Kathlyn Tan (Knudsen)
Kathlyn is a Principal of Singapore-based family office, Rumah Group, and Director of its philanthropic arm, Rumah Foundation. She has nearly 10 years of marine conservation experience in Southeast Asia. She established Rumah’s ocean-climate philanthropy and impact investment activities in 2017, and leads the foundation’s strategic grantmaking and collaborative partnerships. Rumah Foundation’s ocean-climate portfolio supports awareness and education, the protection and restoration of blue carbon sinks, and sustainable seafood; with a focus on Southeast Asia.
She is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Friends of Ocean Action coalition and the Leading Women for the Ocean network, and currently holds several non-profit roles, including Board Trustee of Conservation International Singapore, Board Director of The Good Food Institute Singapore and Co-founder of Coastal Natives. Additionally, she serves as an advisor to Conservation International Asia Pacific, Sustainable Finance Institute Asia and Eco-Business.
Having developed a deep love and respect for the ocean through years of scuba diving and freediving, Kathlyn is passionate about ocean protection and business sustainability. She has led corporate sustainability for the group’s operating business since 2018, and advises Rumah Investments on integrating impact considerations into its portfolio. A divemaster and former freediving athlete, she enjoys sharing the underwater world with those who may not have the opportunity to experience it. She is a two-time Singapore freediving National Record holder for Dynamic with Bi-Fins and Dynamic No Fins.