About Us
Our Mission
Camphora is a collective of passionate specialists with a common dream of building a Singaporean cityscape that thrives with nature.
By helping clients to assess and understand the ecological value of their sites and providing consultancy services on how to best incorporate conservation principles and concepts into urban development, we advocate for nature-centric development within Singapore.
Our Services
Biodiversity Baseline
Assessments
Environmental
Management & Monitoring
Habitat Creation & Ecological Design
Mangrove & Coastal Habitat Restoration
Arboriculture
Meet the Team
Derek, Lead Arborist
Derek is a certified arborist and lecturer with the International Society of Arboriculture. Prior to setting up Camphora in 2007, Derek was a Section Head (Streetscape East, East Coast Parkway/Katong/Changi) at National Parks Board for 9 years. In his free time, Derek enjoys driving fast cars and drinking tea.
Chayna first set foot into Camphora as an intern in 2021 fuelled by the vision of human wildlife coexistence. Since returning to Camphora full-time she has been involved in several impact assessments and large scale baseline studies, busying herself with scheduling and leading surveys.
Chayna may be tiny, but her presence is felt strongly by her colleagues – clad in her signature bright field wear, squealing over spiders and greeting every plant and animal she chances upon.
Chih Min, Lead Flora Specialist
Chih Min is a master flora specialist specialising in plant species identification and habitat characterisation. Outside of her work with Camphora, she also provides consultancy advice for development works, nursery management, and plant procurement. Chih Min teaches regularly and has several publications under her name, including the well-loved 1001 Gardens Plants in Singapore (2nd ed).
Chayna first set foot into Camphora as an intern in 2021 fuelled by the vision of human wildlife coexistence. Since returning to Camphora full-time she has been involved in several impact assessments and large scale baseline studies, busying herself with scheduling and leading surveys.
Chayna may be tiny, but her presence is felt strongly by her colleagues – clad in her signature bright field wear, squealing over spiders and greeting every plant and animal she chances upon.
Joys, Lead Ecologist
Joys is an experienced biodiversity and environmental impact assessment consultant, and has led projects such as the multi-site Cross Island Line Project and the 55-ha Thomson Nature Park Project. She is trained in terrestrial fieldwork, including census surveys, camera and bat trapping. Joys has an interest in mammal ecology and likes all things furry.
Chayna first set foot into Camphora as an intern in 2021 fuelled by the vision of human wildlife coexistence. Since returning to Camphora full-time she has been involved in several impact assessments and large scale baseline studies, busying herself with scheduling and leading surveys.
Chayna may be tiny, but her presence is felt strongly by her colleagues – clad in her signature bright field wear, squealing over spiders and greeting every plant and animal she chances upon.
Chloe, Lead Ecologist
Chloe has a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences (Environmental Biology) and has more than eight years of experience in local wildlife research and surveys. Chloe is a bird, butterfly, odonate, and mammal specialist and has been involved in EIA and EMMP projects since 2016. She is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (MCIEEM). In her free time, Chloe enjoys birdwatching, rock-climbing and cleaning her house.
Chayna first set foot into Camphora as an intern in 2021 fuelled by the vision of human wildlife coexistence. Since returning to Camphora full-time she has been involved in several impact assessments and large scale baseline studies, busying herself with scheduling and leading surveys.
Chayna may be tiny, but her presence is felt strongly by her colleagues – clad in her signature bright field wear, squealing over spiders and greeting every plant and animal she chances upon.
Sheryl, Lead Ecologist
Sheryl has a Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) in Conservation Biology and Ecology. She brings to Camphora her background and expertise on marine ecosystems, and she also works with architects to advise design and evolve environmental management and monitoring plans that are tailored to each project site. Prior to joining Camphora, Sheryl was a diver at Resort World Sentosa and is also a certified dive instructor.
Chayna first set foot into Camphora as an intern in 2021 fuelled by the vision of human wildlife coexistence. Since returning to Camphora full-time she has been involved in several impact assessments and large scale baseline studies, busying herself with scheduling and leading surveys.
Chayna may be tiny, but her presence is felt strongly by her colleagues – clad in her signature bright field wear, squealing over spiders and greeting every plant and animal she chances upon.
