Honour Roll

As Singapore Tatler lauds eight inspiring movers and shakers with accolades for their achievements and individual prowesses, Susanah Cheok takes a peek into their lives to see what makes them tick.

IT TAKES TWO

Julian and Sandra Chang, Singapore Tatler Society Couple of the Year Award 2016

It’s said that a couple who works and plays together, stays together. Sandra and Julian Chang go many steps further. Married for 38 years, and friends for 45, they share a philosophy of living life to the fullest. “Every minute is precious and not to be squandered,” says the elegant Sandra, who looks nothing like a grandmother of one.

A shared passion for the yachting business —they sell, charter and manage yachts for leisure use within Asia, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean—has seen the couple also taking up the exclusive Asian franchise for international yacht broker Fraser Yachts that cater to clients within the region.

The childhood sweethearts, who began their courtship as teenagers after they met through a mutual friend, modestly claim that there’s no secret to their long and happy marriage. “Every couple has their own special chemistry and formula that works only for them,” shares Sandra, before adding with profound conviction, “For us, it’s our deep love and great respect for each other.”

This dynamic life-of-the-party pair enjoys spending quiet time together at home and taking evening walks. The couple also share a love for the environment. They are jointly involved in US-based non-profit organisation, The International SeaKeepers Society, which was founded in 1988 by a small group of yacht owners concerned about the deterioration of the natural environment.

GOOD WILL

Nana Au-Chua, Singapore Tatler Award for Community Service 2016