Meet Kathlyn Tan: The Champion of the Sea
From Ocean Adventurer to Environmental Hero
When she’s not underwater, Kathlyn Tan is busy on land, fighting to keep seas clean. She’s not just another marine lover—she’s a world‑class freediver who rode the waves of the Dynamic Bi‑Fins and Dynamic No Fins world records. On top of that, she’s a PADI scuba divemaster since 2017, ready to dive into action whenever the tide demands.
Why the Ocean Matters to Her
“Being below the surface feels like a whole new universe,” she says, “and it really shows you how everything is connected. Humans? Just a tiny thread in the massive tapestry.” Her love for the blue planet began with the first unforgettable dive she had.
First Dive, Forever Impressions
Picture this: an underwater cliff bursting with vibrant coral colors. Tiny marine creatures were on patrol, adding a living soundtrack to the scene. It was the moment she realized that the sea was a treasure trove worth protecting.
Seeing the Dark Side of the Sea
From plastic bags and food wrappers to clothes, toys, and personal care products, everyday trash is piling up in the water. The most common offending element? Plastic bottles under two litres. These tiny tyrants might look harmless at first glance, but they wreak havoc on the marine ecosystem.
Why EarthOne Is Needed
AsiaOne’s fresh EarthOne section is all about turning awareness into action. With stories that blend science, passion, and a touch of humor, it’s a press‑release platform that doesn’t shy away from the planet’s challenges.
- Engaging articles that spark conversation
- Scientific insights wrapped in everyday language
- Real stories from people willing to fight the tide
So, next time you’re scrolling through EarthOne, remember Kathlyn’s mission: a reminder that our blue world is fragile—and that you can help keep the oceans sparkling, one dive at a time.
Family business
Meet the Sustainability Superhero
Family Office: Where It All Began
In 2011, Tan stepped into the family office that her business-savvy dad, Stanley Tan, had built. Fast forward to 2017, and she’s been steering the philanthropic side of the office’s green portfolio, tackling everything from nature-based solutions to wildlife conservation.
What’s in the Green Bucket?
- Nature-based solutions
- Wildlife conservation
- Fish welfare
- Alternative proteins
- Circular economy
Boardroom and Beyond
Last July, she added another badge to her résumé: Director of Communications & Sustainability at GYP Properties, a publicly listed real‑estate developer with ties to Rumah. Now she’s responsible for jazz‑up ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) – making sure the company’s footprint feels less “whoops” and more “wow.”
Ground‑Level Insight
She says this gig lets her stay close to ground‑level buzz on sustainability challenges, keeping her fingers on the pulse of emerging issues.
ESG: Fad or Forever?
When someone asked her if ESG was a passing trend or a permanent fixture, she shot back: “Here to stay!” She’s also called out how we used to ignore the real cost of goods and services, squinting away from their negative impacts.
Why ESG Is the New Hot Trend (And Why It Still Needs a Push)
In the corporate world, the buzzword ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) is now as common as “coffee breaks.” But just like a good chia pudding, you can’t get the full benefits if you skim over the details.
Eco‑Conscious Companies Are Saying “We’re on It!”
“Businesses are becoming more ESG‑aware because of the increasing focus on sustainability,” says Kathlyn Tan, Director at Rumah Group. “But we’re still falling short – transparency gaps and slow progress keep us from hitting the targets.”
What’s the Scoop?
- 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out background targets and handy metrics.
- SDGs are the framework that lets you know, “Hey, this is where we’re supposed to stand.”
- But if you’re reading a single sentence, you’re missing out on the big picture.
Let’s Get Real: What Makes ESG Work
Think of ESG like a group project: everyone’s got a role, but the success hinges on clean communication and timely feedback. Without real‑time data, it’s a paper chase rather than a sprint.
How Rumah Group Is Tackling It
“I think it’s wonderful that the 17 Sustainable Development Goals have been defined with targets and indicators; this will help everyone contribute more effectively towards building a better future together.”
We’re here to put the “me” in “meet.” RPG, or Responsible Project Guidance, is Rumah Group’s playbook to keep ESG moving from an idea to actionable outcomes.
Bottom Line: You Can’t Dismiss ESG as Filler
It’s easy to see ESG as a litany of buzzwords. But picture it as a roadmap that keeps the planet and communities rolling forward. The roadmap, the goals, and the zeal – that’s how progress is paved.
Leading bravely
Why Ocean Health & Climate Change Still Fly Under the Radar
Tan spots the glaring gaps in how we treat our seas and the planet’s fever‑pitch warming. In 2021, scientists warned that climate change was not just a slow march but a rapid, front‑loaded surge, and its punches hit the poorest first—whether they live in slums or in slick, high‑income cities.
Only 2% of Global Philanthropy Tosses Money Into Climate Change
That’s a mockery! And the fraction that reaches Asia is even slimmer. Imagine that: we’re pouring billions into tech start‑ups and luxury goods while the climate crisis keeps growing. Tan calls on brave leaders from all walks of life to step up and stir things up in their own backyard.
APC Climate Collective: Where Like‑Minded Changemakers Meet
The Asia Philanthropy Circle, with Tan’s dad on its founding board, rolled out the APC Climate Collective last September. Think of it as a coffee‑sips‑with‑experts club, where participants learn, network, and collaborate on climate projects without the bureaucracy of giant NGOs.
Femfluence: Women, Power, and the Beauty of Redefining Influence
- “Influence = steering decisions & changing hearts” — Tan says it feels both a grand privilege and a hefty responsibility.
- “Being female, we often step into the shoes of the under‑represented.” Tan sees this as a unique lever for change, saying that many of us underestimate exactly how much sway we hold.
- “Championing equality & broadening minds is our secret weapon.” In a world that’s still behind on diversity, Tan’s message is clear: the female perspective can tip the scale.
Why it matters
If we all bring our unique angles—whether sunny side up, late‑night deep‑thinking, or voice‑of‑the-quiet—then we’re not just adding to the conversation; we’re rewriting the playbook. Climate isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a real test for our collective guts.
Takeaway
Hey, we all have a seat at the table. Grab it. Use your voice, your curiosity, and your heart to make the climate conversation a race we all win—plus, bring your humor, because a serious world deserves a good laugh.
