Simpson Marine has developed a brand new ‘Female Focus’ interview series that profiles some of the exceptional women working across the company.
Today we profile Pricillia Toh, the Assistant Marketing Manager (South East Asia). Enjoy getting to know Pricillia more and if you have any more questions for her, please feel free to contact us directly.
Q: What keeps you motivated and driven?
A: Leading a fulfilling life full of zest.
Q: Who has been the biggest influence on you in your work and/or personal life?
A: My life’s greatest motivator has to be my grandmother. Her strong values, humble self, and incredible willpower are some of the very inspiring values I wish to instil in myself. When it comes to work, my biggest influence would be my fellow marketing team members. I am always in awe of their work ethics, work qualities and dedication. These qualities drive me to stay positive and deliver the same level of quality work.
Q: What are some values you live by?
A: Integrity, compassion, and a strong vision.
Q: What do you hope to achieve in your work?
A: I hope to break down the common misconception that yachting is a far-fetched idea, or way too expensive for Singaporeans or Asians. It is really not that hard a lifestyle to cultivate or to even step into. Our Simpson Yacht Charter division crafts various yacht chartering and renting itineraries for customers to pick and choose from in order to experience yachting. You don’t have to break the bank to get into yachting.
Q: What is your idea of success in the yachting industry?
A: Owning a bespoke yacht and exploring different parts of the world with my loved ones.
Q: What is one piece of advice would you give to aspiring women who are keen to join this industry?
A: Recognise your values and don’t let anything stop you. We are all unique in our own way and I believe that women should never feel intimidated by a male-centric industry.
Q: How did you get involved in the yachting industry?
A: I have always wanted to carve a career in marketing, even before I finished college, and I have been very blessed with various marketing experiences such as Sales and Marketing, Digital Marketing, Public Relations, Event Management etc. Luxury marketing was a segment I had not yet experienced, so 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. It is definitely refreshing to be in a brand-new environment that I had little previous knowledge about and working with my colleagues who are experts in yachting has made the entire process quick and rather easy. It is also great that I have been able to apply my years of marketing experience to the luxury yachting world.
Q: What is one change you would like to see in this industry?
A: The perception of this industry as a male-dominating one. Yachting is very gender neutral and I have seen many of my female colleagues who are thriving in this industry and holding key positions in our company. Besides that, in Simpson Marine I have come across many aspiring female boat owners who have a boat or two. I have had the chance to speak to them about their sailing passion and have also been able to experience the great sense of satisfaction and emotion from some Sanlorenzo female yacht owners after seeing their very own bespoke yacht.
Q: What would you say is your biggest achievement in your career with Simpson Marine so far?
A: To single out one achievement is rather difficult since I take care of the Southeast Asia Market and each office has their own significant triumphs. So to name a few highlights:
Simpson Marine Singapore: The entire process of putting together the Singapore Yacht Show, seeing the show coming to life and successfully concluding it
Simpson Marine Thailand: The Thailand Yacht Show 2020 when we had record number of sales
Simpson Marine Malaysia: The sale of the first Sanlorenzo into Malaysia after our special SL86 event
Q:. What inspires you within what is undoubtedly a male-dominated industry?
A: I believe that female-embodied qualities can be a huge drive and a plus to a male-dominated industry. This industry also gives me great opportunities to work with the best and most experienced male co-workers, with whom I can spark great ideas and drive them forwards.
Q: What is your first memory of yachting?
A: Like many Singaporeans, yachting is not popular activity, especially when you are growing up. It was not until college when a group of friends and I got introduced to yachting – and this was by chance. We decided to charter a yacht for an afternoon out to a nearby island. It was definitely exhilarating and it was amazing seeing the Singapore skyline from a different angle.
Q: What is a must-do on a yacht for you?
A: Great fun, cold drinks or a chilled wine, and a relaxed mind. It’s never hard to achieve these things since yachting is an experience so amazing that everyone only has positive memories about it!
Q: Describe your perfect day on a yacht.
A: Sailing out to a beautiful island with a significant other, family or tight-knitted friends to enjoy the Singapore skyline and a great day out in the sea. Put your yacht at anchor and go for a swim or enjoy extra fun with toys and tenders. A little drink with music on the flybridge will round out my yacht day to perfection.
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