General Manager, Wah & Hua Pte Ltd
As the chairman of the WMRAS, Melissa champions the association’s efforts to promote trade and commerce for the waste and recycling industry. The dynamic mum-of-three also advocates environmental responsibility as a grassroots leader in the Hong Kah North constituency. Recognising the critical need to look beyond Singapore’s shores for closer interaction with neighbouring counterparts, Melissa founded the Asia Pacific Waste and Environment Alliance (APWEA) last October, to facilitate the transfer of knowledge in waste management, raise standards, and promote cross-border cooperation amongst member associations that hail from Australia, New Zealand, China, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore.
“I gave up my accounting career…
I used to be a tax consultant in Perth, but felt duty-bound to return and take over the reins of my dad’s waste management and recycling company.”
“I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty…
I was handed the leadership of Wah & Hua, but faced scepticism and objections from some senior male staff. So I got down to the ground and proved that I had what it took to lead them, and the company into the future.”
“I’ve opened cross-border doors…
I travelled on my own expense to lobby the heads of other trade associations to form APWEA. Today, because of the close ties forged through this new regional alliance, introductions to potential business deals or invites to support each other’s tradeshows or conferences, are just a phone call or text away!”
If Melissa Tan inspires you, vote for her in The Most Inspiring Award here. You will stand a chance to win prizes worth up to $1,230!
The Great Women Of Our Time 2016 is presented by Skin Inc and co-sponsored by Swarovski.