About Us
Created in 2008, 5Degrees is a Singapore-based not-for-profit group that provides a dynamic and effective business platform for bringing together LGBTQ professionals to network, exchange ideas and tap into potential career and business opportunities. It also aims to raise awareness of business issues, drive business-related activities and greater commercial co-operation within the LGBTQ community as well as help to foster a greater sense of solidarity through these initiatives, thereby also hoping to create a supportive network for LGBTQ individuals. With more than 1,000 members, 5Degrees is now the largest business-focused organisation for the LGBTQ community in Singapore, and it seeks to nurture a self perpetuating and conducive business environment for LGBTQ-friendly individuals, organisations and enterprises through regular workshops, networking sessions and discussion groups. 5Degrees also organises special projects and charity initiatives in aid of the LGBTQ community.
The 5Degrees Team
Driven by a common goal to leave a legacy, and a shared belief that we can move mountains as a team, the following is a short introduction to the team behind 5-degrees.
"This is not too late to seek a newer world, to sail beyond the sunsets and the baths of all the Western stars until we die .. It may that the gulfs will wash us down, it may be we shall touch the happy isles; Though much is taken, much abides, and though we are not now the strength which in the old days moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are. One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate but strong in will. To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield!"
Founder: Willie Chan
- B. Comp Engineering (1st Class Honors)
IT professional with past experiences in project management of various IT projects in the ministries, and currently focusing on business development and the sales of emerging IT solutions, particularly in the Energy and Environment areas. Willie completed his education in Japan, specializing in Artificial Intelligence, Neural Networks (and Sake Drinking!) This entrepreneur at heart hopes to do his fair bit of transformational activism through 5Degrees.
Memberships / Registration: Pinming, Hong (Tin)
- B. Sc, Finance
Music professional with various experiences in live vocal performances. Done back up vocals for regional Mandarin Pop artistes, and recently, for The Dim Sum Dollies (History of Singapore). Composed and sang various corporate songs for HSR, OCBC, McDonald's. Penned lyrics and composed songs for local and regional artistes, across various genres. Produced festive albums locally, and singles for ringtone release in Jakarta. Heading his own music publishing company, and he's a free-lance musician, with more commercial projects in the pipeline and in the middle of writing his own musical. Studied finance at Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana, graduated in 2000.
Special Projects: Niels K Rasmusse
– LLM (Cand.jur.); MSc Organisational Behaviour; Dip - Change Management
Senior professional with extensive experience of taking accountability for regional real estate portfolios, facilities management, office designs and project management for multi-national companies. He has delivered real estate strategies, office fit-outs and relocation projects as well as managing and influencing the entire design outcome and organisational change process for organisational success.
Originally from Denmark, but have lived in the UK and Asia since 1994. Been living in Singapore since 2005.
Membership and Logistics: Tony Eng
– Dip. Building and Property Management
Tony is an IT professional, specialising in project sales and implementation for integrated communication services for Global Roam. He is responsible for the design and deployment of integrated communication solutions for South East Asia.
His first love is landscaping, and spends a large portion of his free time nurturing his beloved plants.
Web Portal: Rabil Lian
An arts and events manger/producer with Orangedot Productions Pte Ltd. Over five years experience in the industry working on key projects with government agencies including Singapore Tourism Board and National Arts Council. In addition to commercial projects, also involved in school arts programmes and providing production support to theatre companies. Produced Dangerous Liaisons for Toy Factory Theatre Ensemble in 2005. Currently working on major projects with Young NTUC and Singapore Biennale 2008. Prior to his present job, was also in the travel industry for over 5 years before working as marketing manager at Fridae.com. On top of his full-time job, also a freelance designer, and volunteers time and service to Trevvy.com. Also the secretariat administrator for the Association of Singapore Actors.
PR and Communications: Kevin Foo
– B. Arts (Sociology & Political Sc.), NUS, Dip. Mass Comms & Public Relations, Inst. of Public Relations of Singapore.
Kevin oversees multi-market communications programmes in Asia Pacific focusing on media relations, analyst relations, public affairs, corporate and crisis communications for clients from around the globe. With his unique combination of corporate, technology and consumer experience, Kevin also creates insights and identifies key trends and issues that will impact clients’ business. As part of his dual portfolio, Kevin helps manage and grow the telecommunications and technology business in Asia Pacific. A passionate advocate of Internet and social media, Kevin contributes to influencer communities, and has an avid interest in the aviation, consumer electronics and luxury brands industries. Part of his role includes media engagement, public speech and presentation training.
Marketing: Kenneth Lim – B. Sc Computer Science and Software Engineering
A veteran in the software and IT Industry and a seasoned marketing professional with rich experience around the region especially South Asia and Austral Asia. Kenneth has a strong portfolio of companies he had worked for from Microsoft South East Asia to most recently Salesforce.com Asia Pacific, a company specialised in On-Demand CRM Solutions. With these two companies, he has delivered regional tactical marketing strategies and has brought about lasting business changes in the different cultural environments for those organizations he has served. Kenneth has since left the corporate world and moved onto private practice in the HR and Hiring arenas, he has strong commitment to help companies hiring the correct candidates, and assist candidates in realising their career aspirations.