Your Team of Experts

David Powe Managing Director Tel: +65-6534 9501 Email: dpowe@searchpartners.com.sg
After completing his business law degree, David spent two years in post-graduate education, combined with teaching, before heading for Japan as a member of the Wolfers Exchange Scheme. He was seconded initially to Shizuoka Prefecture, before being transferred to the English Department of Tokyo University of Science for two years. Whilst in Japan he was retained as training advisor to a number of local corporations. On returning to Britain, David joined Nomura International in the Syndication and New Issues Department for Fixed Income. Then followed a number of assignments in Sales: responsibility for Benelux, Manager in charge of Swiss Distribution Team and Director, co-ordinating Central Bank coverage. In 1993, he became Executive Director and Head of Sales for Asia, based in Hong Kong. In late 1995, David joined Paribas in Hong Kong and became Co-head of the Financing Desk in 1996, based in Singapore. In 1998, he decided to return to the role of Head of Sales, Daiwa Securities, responsible for teams based in Hong Kong and Singapore. In 1999, David entered the field of executive search, concentrating on professionals for Capital Markets, and has successfully completed assignments for a range of clients based in London, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore. Although the debt markets remain the field in which David has most direct experience (almost fifteen years) his contacts in the financial markets equip him to understand the challenges of building a successful business in a range of differing products and services.
May Lay Director Telephone: +65-6534 9502 Email: maylay@searchpartners.com.sg
May has worked within Executive Search since 1992. Prior to joining Strategic Search Partners, she was a senior member of the research team with Amrop International in Singapore. As part of the client servicing team she successfully conducted search assignments in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. May has filled senior and middle management positions for American, European and Asian multinational clients within a wide spectrum of industries, ranging from Banking and Finance to Chemical, Automobile, Manufacturing and Consumer Products. May joined Strategic Search Partners in November 2000 where she has built up strong personal network and database, and worked on assignments in both Fixed Income/Debt Capital Markets & Funds Management/Private Banking in the region. She is fluent in English, speaks Mandarin  & some Chinese dialects.
Kai Sieng, Fung Director Tel: +65-6534 9507 Email: kaisieng@searchpartners.com.sg
Kai Sieng, a Singapore Permanent Resident since 1998, was awarded a study grant to study for his Bachelor of Business Administration (Finance) at NUS, and contributed to university life in a number of ways, but notably as member of the swimming team, water polo team and table tennis team.
His career has encompassed working for international firms such as SIA and Maersk in areas such as market analysis and revenue management as well as entrepreneurial, cutting edge organizations such as Nissan/Covisint where he was involved in B2B e-commerce projects. In all these roles, his people skills, especially his ability to communicate well within an international forum, have involved working abroad: notably Japan, USA, Philippines, Germany, Denmark, and Indonesia.   Kai Sieng was active in helping to start up Strategic Search Partners, particularly in the areas of infrastructure set up and requirements.  Now, he is doing a hybrid role (research and consultancy). He also manages his own clients.  His skills in 2 Asian languages and networking abilities amongst mid level financial professionals in Asia and graduate schools over the world make him a valuable member of the team.
Henry Chua Director Telephone: +65-6534 9505 Email: hchua@searchpartners.com.sg
After completing his degree in Economics and Sociology in the National University of Singapore in 1988, Henry worked largely in international banks; notably HSBC, Credit Suisse, and Nomura.   Whilst working for HSBC, he had a six-month stint in Hong Kong in 1990. Henry returned to the Singapore office and was given responsibilities in credit analysis. Promoted to Sales for banking products, he eventually assumed the position of Assistant Team Head of the Special Assets unit of the bank. In Credit Suisse from 1994 to 1998, Henry headed the credit analysis team and was eventually promoted to be a Vice President of Credit Research in the Fixed Income Division. He joined Nomura’s Singapore office in 1999 as a First Vice President and eventually headed the Credit Department. Henry left as Director of Credit in March 2006.   Although he is new to executive search, Henry's 17 years in the field of finance have enabled him to be sensitive to the changing needs and challenges of the finance industry, build up an extensive network of senior executives; thereby contributing to the intellectual capital of the firm.
Alvin Wee Researcher & Consultant 65349503 alvinwee@searchpartners.com.sg
Alvin considers his varied background and wide travels as one of his strengths. Having previously worked   as an international conference coordinator, a music journalist, and a small-business owner makes him comfortable interacting with people at all levels, which has proved indispensable in helping him to build his network of contacts in the region.  A Psychology Graduate from the National University of Singapore, Alvin considers Executive Search and Recruitment a natural career choice, where his combination of entrepreneurial spirit and formal training in people skills finds expression. He began his career in Recruitment as a member of the Banking & Finance team at global staffing firm Kelly Services and he contributes to Strategic Search Partners's strong footprint in front-office, Capital Markets roles by drawing on his familiarity with middle-office and support functions in Private Banking and Asset Management.
Mary Koong Office Manager Telephone: +65-6534 7677 Email: mkoong@searchpartners.com.sg
Mary is our Office Manager, who, apart from making sure the office and its administration 'hangs together', also liases with our candidates throughout the region and updates our very significant data base, a powerful weapon in our search missions. Mary has an impressive track-record of experience in a search firm environment, and, is a former colleague of May, further cementing our team network. Our Office Manager speaks English, Mandarin and various Chinese dialects fluently and is totally reliable and full of integrity. This trust cannot be underestimated in such a sensitive and confidential environment.
Daisy & Betty, the British Bulldogs Head & Deputy Head of Security & Greeter
Daisy & Betty, our professional greeters and head & deputy head of security, emigrated from Brisbane at 12 weeks old & 14 weeks respectively. Both are natural head hunters.  Their bulldog "spirit": single-minded, almost obstinate, focus makes them apt "pin-up" girls for our firm.