Angeline Tham is a Singapore-born entrepreneur who has made a major impact in Southeast Asia through her innovation and leadership. Best known as the founder and CEO of Angkas, a groundbreaking motorcycle ride-hailing platform in the Philippines, she has challenged the status quo in transportation. Tham’s journey from a banker at JP Morgan to a startup founder highlights her bold vision for solving real-world problems and empowering others. By championing motorcycle safety, economic inclusion, and regulatory change, she has transformed not only an industry but also the lives of thousands of Filipino riders and commuters.
Early Life and Education
Born in Singapore, Angeline Xiwen Tham was raised with strong academic and entrepreneurial values. She attended Raffles Institution and Raffles Girls’ School before earning a business degree from New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business.
From Banking to Startups
Career at JP Morgan
After graduation, Tham joined JP Morgan in Singapore, working as an investment banker for around five years.
Venturing into Tech and Finance
Following her stint in banking, she launched Sold.sg, one of Singapore’s early online auction platforms, marking her first step into entrepreneurship.
Founding Angkas
In 2016, after experiencing Manila’s severe traffic firsthand, Tham launched Angkas in early 2017. .
Championing Safety and Regulation
Angkas stands out not just for convenience but for safety. With a 99.997% safety record and rigorous training programs, the company set standards that influenced the Philippine government’s Basic Motorcycle Program.
Leadership Style and Vision
Tham’s leadership reflects courage, empathy, and adaptability. She describes her approach as courageous innovation, taking smart risks in untested markets.
A Vision Beyond Transportation
Tham sees Angkas as more than a business it’s a tool for social good. During the pandemic, the platform offered logistics services (Angkas Padala, Angkas Pabili) and aided public health efforts such as transporting PCR test samples and healthcare workers.
Recognition and Impact
Tham’s work has earned widespread recognition. She was named Go Negosyo’s Inspiring Filipina in 2023 and received an Asia CEO Award in 2022.
Economic and Social Upliftment
Under her leadership, over 50,000 riders now earn an average of \$900 per month well above the Philippines’ minimum wage.
Personal Life and Values
Tham is married to Filipino George Royeca, who serves as Angkas’s Chief Transport Advocate.
Challenges and Future Outlook
- Regulatory Hurdles: Angkas has faced significant pushback from transport regulators, but Tham has successfully negotiated temporary injunctions and legislative proposals.
- Service Expansion: Plans include scaling delivery services, launching motorcycle ambulances, and exploring drone or helicopter transport.
- Continued Safety Focus: Ongoing development of rider training and government partnerships remain top priorities.
Angeline Tham is a visionary leader whose bold ideas and deep empathy have reshaped urban mobility in the Philippines. From her early days in banking to founding Angkas, she has consistently focused on real-world impact reducing congestion, empowering riders, and enhancing safety. As she continues to innovate, her influence spreads beyond transport into public health, technology, and gender equality. Angeline Tham stands as a prime example of how one person’s vision and drive can create lasting change across industries and communities.
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