Shirlene, Ecologist (Marine)
Shirlene is a marine specialist and an aspiring malacologist - mollusc are cool! Through her research work in her undergraduate years, she brings to Camphora her expertise in conducting baseline studies in intertidal habitats, species identification, and ecological design. With her experience gained while working with ACRES in wildlife management, she advocates for human-wildlife coexistence and aims to use her voice to foster a place where animals are seen as valuable co-inhabitants of our planet deserving of respect, rather than commodities or obstacles.
Shirlene is a marine specialist and an aspiring malacologist - mollusc are cool! Through her research work in her undergraduate years, she brings to Camphora her expertise in conducting baseline studies in intertidal habitats, species identification, and ecological design. With her experience gained while working with ACRES in wildlife management, she advocates for human-wildlife coexistence and aims to use her voice to foster a place where animals are seen as valuable co-inhabitants of our planet deserving of respect, rather than commodities or obstacles.
Pavarne, Ecologist (Marine)
Pavarne has more than 10 years of experience as a marine biologist. Over the years, they have dabbled with research on seagrass, corals, tubeworms, giant clams, sea urchins and deep-sea meiofauna. Their interest in local biodiversity is not limited to the sea. Pavarne has communicated and worked on issues pertaining to local biodiversity, human-wildlife conflict, and wildlife crime. Armed with the latest knowledge of environmental ecology and climate change science, their role as an ecologist enables them to communicate complex concepts to a wide range of audiences.
Chayna first set foot into Camphora as an intern in 2021 fuelled by the vision of human wildlife coexistence. Since returning to Camphora full-time she has been involved in several impact assessments and large scale baseline studies, busying herself with scheduling and leading surveys.
Chayna may be tiny, but her presence is felt strongly by her colleagues – clad in her signature bright field wear, squealing over spiders and greeting every plant and animal she chances upon.
Wan Ting, Ecologist (Fauna)
Wan Ting graduated with a Bachelor of Environmental Engineering and a Minor in Geological Sciences. She cultivated her interest in biodiversity and forest restoration while at Ridge View Residential College. Using the knowledge she's gained, Wan Ting led several activities such as bird watching, night walks, and dragonfly watch in the college to spread awareness about local biodiversity. She has a liking for "weird" and "strange-looking" animals, such as arthropods. With an adventurous spirit, Wan Ting spends her free time out in the wilderness with her camera and in the company of her friends.
Chayna first set foot into Camphora as an intern in 2021 fuelled by the vision of human wildlife coexistence. Since returning to Camphora full-time she has been involved in several impact assessments and large scale baseline studies, busying herself with scheduling and leading surveys.
Chayna may be tiny, but her presence is felt strongly by her colleagues – clad in her signature bright field wear, squealing over spiders and greeting every plant and animal she chances upon.
Zi Han, Ecologist (Fauna)
Zi Han is an amphibian and reptiles specialist with years of experience in field work and species identification. Prior to joining Camphora, Zi Han worked as a Research Assistant and an Outreach Coordinator at Wildlife Reserves Singapore. In her free time, Zi Han enjoys hiking and talking to cats.
Chayna first set foot into Camphora as an intern in 2021 fuelled by the vision of human wildlife coexistence. Since returning to Camphora full-time she has been involved in several impact assessments and large scale baseline studies, busying herself with scheduling and leading surveys.
Chayna may be tiny, but her presence is felt strongly by her colleagues – clad in her signature bright field wear, squealing over spiders and greeting every plant and animal she chances upon.
Chayna, Graduate Ecologist
Chayna first set foot into Camphora as an intern in 2021 fuelled by the vision of human wildlife coexistence. Since returning to Camphora full-time she has been involved in several impact assessments and large scale baseline studies, busying herself with scheduling and leading surveys.
Chayna may be tiny, but her presence is felt strongly by her colleagues – clad in her signature bright field wear, squealing over spiders and greeting every plant and animal she chances upon.
Chayna first set foot into Camphora as an intern in 2021 fuelled by the vision of human wildlife coexistence. Since returning to Camphora full-time she has been involved in several impact assessments and large scale baseline studies, busying herself with scheduling and leading surveys.
