Sharing with MWAH, Angeline Tan states that women make up a significant portion of the workforce in the hospitality industry, but remain underrepresented in executive roles. She would know, as Tan is Senior Vice President at Singhaiyi Hospitality and Momentus Hospitality, which carries the Momentus Hotels & Resorts brand name under its portfolio in Singapore.
A force to be reckoned with, and truly an inspiration for women especially in the corporate sector, Ms Angeline Tan shared with us how Momentus Hotels & Resorts is contributing to #AccelerateAction (the International Women’s Day theme this year) in the field of hospitality, how innovation is driving gender equality, and how she applies positive leadership actions at home with her children through honest conversations and mutual understanding. Find out what advice she has that may apply to men, too.
Could you share a bit of what you do as Senior Vice President at SingHaiyi Hospitality and Momentus Hospitality?
As Senior Vice President at SingHaiyi Hospitality and Momentus Hospitality, I oversee the hospitality portfolio, which includes project and asset management at SingHaiyi Hospitality, and spearheading the development and brand building of Momentus Hotels & Resorts. With over three decades of experience in real estate and hospitality management, I focus on driving corporate and sales growth, ensuring strategic expansion, and enhancing brand excellence. My goal is to elevate our properties through innovative leadership and a commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences.
What are your thoughts on #AccelerateAction? Does this call-to-action resonate with you, and if yes, how?
#AccelerateAction is a powerful reminder that progress requires momentum.
AccelerateAction is a powerful reminder that progress requires momentum. For me, it is about moving beyond discussions and taking tangible steps to drive gender equity in leadership, workplace policies, and career development.
In hospitality, where women make up a significant part of the workforce but remain underrepresented in executive roles, accelerating action means creating pathways for women to step into leadership confidently. This includes mentorship, skills development, and policies that enable work-life integration. At Momentus Hotels & Resorts, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture where women are empowered to lead and make a lasting impact.
And how can innovation drive gender equality in the hospitality industry?
At Momentus Hotels & Resorts, we firmly believe that true innovation stems from creating an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive. That’s why we’ve implemented programs like the Momentus Alexandra Xellence (MAX) Management Trainee Programme, designed to offer hospitality graduates—regardless of gender —a structured career pathway and comprehensive leadership training. These initiatives not only prepare them for senior management roles but also challenge traditional career trajectories by opening doors based on merit and capability.
These initiatives not only prepare them for senior management roles but also challenge traditional career trajectories by opening doors based on merit and capability.
Our commitment to growth doesn’t stop there. Through our Momentus Management and Leadership Programmes (MMP and MLP), we offer mid-level employees tailored opportunities for advancement, ensuring that career progression is determined by skill, not gender. This approach fosters an environment where everyone has the same opportunities to excel and grow within the company.
We understand that continuous development is key to empowering employees. That’s why we offer a combination of on-the-job training, external courses, and regular performance reviews, making sure that each employee receives the support they need to succeed and be considered for promotion fairly. Additionally, our enhanced staff benefits, and recognition programs are designed to create an inclusive and supportive atmosphere, where everyone feels valued.
Our dedication to inclusivity extends to our recruitment efforts too. Through strong partnerships with SGEnabled and the Yellow Ribbon Project we actively work to provide opportunities for underrepresented groups, ensuring that talents from all walks of life have the chance to succeed. By investing in employee training, career development, and forward-thinking policies, we are breaking down barriers and driving a hospitality industry that champions equality, while at the same time groom leaders at every level.
Meanwhile, amidst a competitive market, are there any initiatives by Momentus Hospitality that benefits women, or helps propel gender equality, either for guests/travellers or hospitality workers?
Momentus Hotels & Resorts is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that actively champions gender equality, for both guests and staff. We ensure that every team member, regardless of gender, has equal access to opportunities, resources, and recognition.
For employees, the company runs various in-house initiatives, such as Self-Care Days and special appreciation activities for occasions like Women’s Day. These events celebrate employees’ contributions, promote wellness, and provide a platform for recognition and support.
In our commitment to inclusivity, we specifically focus on offering opportunities across all departments, including roles that have historically been male dominated, such as culinary and security.
In our commitment to inclusivity, we specifically focus on offering opportunities across all departments, including roles that have historically been male dominated, such as culinary and security. By breaking down these barriers, we create a more accessible and inclusive workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, has the chance to thrive and succeed.
Furthermore, our leadership team consistently engages with staff through open forums such as the ‘General Manager Dialogue’ and ‘Open Door Policy,’ where employees are encouraged to voice concerns or share ideas in a supportive setting. This initiative helps to maintain transparency, ensuring a safe and open dialogue for all staff.
At Momentus Hotels & Resorts, we believe in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every guest is treated with respect and dignity is at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to ensuring that all guests, regardless of gender, feel valued, supported, and truly cared for throughout their stay.
We also prioritise the safety and security of our guests by providing well-trained staff who are sensitive to gender needs and capable of addressing concerns with professionalism and empathy. This ensures all guests, regardless of gender, can enjoy their time with us in an environment that upholds equality and respect.
Could you share a lesson you have learned from an inspiring woman who has helped shape your leadership today?
I am consistently inspired by the remarkable women around me, each contributing to my leadership in their own distinct way. What resonates most is how many of these women blend professional dedication with genuine empathy, always taking the time to understand the personal circumstances of their teams. They lead with compassion, offering opportunities and mentorship that extend beyond the workplace, guiding not only career growth but personal development as well.
Their pride in seeing others thrive has taught me the value of empowering those around me, recognising their potential, and supporting them in both their professional and personal journeys. These women remind me that leadership is not solely about achieving success, but about fostering growth and helping others realise their full potential.
Briefly, how do you balance leadership and motherhood? And for that matter, what advice would you give for MEN who might want to balance leadership and fatherhood?
Balancing leadership and motherhood is an ongoing journey, and I’ve learned that open communication and mutual respect are essential. Being a single mother, I’m incredibly proud and grateful that my children are sensible and understanding, but that didn’t happen by chance—it stemmed from fostering honest conversations from an early age. I made it a point to help them understand my work responsibilities while also encouraging their sense of accountability at home. Because of this, we have a mutual understanding— when I come home, our time together is meaningful, free from the need for constant reminders or nagging. I often joke that I’ve already done enough of that at work! But in truth, this trust and respect have been the foundation of our relationship.
For men, I believe the same principles apply. Leadership isn’t just about managing a team – it’s about setting an example, both in the workplace and at home. Being present isn’t measured by the number of hours spent but by the quality of time shared. If we normalise work-life integration for men and women, we can move towards true gender equality – where career ambitions and caregiving responsibilities are shared and not defined by gender.
If we normalise work-life integration for men and women, we can move towards true gender equality
– Angeline Tan, SingHaiyi Hospitality & Momentus Hospitality
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