Some people fall into the car industry by chance, others steer themselves into it with purpose. In this next feature from our enthusiast series, we meet someone who knew from the start that he wanted to build a career around his passion for wheels.
Meet Jay, a self-professed car nut who’s turned his lifelong passion into a successful career, now driving strategy and product for Motul in Singapore and the region. He’s also the proud owner of a Honda S2000, a car he’s held onto for 13 years (and counting) with no regrets.
From double wishbone suspension to hydraulic steering and just the right amount of purposeful mods, his S2000 is the embodiment of everything he loves about driving. While he has seen the industry evolve, from Kaizen principles to Euro-style marketing, and even e-fuels, one thing has remained constant: his appreciation for cars that are engineered to be driven, not just admired.
Personal Car History & Passion
What are some previous cars you’ve owned that you still miss?
I miss the Evo 9 terribly—well, only on some days! It could be insufferable at times, especially with that horrible turning radius. But I guess those quirks are what made the Evo feel special.
Another car I fondly remember is the BMW 116i F20 that I had three years ago. My wife and I took it on a road trip to Krabi, Thailand. It’s the experience with the car that really sticks with you.
How did you get into the car industry? Was it always the plan, or did passion turn into profession?
I’ve always had a passion for anything on wheels—mountain bikes, motorbikes, and of course, cars. From early on, I knew I wanted to build a career in the automotive industry.
That opportunity came with a role in Regional Product Planning at MotorImage Subaru. It was a valuable learning experience, during which I built meaningful relationships and gained key insights across the region. Many of the friends I made then are still in touch with me today.
Eventually, I joined a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, where I worked on regional projects for Toyota and Lexus in Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and beyond. It broadened my perspective of the global automotive landscape.
Later, I moved to Motul, where I began my career in motorsports and marketing before transitioning into product management. It was a steep learning curve, especially coming from the structured, Kaizen-driven world of Japanese business to a more European-style workflow. But that challenge helped me grow.
Now, I lead a team that drives Motul’s business in Singapore, while also managing regional sponsorships and product strategies. We work closely with our customers—they’re the real bosses.
Ultimately, the industry operates on numbers and data. Passion is what gets you started, but business sense is what keeps it going. Speak the business language first—eventually, it’ll fuel the passion.
Choosing the Current Ride
Why did you choose your current car? Did your job influence your choice in any way?
I’ve owned my Honda S2000 for 13 years now. I bought it purely out of love—because I believed it would be a timeless classic, and it truly is. To this day, it still feels as fresh and exciting as ever.
It’s the perfect package: front-mid engine, rear-wheel drive, double wishbone suspension front and rear, hydraulic steering, a clean dashboard, and two doors. It’s got all the ingredients of a true sports car.
Of course, my job helps cover the expenses and upkeep of the car. And I’m grateful for that!
Do you sometimes wish you were driving something different?
Honestly, not really. There were a couple of moments where I almost sold it—once for a 987 Cayman R, and another time for a base F87 M2. Thankfully, those deals fell through. Especially the M2—I don’t think that car aged well, and there are just too many versions of it.
If I ever did sell the S2000, it would still be for something in the Porsche family: a 987 Cayman R, 981 Cayman S, or a 997 C2S, GTS, or GT3.
Ownership & Modifications
What have you done to your car so far?
From day one, I wanted the car to retain a stock-ish Type S look. I’m not a fan of heavily modified cars. I do take it out for the occasional track day, so I’ve made some light, purposeful upgrades for handling and reliability:
- AP Racing brakes
- TC105 wheels with 255/40/17 Bridgestone RE71-RS tyres
- JRZ RS-Pro suspension
What’s one feature that makes your car feel truly yours?
There are three, actually: front-mid engine layout, rear-wheel drive, and double wishbone suspension at all four corners. It’s the trifecta of driving joy.
Industry Insights & Perspective
What’s one trend in the automotive world that excites you? One that annoys you?
I love how performance cars are becoming increasingly accessible today. They’re now more drivable, reliable, practical, and comfortable, without sacrificing power or handling. Electronics have made things better, not worse.
Take my daily driver, for example: the Golf GTI Mk7. It’s got the perfect balance of everything and could probably outpace my S2000 on a track day.
On a larger scale, the automotive industry is undergoing a massive shift. What’s the future of fuel? e-fuels, hydrogen, EVs? Motorsport teams are already testing e-fuels in some races. It’s an exciting time, but nothing is certain. Carmakers are rethinking their supply and value chains. Agility and foresight will be key moving forward.
Do you think car enthusiasts are becoming a smaller group, or is passion evolving in new ways?
Maybe. But it is what it is, I mean, stamp collecting used to be a big thing, too!
Future & Dream Cars
What’s your realistic ideal next car?
As I mentioned earlier, I’d consider a Porsche 911 (997 C2S), a Porsche 987 Cayman R, or a Porsche 981 Cayman S.
If you could own any car, what would it be?
Definitely the Porsche 911 (997 GT3).
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