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Lilian's life has always revolved around water sports and the ocean. Her journey began as a "water baby," playing imaginary games in the pool. She quickly progressed to competitive swimming and sailing in primary school, and during her university years, she joined the surf club, further deepening her connection to the sea.
Her passion for the ocean continued into adulthood, where Lilian emerged as a key figure in Singapore's water sports community. As one of the first International Surfing Association-certified Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) instructors in the country, she plays a vital role in teaching SUP, the Olympic-recognized sport's official governing body. She works with people of all ages to build their confidence in the open water. Her commitment to the sport extends to her involvement with the Surfing Association Singapore (SAS), where she actively contributes to nurturing and expanding the SUP scene. As race director for Singapore's inaugural Surf x SUP Classic in 2021, Lilian helped shape the country's competitive SUP landscape.
Lilian's passion for competitive water sports remains strong, and she trains rigorously with a dragon boat and outrigger canoe team. Even during her career in media communications, she found time to compete in various water sports events, frequently earning medals. Her dedication extends beyond her personal pursuits, as she champions inclusive sports for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), volunteering as a guide for social enterprises such as Runninghour and Project Ocean Therapy.
Water sports have brought Lilian endless joy and growth, thanks to the water confidence instilled in her from a young age. Her voluntary work and experience coaching SUP have fostered a natural ability to connect with special needs individuals and children. This inspired her to pursue coaching one of life’s essential skills: swimming.
Lilian aims to cultivate a love for the water by incorporating fun and play into the development of children's motor skills. She also believes that it's never too late for adults to experience the thrill of water sports. She is dedicated to helping adults conquer their fears, gain water confidence, and explore the world beyond the pool. Through her patient and personalized approach to coaching, Lilian hopes to share her lifelong passion for the water and empower others to embrace the endless possibilities it offers.
QUALIFICATIONS
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AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety, Certified Swimming Coach
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AUSTSWIM Teacher of Infant and Preschool Aquatics (on-going)
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Lifesaving Bronze Medallion, The Singapore Life Saving Society
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Standard First Aid + AED Certified, Singapore
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International Surfing Association-Certified Flatwater SUP Instructor
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International Surfing Association-Certified Open Water SUP Instructor (on-going)
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Project Ocean Therapy, Lead SUP Coach for Autistic Youths
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Surfing Association Singapore – SUP Division Committee
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Singapore National Registry of Coaches, Swimming
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Foundation Sports Science, Republic Polytechnic
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SG-Coach Theory Level 1, Republic Polytechnic (on-going)
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Kayak 3 Star Award Certified in Hong Kong
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PADI-Advanced Open Water Certified
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Bachelor of Communications, Monash University
RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS
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2023 Singapore Canoe Marathon — 4th, OC1 Women
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2022 Korea Open Busan International Dragon Boat Festival — Winner, DB12 Women 200m, DB22 Mixed 200m & DB22 Mixed 500m
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2022 Austcham 10km Challenge (Singapore) — 4th, DB21 Mixed | Race Organiser
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2022 Singapore Country of Origin — 2nd, Women's OC6
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2022 Molokai to Oahu 26km Virtual SUP Challenge (Singapore) — Finisher
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2022 Singapore Dragon Boat Festival — Winner, IDBC Mixed & 2nd, National Premier Mixed
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2022 SDBA Dragon Boat Century Race (Singapore) — Winner, DB5 IDBC Mixed
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2022 Aloha SUP Classics (Singapore) — 2nd, 4km Women & 1st Women Sprints
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Surfing Association Singapore's Inaugural Surf x SUP Classic 2021/2022 — SUP Race Director
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2021 SDBA Dragon Boat Century Race (Singapore) — 2nd, DB5 Premier Mixed
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2019 Cross Tolo Harbour Open Race (Hong Kong) — Finisher
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2018 Shek O Challenge Open Water Race (Hong Kong) — 1st Runner Up, Age Group 25-29
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2017 Shek O Challenge Open Water Race (Hong Kong) — 3rd Runner Up, Age Group 25-29
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2019 Sai Kung Dragonboat Festival Race (Hong Kong) — Winner, Women’s Open
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2018 Sai Kung Dragonboat Festival Race (Hong Kong) — Winner, Women’s Open
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2017 Hong Kong SUP League — Winner, 500m Women’s Race
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2016 & 2017 New World Harbour Race (Hong Kong) — Finisher