Get to know Keen
My parents immigrated from Singapore to Canada, West Vancouver, and we have been in the same home for over 30 years. They wanted to keep the family together while having a well-rounded education for us. I attended Hillside Middle School and West Vancouver Secondary School, followed by mandatory military service in Singapore for 2.5 years. During that time, I thrived in the army with multiple awards, such as best marksman and physical trainee. In addition, during time off, I represented my military unit in Tennis and Rugby.
The West Vancouver learning environment was highly beneficial for us. I worked as a Commercial Banker with global work experience, and my brother is a Neurologist at Lions Gate Hospital. We saw snow for the first time on Cypress Mountain, where we learned to toboggan and ski. I worked as a ski instructor and later raced on the University of British Columbia's varsity ski team.
I am also a competitive cyclist. On August 25, 2012, I was struck by a car on the Upper Levels highway. It is a miracle I'm alive. I fractured my skull, had a brain bleed, and was in the neuro intensive care unit for four days. I couldn't drive for one year. I'm forever grateful for the care I received at Lions Gate Hospital and have more empathy for those in physical and psychological pain. I want to share my recovery journey and subsequent graduation with a Master's from a reputable business school in 2018. See video below:
My experience with physical and psychological pain allowed me to better understand my father's suffering before he died from Parkinson's disease-related complications earlier this year. Therefore, I empathize with our aging population suffering from illness or injuries and strongly believe in nurturing a strong network of neighbours and community support.
My wife and I are excited about a new family addition next year. I want to play a part in shaping a vibrant and loving West Vancouver community for my family. We also "adopted" a yellow Labrador who is part of the family. We go hiking and swimming together.
Why do I want to join community service in West Vancouver?
I love West Van! It's been my home for over 30 years. My neighbours and friends living and working in the community are like family. However, many in the community are unhappy about the actions or inactions of the municipal government. I feel there is a disconnect in the current elected officials/team. As a result, there is not a healthy level of respect, cohesiveness, and working relationship among the group. My experience in commercial banking, finance, multinational corporate work experience, people management, and global experience will add value to Council.
As Councillor, I want to foster greater community engagement and communication by the West Vancouver district in how we move forward in shaping West Vancouver's community charm and sustainable growth. I think "outside the box", respectfully challenge the status quo and always work as a team to find solutions. VOTE for me! I will embrace the opportunity to be your voice on Council.
Career / Education
Commercial Banking professional
Experienced in writing credit which encompasses financial analysis, market analysis, reviewing net immigration statistics & forecasts, monitoring pre-sales, tenant composition & lease expiry, sustainability benchmarks, and global & local economic trends to balance profitability and risk mitigation.
I "quarterback" various key stakeholders, including legal, accounting, compliance, credit adjudication, and operations.
Completed a consultancy project for CapitaLand (one of Asia's largest diversified real estate groups) on "the future of office space."
Global work experience
Exposed to multiple facets of entrepreneurship in operating a wine import and distribution business in Shanghai, China, with distribution networks to Beijing, Su Zhou, and Hang Zhou.
University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science major
IE Business School (Madrid, Spain)
Masters of Business Administration
IE Business School Vancouver Chapter Alumni Board member
Singapore Management University
Masters of Business Administration (joint program)
Volunteering and Recreation
I volunteered in various capacities with the B.C. Children's Hospital, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation, HSBC sponsored First Nations youth rugby clinic, and trail maintenance with the BC Mountaineering Club. BC Mountain Foundation board member.
I have a passion for preserving BC's great outdoors. I love ski-mountaineering, alpine skiing, tennis, road cycling, and hiking. I previously raced for the UBC Varsity Alpine Race Team. I am a certified level 2 ski instructor who has completed the Avalanche certification 1 & 2, Crevasse Rescue. I am working toward becoming a certified Ski Mountaineering guide and the goal of joining the North Shore Search and Rescue.
