Idwal Introductions: Edlyn Tan - S&P Executive, SE Asia

Tell us a bit more about your role at Idwal and your work within the S&P sector

I facilitate the inspections mainly in the S&P sector - basically anyone that needs an inspection before they purchase, or sell would fall onto my desk.

What attracted you to shipping?

People. Everyone here is willing to share and willing to have a conversation. There's genuine interest and that just makes me comfortable.

What makes the Singapore shipping sector different to others?

We are a modernised and westernised hub in SEA - it stands out mainly because of its strategic location despite it being just a little red dot.  It is also a systematic and safe environment where safety and regulation is strictly monitored making it a safe and desirable place to trade.

Edlyn at Singapore Maritime Week 2025

What does project managing an extensive inspection regime look like?

It's a very collaborative process. It requires all hands-on deck - from 1. sellers 2. master/crew on board 3. buyers 4. Idwal surveyor 5. Idwal operations 6. Idwal in house technical team - to be all on the same page for us to be able to deliver what we do best. Maritime is an industry that never sleeps so this happens regardless of time zones, anytime and anywhere.

What’s one challenge you often see shipowners or brokers facing in your region?

Not realising the actual condition of the vessel. This can be easily solved by opting in for Idwal ID where vessels are monitored/inspected on a scheduled basis. Using our platform's data on analysis and benchmarking, the actual situation on board would not come as a surprise but an improving turn.

Edlyn and the team at Idwal Commercial Week 2024

And what’s one challenge organising ship inspections around the world?

Respective countries regulation - every country has their own set of maritime regulation. Something that is sufficient for one place, might not work the same for others.

If you could give one piece of advice to a ship buyer or seller, what would it be?

Make use of data and trust the process - it makes life easier both commercially and technically. Statistics is proven to help on creating action plans and improving.

And one piece of advice for a perfect ship inspection?

Have everyone involved prepared in advance - though this is likely not possible for some especially in the sale and purchase segment but in a perfect scenario, this would mean that we have all hands-on deck (on the same page) and it can be coordinated smoothly. 

If you could sail anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

The Arctic. I've been following “Alluring Arctic Sailing” on YouTube for a while and it just seem so fascinating. I am born, raised, and lived in Singapore my whole life and its summer all year. It would be interesting to make an extreme change. 

Favourite food?

Anything soupy - I am thinking at this point it's Kimchi Jjigae aka Kimchi Stew.

Kimchi Jjigae

Favourite artist and song?

Coldplay - Everglow

Favourite movie

It changes from time to time but currently on the top of my head - Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022).

If you'd like to talk to Edlyn about your maintenance regimes or inspections in Asia, please do not hesitate to get in touch her directly here. Until then, we'll be back soon with another interview with a member of Idwal's commercial team!