Early life and education
Angeline Tham was born and raised in Singapore. She attended her college at Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University. New York was a different place concerning education than Singapore. This opened her eyes to different lives and people, broadening her horizons. If it wasn’t for her study in New York, she may never have ventured the pastures of the startup ecosystem at all.
Career
She started her career at JP Morgan. After a decent stint, Tham came to the Philippines and took a job at Softbank. This job gave her an overview of the venture capital world. Then she joined Grab, which shed light on the ‘two-wheel’ business’. All these career choices helped her get the courage to start her startup in the Philippines, Angkas. Angkas, the word for pillion riding in the area, is a motorbike delivery and transportation service. Over 1 million downloads of the Angkas app have been made, and 20,000 biker partners have been added by the company.
Angeline Tham as a founder
Tham’s unwavering commitment to motorcycle safety and raising industry standards is the core of her purpose. One motorbike at a time, she advocates for the professionalization of the unorganized sector, opening doors for a better future. Her fight for strict regulations and high professional standards is changing the game. She envisions a vibrant motorcycle industry that supports the community and creates a plethora of connected businesses that further strengthen sustainability and economic resilience.
There is no denying Tham’s impact; Angkas has downloaded over 8 million apps and has a vast network of over 50,000 biker partners. In addition to its size, Angkas stands out for its top-notch motorcycle training program for pillion riders, which has transformed the industry and earned one of the region’s best safety records with a remarkable 99.997% safety rate. Moreover, the implementation of insurance benefits and financial services under her direction has greatly improved the welfare of its biker partners, exemplifying an inclusive growth model and an entrepreneurial empowerment model.
Angeline Tham has created a legacy of revolutionary change with her creative leadership and unshakable dedication to societal good. As a result, Angkas is now more than just a transportation solution—rather, it is a source of empowerment and optimism for the mobility industry.
Leadership style of Angeline Tham
Courageous innovation:
Tham is a prime example of a courageous innovative leadership style. By daringly introducing motorbike ride-hailing to the Philippines, she broke through established transportation conventions and created a whole new market niche. Her courage to try new things and take chances has been crucial to Angkas’s development and success.
Adaptive and agile:
Tham’s agility and flexibility define his leadership style. She has demonstrated a quick-witted approach to corporate development by skillfully navigating market obstacles and regulatory impediments. Because of their adaptability, Angkas may swiftly change course in reaction to evolving conditions, maintaining their resilience and competitiveness.
Empathy and human-centered leadership:
In her leadership, Tham places a high value on empathy and a human-centered approach. She promotes their interests and creates a positive atmosphere at Angkas since she has a thorough understanding of the needs of both drivers and clients. Empathetic leadership fosters trust and solid relationships among stakeholders.
Commitment to safety and quality:
Angkas has made a significant commitment to service quality and safety under Tham’s direction. To guarantee that passenger safety always comes first, she has put strict safety procedures and training programs for drivers into place. Tham’s focus on providing high-quality service has made Angkas stand out in a crowded market.
Visionary and purpose-driven:
Tham is a visionary leader with a distinct mission. She sees Angkas as a force for good in society, promoting safer roads and better opportunities for motorbike riders, even beyond its commercial success. Her inspiring leadership unites stakeholders and harmonizes business aims with more general social aspirations.