With more than three decades of experience in hospitality and real estate, Angeline Tan brings a seasoned yet people-centric perspective to her dual role as Senior Vice President of SingHaiyi Hospitality and Momentus Hospitality. Founded in 2022 under the umbrella of the SingHaiyi Group, Momentus Hospitality is a Singapore-headquartered operator dedicated to creating memorable guest experiences and lasting legacies. In this interview, Tan reflects on her leadership journey, shares how Momentus Hospitality is shaping its culture and nurturing talent, and offers her vision for the future of leadership in the hospitality industry.
Beyond her impressive titles, Angeline speaks with warmth, candour, and humility about what it truly means to lead in hospitality today. From balancing empathy with accountability to championing inclusivity and cultural appreciation, her insights go beyond business strategy and reflect the human side of leadership. This conversation offers a glimpse not only into her professional philosophy but also into the values that continue to shape Momentus Hospitality’s journey.
You have spent more than 30 years in hospitality and real estate. How has your leadership style evolved throughout your career?
Over the years, my leadership has evolved from being operations-focused to being deeply people-centric. The hospitality industry is about people serving people, so inclusion and a willingness to lead with empathy has become an important part of my leadership style.
I no longer see leadership as having all the answers, but as creating an environment where people feel seen, heard, and valued. In practice, this means being present, consistent, and respectful, which has earned me greater loyalty and trust than authority alone ever could.
At the same time, I believe strongly in discipline and results. Performance objectives and KPIs must be clearly defined, met, and fulfilled. The role of a leader today is not to dictate, but to work with teams to build alignment, secure buy-in, and achieve outcomes together. Balancing empathy with accountability has been central to my leadership approach.
How does Momentus Hospitality approach the development and retention of local talent?
At Momentus Hospitality, we see talent development as an investment in our people, not just a retention strategy. We firmly believe that true innovation stems from creating an environment where everyone can thrive. That’s why we’ve implemented structured programmes for all levels that maps clear, attainable paths for progression across all departments.
We also place strong emphasis on inclusive hiring, with partnerships with SG Enable, SPD, and the Yellow Ribbon Project that enrich our workforce and strengthen our culture of inclusion. This inclusive and development-focused approach has not only supported our internal culture, but has also positioned our teams for external recognition and awards within the broader hospitality industry.
Looking ahead, as we expand overseas with properties in Australia – Darwin’s vibrant waterfront precinct, we are committed to engaging and working closely with local communities. This will ensure that our approach to talent development remains both globally consistent and locally relevant.
Open communication is often cited as a pillar of good leadership. How do you foster that within your teams?
At Momentus Hospitality, we believe open communication must go beyond policy statements to become part of our culture. Feedback is only meaningful when it is heard, respected, and acted upon. To this end, we have built structured mechanisms to ensure employees at every level have a voice.
At a higher level, we convene an annual management retreat that brings together senior leaders and Heads of Department to align on strategy and direction. Beyond work, we host regular bonding sessions for corporate teams and hotel HODs, with a focus on character development and relationship building. These gatherings create trust and understanding, which in turn strengthen our ability to communicate openly and collaborate effectively.
Cultural appreciation is a valuable part of your workplace. What do this value look like in practice?
Culture at Momentus Hospitality is lived daily, not just written in a brand book. Respect and collaboration are reflected in how we make decisions, support one another, and navigate challenges together. Our initiatives such as comprehensive onboarding, mentorship, and open feedback channels are designed to embed these values into everyday actions, ensuring that they are experienced, not just stated.
Our approach to workplace culture is rooted in the belief that when our people thrive, the organisation succeeds. The approach of “better together” shapes how we work as a team – through transparency, empathy, appreciation and memories. Our mission has always been about creating quality moments through respect and passion, and this is reflected in how we lead, communicate, and collaborate across all levels.
You are both a senior executive and a mother. How have your personal experiences shaped the way you lead?
Balance, to me, is about making conscious trade-offs. There are times when work requires more of me, and other times when my family does. What grounds me is the awareness that I cannot do both well if I am absent in spirit. This has shaped my empathy as a leader. I recognise the invisible weight many employees carry outside work, and I try to create conditions that support a healthier work-life balance.
Personally, balancing leadership and motherhood is an ongoing journey, and I’ve learned that open communication and mutual respect are essential. I’m incredibly proud and grateful that my children are sensible and understanding, but that didn’t happen by chance – it stemmed from fostering honest conversations from an early age. I made it a point to help them understand my work responsibilities while also encouraging their sense of accountability at home. Because of this, we have a mutual understanding – when I come home, our time together is meaningful.
What advice would you give to young professionals, especially women, who are aspiring to leadership roles in hospitality?
I am consistently inspired by the remarkable women around me, each contributing to my leadership in their own distinct way. What resonates most is how many of these women blend professional dedication with genuine empathy, always taking the time to understand the personal circumstances of their teams.
They lead with compassion, offering opportunities and mentorship that extend beyond the workplace, guiding not only career growth but personal development as well. Their pride in seeing others thrive has taught me the value of empowering those around me, recognising their potential, and supporting them in both their professional and personal journeys. These women remind me that leadership is not solely about achieving success, but about fostering growth and helping others realise their full potential.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for leadership in the hospitality industry over the next decade?
That the people who worked with us at Momentus Hospitality look back and say, “This was the place that gave me the courage to grow.”
My hope is that across every property, the legacy is not just in our architecture or service, but in the lives we’ve impacted and the moments that we create – both for our employees, guests, and the communities around us.
About Momentus Hospitality
Founded in 2022, Momentus Hospitality Pte Ltd is a hospitality operator headquartered in Singapore. It operates under the esteemed SingHaiyi Group umbrella, reflecting the group’s dedication to creating lasting legacies and exceptional ventures. Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, Momentus Hospitality aims to distinguish itself as a premier player in the hospitality sector, prioritising memorable guest experiences above all else. For more information visit momentushotels.com.
