Asia Tatler: Tell us about a lasting childhood memory. Who were your biggest life influencers?
Melanie Chew: My parents loved to take long walks in the Cameron Highlands in Pahang, Malaysia. I tagged along with them as soon as I could walk. As we walked, my parents would talk to me, explaining their dreams, aims, and principles of life. They taught me the value of hard work, of having a strategy, or plan, and working towards it. They also taught me the importance of having a moral compass - a sense of right and wrong, and the ability to have a strong sense of principle, by which all difficult decisions become very easy and obvious. My parents were devout Christians, but I think it is not just religion - it is the way of a satisfying and fulfilling, and meaningful life.

AT: When did your passion for horse-riding emerge? When did you decide to make it more than just a hobby?
MC: I've loved horses since I went on a charity pony ride. I pestered my parents for riding lessons when I was seven. I did showjumping and dressage on a little white pony, Stormy King. Looking back, everything was very low level. We didn't have competitions or proper horses when I was a child. Singapore was still a developing country. I became more active as a campaigner in the 1990s. The younger generation of riders in Singapore had to have better facilities and better horses. Otherwise, the sport would go downhill and in 20 years there'd be no horses in Singapore at all. So I began to campaign for land, facilities, horses, and to raise funds. I was already a veteran fund-raiser having been Chairman of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra Ladies' League and a member of just about every other major charity - you name it, I did it! Before I knew it, I was president of the Equestrian Federation of Singapore (EFS), which became a charity, and I spent the next five years searching for land and funds for a new home for horses in Singapore. This was to be the National Equestrian Park.

AT: What were your immediate goals?
MC: I believe that people, organisations and companies either grow or shrink. At the time I became the president of the EFS, it was shrinking. I had to put it on a growth path. Everything is possible but it needs time and a plan - I took five years! I was really lucky to have a very strong team of committed and capable volunteers, all devoted to the EFS. Each brought special skills as well as their time and effort. 

AT: How have perceptions towards horse-riding in Singapore society changed over the years, and how do you see its future?
MC: Our public image is a two-edged sword. On one hand, it's very aspirational because I have never met anyone who doesn't dream of riding a horse, thundering across open fields with the wind in your hair. On the other hand, it is considered dangerous, expensive and only for the very wealthy. This stops a lot of talented youngsters from signing up for our programmes. This, the EFS must change. I think it is changing. An example of the changing in attitudes towards horse-riding was the official opening of the National Equestrian Centre, with President SR Nathan, Lee Foundation, Temasek Cares, Singapore Sports Council and people from all walks of life. It was a real coming together of the community. It is no longer the case that horse-riding is elitist, expensive, and dangerous. Speaking relatively, it's fun, cheap, and safe to ride in Singapore, with some of the best facilities in this region.

AT: What are some of your other lesser known passions or indulgences?
MC: I love to write, read, walk around the Botanical Gardens, and of course, I love to travel and see the world. I'm fascinated by other cultures. I love world music. Right now, I have to concentrate on the Equestrian Federation and the National Equestrian Park. The Park's motto is Excellence, Opportunity, Service. That's also my life motto. I hope to be excellent in everything I do. To take and give opportunities, as much as I can. And to be of service to others - to society, to the country!

Read more about Melanie Chew in Singapore Tatler's August 2011 issue.

(Photography: Benny Loh)