The car industry isn’t just about machines—it’s built on the passion and dedication of the people behind the scenes. In this series, we sit down with enthusiasts who have turned their love for cars into a career, exploring their automotive journeys, dream rides, and insights into the ever-evolving car world.
Kicking things off is Nigel Yong, Public Relations Manager at HMGICS (Hyundai) and his clean MINI Cooper S. A car guy through and through, Nigel’s obsession with hot hatches has shaped his garage, and his journey from automotive journalist to PR professional proves that when passion meets opportunity, great things happen.
Interestingly, he admits that reading Burnpavement.com articles over the years has influenced his car choices. Well, Nigel, we’ve got some Porsche reviews coming up—perhaps we can help manifest those into reality for you one day.
Personal Car History & Passion
What are some previous cars you’ve owned that you still miss?
I’ve only ever owned hatchbacks, and there are two I wish I could keep forever: my ZC31S Suzuki Swift Sport and my three-door Mk6 Volkswagen Golf GTI. The Swift Sport was a fuss-free, fun little car that took everything I threw at it without complaint. The GTI, on the other hand, was a bucket-list car. I’ve always been drawn to hatchbacks, and the GTI is one of the most iconic hot hatches.
How did you get into the car industry? Was it always the plan, or did passion turn into profession?
You could say it was always the plan. I’ve loved cars for as long as I can remember. While pursuing my communications degree, I reached out to Brendan Mok through a mutual friend. Brendan—now Porsche APAC’s Head of PR—used to run a modified car magazine called AFTMKT. I introduced myself and offered my writing services at a very affordable rate (laughs). That led to a part-time gig with Brendan before I moved on to Sgcarmart in 2015. After my stint as a writer, I crossed over into brand PR. So yeah, it was a plan that worked out—combining passion with profession.
Choosing the Current Ride
Why did you choose your current car? Did your job influence your choice in any way?
I’ve always loved the MINI—whether it was Mr Bean’s quirky companion or the perfect getaway car in The Italian Job. I’ve always been drawn to compact, lightweight, three-door cars that are fun to drive, so the MINI was a natural choice. I originally wanted an older R53, but I couldn’t find one in good enough condition.
In some ways, my job pushed me towards this older-gen MINI. With everything going electric and packed with driving aids and alerts, I wanted something raw and back to basics—and that’s precisely what this MINI is. In my opinion, it’s the last genuinely raw MINI, before the F-series became too refined, less cheeky, and, well… a lot fatter.
If you weren’t in the industry, would you be driving something different?
I don’t think so. I’d still be driving hot hatches, no matter what. But if I had ended up in tech, finance, or pharma instead of the automotive industry, maybe I’d be in a BMW M or a RUF instead (laughs).
Ownership & Modifications
What have you done to your car so far?
Quite a bit, even if it’s not immediately apparent. This MINI was more of a resto-mod project than a hardcore track build—I wanted to keep it as original-looking as possible (or OEM+) while refreshing it mechanically.
I refreshed the engine, overhauled the transmission, and replaced the entire cooling system—hoses, radiator, intercooler, the works. I also swapped out the bushings, bearings, wheels, brakes, and tyres, and even replaced small interior details like the shift knob, steering wheel buttons, and floor mats.
On the outside, it got a fresh coat of paint, new trims, Camden edition wing mirror caps, and a front lip from the R59 variant—an OEM+ touch suggested by Peter from Espace to give the front end a lower, more aggressive look.
Most R-series MINIs go for an aggressive look with blacked-out chrome, emblems, dark tints, etc. Mine had that treatment when I got it, but I reversed all of it…
There was more work involved, but that’s what I can recall off the top of my head. Thanks to Peter from Espace and Edward from Cartisan for helping me rebuild the car over the past year and a half. I can be quite OCD with my requirements (grins).
What’s one modification or feature that makes your car feel truly yours?
Funnily enough, it’s more about the unmodification of the car. Most R-series MINIs go for an aggressive look with blacked-out chrome, emblems, dark tints, etc. Mine had that treatment when I got it, but I reversed all of it—restoring the chrome trims and swapping out the dark factory tints for clear ones.
Then there are the BBS CS-4 wheels, refinished in Porsche silver. They’re similar to the original R56 JCW wheels, so they keep the OEM look. Plus, I’ve always been a fan of BBS. A friend once told me that these little details and the overall aesthetic make my car easily recognisable on the road.
Industry Insights & Perspective
What’s one trend in the automotive world that excites you? One that annoys you?
I love the resurgence of retro-inspired designs—cars like the Hyundai IONIQ models, Volkswagen ID. Buzz, Suzuki Jimny, and the new Renault 5 bring back character. With everything going electric and software-driven, there’s less distinction between brands, so design is becoming the key differentiator for emotional appeal.
What annoys me? How cars are turning into giant smartphones loaded with unnecessary gimmicks. I’m old-school—I believe in quality engineering, suitable materials, and solid driving dynamics. That’s what should matter.
Do you think car enthusiasts are becoming a smaller group, or is passion evolving in new ways?
Car enthusiasts are still very much around, but the definition has changed. There are tons of EV enthusiasts who geek out over the tech and everything. It’s kind of like watches—you have one camp that believes a smartwatch is all you ever need… and the correct camp that appreciates the mechanical beauty of traditional timepieces.
Future & Dream Cars
What’s your ideal next car—realistically and dream-wise?
I’d like to keep this MINI for as long as possible. But if I had to replace it, I would probably get a Suzuki Jimny or an MX-5. Dream-wise, I would get an Alpina, a RUF, or a 996 GT3.
If you could drive or own any car that’s coming out soon, what would it be?
Well, since you said any car, it would probably be the Hyundai N Vision 74 or the new F66 JCW.
Got a story to share? Want your car in the spotlight? Drop us your details, and we’ll reach out when the perfect story angle comes up!
