Meet Isaac, who is more than just a swimming coach or lifesaving instructor. He’s a mentor, leader, and advocate for aquatic safety and character development. With over two decades of experience, Isaac blends technical expertise with deep values, believing that skills are only truly powerful when paired with strong character.
From becoming the youngest assistant team manager at just 18, to leading national-level lifesaving teams, Isaac’s journey has been one of passion, purpose, and people. In this heartfelt interview, he shares the philosophy behind his coaching, the importance of teamwork, and his hopes for a greener, safer Singapore.
When did you first realise your passion for sports coaching and helping others achieve their potential?
There are two main factors behind this passion. First, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and indebtedness to my father. He was an established coach and examiner, and he gave me the exposure and opportunities that shaped who I am today.
Through his dedication to coaching and mentorship, I discovered my interest in the coaching profession. One of his guiding philosophies, which he shared with me early on, was: “A good coach can change a game, but a great coach can change a life.” This quote by John Wooden, a famous basketball coach, stayed with me.
Second, I began understanding the importance of helping others reach their potential during my secondary school days. I served in leadership roles, first as a treasurer in the student council and then as an exco member in the St. John’s uniformed group.
I was fortunate to have seniors who mentored me, and through my CCA involvement at Maris Stella, I found myself supporting and guiding others too.
At just 18, you became the youngest assistant team manager at the Ang Mo Kio Lifesaving Team. What did that early leadership role teach you about teamwork and responsibility?
Responsibility is a big word, but I’ve learnt to view it as shared responsibility. Back then, I worked under a senior who was the main team manager. He was also a student of my father. Together, we led the team into the National Lifesaving Championships in 1996.
The team was relatively young, made up of Secondary Two to Year Three students. It was my first major management experience, and the challenges were real.
But it taught me that when leadership and responsibility are shared among the team, success becomes possible. That year, we placed third overall in the national championships, a proud moment for all of us.
As a swimming coach and lifesaving instructor, what philosophy guides the way you train your students, both in skill and in character?
A quote from Bruce Lee has always guided me: “Knowledge will give you power, but character will give you respect.” In my younger years, I followed my father to his martial arts training sessions. His master, who coached the national wushu team, also shared this value.
That martial arts foundation shaped my belief that when you impart a skill, you must also build character. This is why my coaching courses are different.
For instance, in the lifeguard programme, we don’t just teach rescue techniques. We also help students improve their self-confidence and even their public speaking skills. Skill and character go hand in hand.
When you cultivate positive energy, positive vibes, and a positive mindset, you foster what I call a growth mindset. This mindset will carry the next generation forward, helping them achieve more not only in sport but in life.
You often emphasise “Together Everyone Achieves More.” Can you share a moment where team spirit made a defining difference for you or your students?
One of the most memorable moments for me was in 2009, when I led a diverse team under my father’s company. It was a multisport competition covering swimming, rescue tube, open-water events like surf ski and surfboard rescue, and even running.
I was fortunate to bring together athletes from many backgrounds, including former and current national swimmers, school-level track and field athletes, and even a kayaking coach. Most of the team were my former students.
Lifesaving sport was new to many of them, and they initially thought it was just a basic certification course. But through this competition, they discovered a whole new dimension.
One key highlight was the “Initiative” segment of the lifeguard programme, which required two or three rescuers to plan and execute a rescue in a simulated swimming pool setting.
It taught them real teamwork and strategic thinking. That event showcased how shared experiences and team synergy could lead to incredible growth.
How do you hope to inspire the next generation of swimmers, lifeguards and young leaders?
I’m guided by a quote from Ernie Fletcher: “Education is our greatest opportunity to give an irrevocable gift to the next generation.” I want to inspire through education, but not just any education. I believe in positive education.
When you cultivate positive energy, positive vibes, and a positive mindset, you foster what I call a growth mindset. This mindset will carry the next generation forward, helping them achieve more not only in sport but in life.
If you only had tomorrow left to live, how would you choose to spend it and why?
The first person that comes to mind is my wife. If I only had tomorrow, I would simply want to hold her hand and enjoy every moment with her. She’s the proud mother of our two children.
We’ve been together for 25 years, married for 22. That’s what truly matters to me, cherishing the present with the ones I love.
What’s your vision for Singapore in the next five years?
In 2021, I read about Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 during a parliamentary session, and it resonated with me. Looking ahead to 2030, my hope for Singapore focuses on two pillars: “City in Nature” and “Resilient Future.”
I envision a greener and more liveable home for all Singaporeans, with stronger sustainability, especially in the area of food security. Given our reliance on food imports, it’s vital that we build greater self-reliance and resilience in this area. That’s my vision for a stronger Singapore.
If you could have a superpower for one day, what would it be and why?
I would choose the powers of Professor X to use mental capabilities to amplify aquatic safety awareness across Singapore.
I believe many young parents still don’t fully grasp how vital aquatic safety is, not just for building water confidence in children, but for preventing tragedies.
It’s not just about executing a rescue. Prevention is always better, and I hope to embed that mindset in every family.
Connect with Isaac: LeeMingHan, LinkedIn and Tiktok.
Isaac is a member of Rainmaker, a revolutionary movement that rallies like-minded people together based on the values of Love, Authenticity, Respect, Kindness and Youthfulness (LARKY).
