Cover CEO of Inchcape Singapore and Greater China Jasmmine Wong and the new Lexus RZ 450e

CEO of Inchcape Singapore and Greater China Jasmmine Wong shares more on how both she and the latest Lexus release are breaking boundaries in the automobile industry

CEO of Inchcape Singapore and Greater China Jasmmine Wong was always passionate about cars, even before joining Inchcape. “[My husband and I enjoyed] visiting car showrooms. We loved looking at them, doing test drives and discussing the new innovations we came across,” explains Wong. So, when the opportunity to enter the automobile industry came, Wong knew she had to say yes.

Inchcape Singapore, which owns Borneo Motors Singapore, is an authorised car distributor of Toyota, Lexus and Hino cars in Singapore while also selling insurance and automotive finance-related services.

Prior to joining Borneo Motors Singapore as managing director in 2017, Wong was a business executive officer at Nestle in Malaysia. Yet, with no background in automotive, she was able to make her mark in the industry.

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Tatler Asia
Above CEO of Inchcape Singapore and Greater China Jasmmine Wong

Reminiscing on her journey, she shares that when she first entered the industry, there were many areas to work on, from improving business performance to analysing consumer insights.

Over the years, Wong has steered the team to secure Toyota’s Triple Crown award for three consecutive years in Singapore and 29 consecutive years in Hong Kong. Under her leadership, in 2021, Borneo Motors Singapore also ranked number one in sales in the local automotive market.

Tatler Asia
Above CEO of Inchcape Singapore and Greater China Jasmmine Wong at the unveiling of the new Lexus RZ 450e

On top of steering her team, Wong is also a big advocate for contributing to society. She shares: “Social responsibility is something very close to my heart. Therefore, I spearheaded InchcapeCares group to recruit volunteers within the company to assist in our community outreach and support programmes.”

Wong’s efforts towards giving back hasn’t gone unseen. In fact, her commitment has been recognised at the Community Chest Awards for four consecutive years since 2018. 

She is also constantly seen challenging the status quo, a trait which she believes has been instrumental to her success. “A lot of us may be brought up to play it safe, but we should learn how to leave our comfort zone. For those who have worked with me before, they will know that I’m not afraid of pushing back against convention in order to find a more effective solution,” she explains. 

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Wong has definitely made an impact in the automobile industry at Inchcape. That said, she’s not resting anytime soon. Today, we see her continuously pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo, especially with Lexus’ latest EV car launch: Lexus RZ 450e.

The brand’s first 100 per cent battery electric vehicle, the Lexus RZ 450e offers excellent driving identity and environmental performance. The luxurious new car has also been designed with the aim to feel “secure to ride in, pleasing to touch and exhilarating to drive”.

The new model boasts advanced safety and Omotenashi (Japanese spirit of hospitality) features which deliver control, comfort and confidence to all passengers. Innovative safety features include an emergency driving stop system; an advanced parking feature for parallel parking; and a wider hazard detection range. 

Wong further explains that above all, the latest release continues to “retain all the exquisite qualities of performance and craftsmanship distinctive to Lexus”.

Tatler Asia
Above New Lexus RZ 450e

The latest release also marks a new era for the “Lexus Electrified” vision of encouraging sustainability through the use of electric technology.

“In Singapore, customers are increasingly open to greener mobility, such as adopting electric or hybrid vehicles… As such, with the launch of the RZ 450e and its fleet of hybrid vehicles, Lexus will be well positioned to meet the demands of drivers,” Wong explains.

Tatler Asia
Above CEO of Inchcape Singapore and Greater China Jasmmine Wong and the new Lexus RZ 450e

Apart from having a sustainable driving experience, the latest Lexus also uses mindfully sourced materials. For example, the car’s elegant cabin is adorned with high-quality suede door trims and premium seat upholstery made with 30 per cent bio-based sustainable materials.

With its exhilarating acceleration and human-centred driving experience, the new Lexus RZ 450e is sure to get any car enthusiast, including Wong, excited. The CEO shares: “I’ve recently changed my car to the Lexus RZ and I enjoy the driving experience very much. I am amazed at the smooth handling with the all-wheel drive, powerful dual-motors and its signature luxurious comfort.”

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Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.