Chayna may be tiny, but her presence is felt strongly by her colleagues – clad in her signature bright field wear, squealing over spiders and greeting every plant and animal she chances upon.
Zoee, Fauna Assistant
Previously a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation officer at ACRES Singapore, Zoee is passionate about using her voice to raise awareness for the importance of biodiversity conservation. Outside of work, you can find Zoee in the forest doing wildlife photography, nature guiding, and being a mom to her plants and caterpillars.
Chayna first set foot into Camphora as an intern in 2021 fuelled by the vision of human wildlife coexistence. Since returning to Camphora full-time she has been involved in several impact assessments and large scale baseline studies, busying herself with scheduling and leading surveys.
Chayna may be tiny, but her presence is felt strongly by her colleagues – clad in her signature bright field wear, squealing over spiders and greeting every plant and animal she chances upon.
Hui Bing, Fauna Assistant
Hui Bing joined Camphora after a mid-career switch to pursue her passion in nature. She is our in-house specialist in birds and butterflies, and has been involved in numerous EIA and EMMP projects since 2019. She is an avid bird and butterfly watcher who volunteers with Nature Society Singapore (NSS) and the NParks conservation division in Pulau Ubin, and is actively involved in citizen science programmes such as Community in Nature surveys and the NSS bird census.
Chayna first set foot into Camphora as an intern in 2021 fuelled by the vision of human wildlife coexistence. Since returning to Camphora full-time she has been involved in several impact assessments and large scale baseline studies, busying herself with scheduling and leading surveys.
Chayna may be tiny, but her presence is felt strongly by her colleagues – clad in her signature bright field wear, squealing over spiders and greeting every plant and animal she chances upon.
Badrul, Ecologist (Flora)
Badrul is a Life Science graduate with formal training in Ecology. Prior to joining Camphora, he had experience working with the Nursery and Horticulture team at NParks and nature guiding with Young Nautilus. In his free time, he enjoys insect pinning, gardening, crocheting and knitting.
Chayna first set foot into Camphora as an intern in 2021 fuelled by the vision of human wildlife coexistence. Since returning to Camphora full-time she has been involved in several impact assessments and large scale baseline studies, busying herself with scheduling and leading surveys.
Chayna may be tiny, but her presence is felt strongly by her colleagues – clad in her signature bright field wear, squealing over spiders and greeting every plant and animal she chances upon.
Ying Ying, Ecologist (Flora)
Ying Ying is a botanist specialising in native forest species, especially from Malvaceae and Pteridophytes. Since joining Camphora, she has been involved in various biodiversity baseline studies and environmental management and monitoring projects. Ying Ying has a penchant for furry plants, of which she has a proud collection. She spends most of her free time sleeping and loves having conversations about plants.
Chayna first set foot into Camphora as an intern in 2021 fuelled by the vision of human wildlife coexistence. Since returning to Camphora full-time she has been involved in several impact assessments and large scale baseline studies, busying herself with scheduling and leading surveys.
Chayna may be tiny, but her presence is felt strongly by her colleagues – clad in her signature bright field wear, squealing over spiders and greeting every plant and animal she chances upon.
Samantha, Ecologist (Flora)
Samantha has a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences and a Minor in Aquatic Ecology with four years of experience in agritech and plant molecular development. She has since stepped out of farms and lab into forests in pursuit of solutions for the most urgent crises of our time: biodiversity loss. Samantha is especially keen on the role of afforestation and reforming human habitats in achieving co-existence between mankind and all of Earth's creatures. Her peaceful days are spent sipping tea, wood crafting, and planting trees in her afforestation plots.
Chayna first set foot into Camphora as an intern in 2021 fuelled by the vision of human wildlife coexistence. Since returning to Camphora full-time she has been involved in several impact assessments and large scale baseline studies, busying herself with scheduling and leading surveys.
Chayna may be tiny, but her presence is felt strongly by her colleagues – clad in her signature bright field wear, squealing over spiders and greeting every plant and animal she chances upon.
Zaleha, Ecologist (Flora)
Zaleha is a flora specialist with formal training in horticulture and landscape design. Prior to joining Camphora, she was a Research Assistant for forest ecology at the Nanyang Technological University where she managed and conducted tree census in the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. In her free time, she enjoys collecting vinyls, exploring new music, roller-skating and talking to cats.
