Angeline Tan’s journey in the hospitality industry is a testament to
the power of passion, perseverance, and people skills. Starting as a
receptionist at Ming Court Hotel (now Orchard Rendezvous), Tan has
climbed the ladder to become the senior vice president of hospitality at
Singapore-based SingHaiyi and its hospitality arm, Momentus
Hospitality.
Tan’s rise wasn’t fuelled by privilege or industry connections.
Instead, her success stems from an indomitable spirit, a passion for
people development, and a willingness to step out of her comfort zone.
A people-first approach
While the perceived glamour of the hospitality industry initially
attracted Tan, she quickly found her true calling in guest interactions.
Her career progression from front office manager to director of sales
and marketing and eventually to general manager was marked by strong
interpersonal skills and a can-do spirit.
A graduate of the Cornell General Managers Program, Tan believes in
leading with purpose. “Hardware and offerings need employees to
articulate and tell a story of what you have,” she explains. “Ground
sensing is very important – you hear from the ground and see what are
the areas that could be improved on. You need to think from top down and
bottom up.”
Trailblazing in hospitality
Momentus Alexandra is a 442-key chic, upscale hotel in Singapore, offering stylish accommodations, modern amenities, and convenient access to key attractions and business districts.
In her leadership role at Singhaiyi, Tan now oversees the company’s
hospitality division, including the S$15 million refurbishment and debut
of the flagship property Momentus Hotels Alexandra in 2022. The
442-room Momentus Hotel Alexandra now stands as a testament to smart
design, rich amenities, and thoughtful service in Singapore's Queenstown
heritage precinct.
Tan’s focus has shifted to expanding Momentus Hotels & Resorts
both locally and internationally. The brand’s first serviced apartment
opened in Singapore’s Balestier area in 2023, with its first overseas
property set to debut in Darwin, Australia in 2026.
“This Darwin project signifies a defining moment for Momentus Hotels
& Resorts, heralding the dawn of a new chapter as we venture beyond
the borders of Singapore,” Tan says. “It’s a completely new development
that we start from scratch and to put our brand there. We’re bringing
the experience, offerings, and concepts that we’ve honed in Singapore to
a new market, and that gives me a lot of satisfaction.”
Versatility in leadership
The service staff at Momentus Alexandra is expertly trained to deliver personalised experiences, consistently going above and beyond to ensure every guest's stay is exceptional.
From evaluating potential development sites to overseeing project
costs of a new hotel, the seasoned hotelier thrives on the challenges
and opportunities that come with every new role. Her multi-faceted
experience, gained from years of hands-on experience in customer
services and operations to sales and pre-opening, serves her well in her
current leadership role at SingHaiyi where she plays a crucial role in
investment strategies, growth, and business development.
In the male-dominated world of hospitality development, Tan combines a
refined eye for detail with a meticulous overview, never compromising
on service and quality. However, it's the human connections and people
development that she finds most rewarding.
A culture of ‘value strivers’
As Momentus Hospitality expands regionally, Tan envisions a culture
driven by “value strivers” – individuals who deliver genuine, heartfelt
service. “I look for team players, not superstars, to let their
personalities shine through” she emphasises.
More than three decades into her career, Tan’s passion for
hospitality remains undiminished. “I don’t think I can see myself in
another industry besides hospitality,” she reflects, embodying the very
essence of the industry she has helped shape.