?

Since my teenage years back in Malaysia, I have been a sailor, and I ‘officially’ got into the boating scene when I was offered a role with the Singapore Sailing Federation to manage the Marina Bay outreach programme. That was also when I packed up my bags and moved to Singapore, and I have been here ever since.

What draws you to continue working in the boating industry?

It is a matter of coincidence and one thing leading to another. That said, being in this industry where I am familiar with the ins and outs, the network that I have established over the years, I like to think that I am good at what I do, that keeps me going. Meeting new people and delivering a good event where sailors all have a good time will do wonders for your self-confidence and brings about a sense of fulfilment and joy. Being close to the waters has some very therapeutic effects too.

Also, in some ways, I think of it as a form of giving back to the community. I grew up sailing, was awarded a scholarship to complete my studies, went on to join competitions, travelled the world and met many amazing people. All of this was made possible because of my involvement in the sport. Today, I am in a position where I can help grow the sport, encourage others and hopefully create similar opportunities for young individuals who started as I did.

What is your favourite boating memory?

There are TOO many! To quote a recent event organised – the 2019 Raffles Marina Optimist Regatta (RMOR) is by far, the best-attended regatta. We had a record number of 190 young champion sailors who took part, which made me reminisce about my youth. The success of the 2019 RMOR is attributed to many factors, but without a doubt the whole team at Raffles Marina we key in making the event so successful.

Tell us about your job working in the Singapore boating scene?

I am the senior yacht broker at Hong Seh Marine. My role is to help potential boat buyers find the perfect boat for their needs. Either a pre-owned boat or a brand new yacht from one of the leading Italian yacht brands we represent from Ferretti Group, including Ferretti, Pershing and Riva Yachts or from the famous American fishing/lifestyle boats from Boston Whaler

Why did you choose the boating industry?

I began helping out at a family friend’s yacht supply business during my school vacation 16 years ago. At that time, I didn’t realise there was a boating industry, but the more I got exposed to boats and superyachts, the more I realised how unique and interesting the business is, and of course, that was perfect for me because I love the sea and the outdoor lifestyle. 

From when I started till now, I still get the same feeling, the industry and the community of boaters is going from strength to strength. The marine development around the SEA region is motivating; I still love hearing about new island destinations and planning trips with other boaters.

Any advice for women looking to get into the industry?

Don’t be scared if you are not from the industry; as long as you have a passion for the outdoor lifestyle, you will fit in. Willingness to learn, soak up information, take your time and be confident will set you up for multiple opportunities in the boating industry. Our office has gone from male-dominated to a level office after the lockdown. This approach has helped the business immensely, having a more rounded path to sales, marketing and business development.

What type of boat are you in too?

Although I am thrilled just getting out on the water on any boat, the Rivamare by Riva Yachts has been my dream boat for some time, the classiness of the Rivamare is unmatched across the industry. I hope that in a couple of years, I will be cruising out to the southern islands with my friends on a new Rivamare (hint hint)

Tell us about your job working in the Singapore boating scene?

I joined Boat Lagoon Yachting in 2017. My main role is to oversee the marketing aspects of the company in Singapore. This includes digital marketing campaigns, events, boat shows and press. I am also currently handling charter sales.

What are the challenges of working in the boating industry?

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us in the way we do things. With the cancellation of boat shows and in-person events, which were key events in our marketing and sales initiatives, we had to shift our marketing efforts to digital platforms to stay connected with our current and prospective buyers. Our team had to ramp up on digital marketing strategies, for instance, organising online webinars and taking prospects on virtual tours on our boats.

What are the best aspects of your job?

For me, it is getting a chance to view these exquisite and luxurious yachts from world-renowned brands like Princess, Sacs, and Jeanneau, and continuously bring these unique experiences and luxuries for our clients – like during the event launch of a new Princess Y85, which I was fortunate enough to be a part of. It was the first-ever performance of its kind in Asia: it had a spectacular audio-visual display, where a 3D image of the Princess Y85 was shone on the boat itself using state-of-the-art 3D equipment, complete with an electrifying light and sound show. It was truly a sight to behold, and the fulfilment you get as a part of the team that created this experience is truly unforgettable and incomparable. 

What is your current favourite boat in Singapore and why?

My favourite yacht would be the Princess Y85. She is indubitably elegant and luxe, and a true beauty – kudos to the unique design partnership between Princess Design Studio, naval architect Bernard Olesinski, and legendary Italian design house Pininfarina. Her interior also takes regional tastes and preferences into consideration. For example, it has a round dining table installed to cater to the more communal dining habits of Asian clients. It also has an Asian-European galley – a sliding partition on the kitchen counter that can be wound down to turn the kitchen top into a bar counter, or be wound up for a more formal setting. 

Tell us about your job working in the Singapore boating scene?

As the Assistant Marketing Manager (SEA) of Simpson Marine, my responsibilities cover all marketing such as digital and advertising, media involvement, event planning and execution, social media marketing, content management, strategic partnership, and more, for the whole of Southeast Asia Market. As Asia’s leading yacht dealer, Simpson Marine’s mission is to help others enjoy the yachting lifestyle, making it easy and enjoyable. By having that core, my key responsibilities are to expand the region’s yachting interests by keeping the market updated on our wide range of yacht and models available. 

What is it about the Boating industry that gets you excited?

The vibrancy and energy of the boating industry are unlike any other. Having a yacht is a private sanctuary that maximises quality time with family and friends, which is a form of luxury in the hustle and bustle of life. Especially in Singapore, when things are done so efficiently and quickly, even a brunch or dinner does not entirely unwind and relax like time on a yacht. Moreover, Singapore has many beautiful islands that we can sail to and view the skyline from another angle. Singapore is located at the ideal location that makes exploration to other regions very easily and comfortably. 

How did you get involved in the Singapore boating industry?

I have always been in this Marketing career and had amassed good marketing experiences in Sales and Marketing, Digital Marketing, Public Relations, Event Management etc. Luxury marketing was a segment I had not yet experienced back then. Hence, it appealed to me, and I could also see the potential of the expansion of yachting within Southeast Asia. When the golden opportunity to join Simpson Marine came up, I jumped on it and never looked back. The industry is ever-evolving and growing, and I am glad to be part of Simpson Marine, where I am surrounded by a team of yacht experts who are equally passionate about yachting. It is also great that I could apply my years of marketing experience to this luxury yachting world.

What is your favourite boat you have been on?

To pick a favourite would be difficult because I have the privilege to experience the uniqueness of so many different brands.

Sanlorenzo and Bluegame yacht are known for their outstanding made-to-measure Italian design.

Fairline Yachts are luxurious excellent craftmanship.

Beneteau Sailing yachts remain the world’s most famous sailing boat options.

Catamarans are much-loved yacht type in Asia. We have been privileged to represent Lagoon Catamarans and Aquila Power Catamarans, both go-to brands for many yacht owners in Asia.