Chayna first set foot into Camphora as an intern in 2021 fuelled by the vision of human wildlife coexistence. Since returning to Camphora full-time she has been involved in several impact assessments and large scale baseline studies, busying herself with scheduling and leading surveys.
Chayna may be tiny, but her presence is felt strongly by her colleagues – clad in her signature bright field wear, squealing over spiders and greeting every plant and animal she chances upon.
Sherry, Ecologist (Flora)
A budding botanist she has been
2014 was the beginning
Sherry loves to introduce herself
To friends, family, and acquaintances
A passionate botanist whom she is
Big or small, dried or alive, cooked or raw
Shades of green too many than four
Sherry merrily loves them all
With years of hard work and training
Blooming botanist now she is
Chayna first set foot into Camphora as an intern in 2021 fuelled by the vision of human wildlife coexistence. Since returning to Camphora full-time she has been involved in several impact assessments and large scale baseline studies, busying herself with scheduling and leading surveys.
Chayna may be tiny, but her presence is felt strongly by her colleagues – clad in her signature bright field wear, squealing over spiders and greeting every plant and animal she chances upon.
Joejyn, Data Scientist
As Camphora's resident Data Scientist, Joejyn brings to Camphora his expertise in the interactions between the fields of Ecology and Computer Science, and is currently working to adapt machine learning and AI tools for ecological purposes. Joejyn has a Master’s Degree in Ecology (Research), with focus on the habitat selection and movement ecology of terrestrial mammals. When he's not coding, Joejyn enjoys inline skating, rock climbing, and scuba diving.
Chayna first set foot into Camphora as an intern in 2021 fuelled by the vision of human wildlife coexistence. Since returning to Camphora full-time she has been involved in several impact assessments and large scale baseline studies, busying herself with scheduling and leading surveys.
Chayna may be tiny, but her presence is felt strongly by her colleagues – clad in her signature bright field wear, squealing over spiders and greeting every plant and animal she chances upon.
Erin, Landscape Architect
Watch this space
Chayna first set foot into Camphora as an intern in 2021 fuelled by the vision of human wildlife coexistence. Since returning to Camphora full-time she has been involved in several impact assessments and large scale baseline studies, busying herself with scheduling and leading surveys.
Chayna may be tiny, but her presence is felt strongly by her colleagues – clad in her signature bright field wear, squealing over spiders and greeting every plant and animal she chances upon.
Carissa, Landscape Architect
Watch this space
Chayna first set foot into Camphora as an intern in 2021 fuelled by the vision of human wildlife coexistence. Since returning to Camphora full-time she has been involved in several impact assessments and large scale baseline studies, busying herself with scheduling and leading surveys.
Chayna may be tiny, but her presence is felt strongly by her colleagues – clad in her signature bright field wear, squealing over spiders and greeting every plant and animal she chances upon.
A group of qualified and experienced associates work alongside us to serve our clients
JOHN X.Q. LEE
ACULEATE HYMENOPTERA
SPECIALIST
Over 20 years experience
IVAN KWAN
HERPETOFAUNA AND INTERTIDAL SPECIALIST
Over 10 years of experience
CLAYTON LEE
SENIOR ARBORIST
Diploma in Horticulture and Landscape Management (with Merit)
ISA Certified Master Arborist
TANG HUNG BUN
ODONATE SPECIALIST
Over 10 years of experience
GOH GAN KHING
SENIOR ARBORIST
Bachelor of Science, Life Sciences
ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist
ROBIN NGIAM
ODONATE SPECIALIST
Over 10 years of experience
MUN MEI CHENG
SENIOR ARBORIST
Bachelor of Science, Biology (Honours)
ISA Certified Arborist
RICHARD BOO
FLORA SPECIALIST
Over 5 years of experience
JOSEPH SIM ENG KOON
SENIOR ARBORIST
Bachelor of Science, Botany
ISA Certified Arborist
JONATHAN MABULAY
LANDSCAPE HORTICULTURIST
& BIO-FILTRATION SYSTEM
SPECIALIST
Over 12 years of experience
