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.
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.
Ana, Ecologist (Marine)
With a Degree in Biological Sciences and a Minor in Environmental Sciences, Anna has always been passionate about advocating for the environment. She aspires to become a marine specialist.
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She loves to cook, bake and paint in her free time.
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.
Jay, Ecologist (Fauna)
Jay is an ecologist with a B.S. (Hons) in Environmental Studies. While they're most enamoured with birds (especially Caraciiformes), they have a curiosity about all biodiversity. Jay's work is informed by a background in climate advocacy, environmental humanities and multimedia science communication.
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Outside of spending time outdoors, they enjoy photography, rock climbing and cooking.
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.
Vera, Ecologist (Fauna)
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.
Natalie, Ecologist (Fauna)
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.
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.
Jie Min, Ecologist (Flora)
Jie Min is a recent graduate of Yale-NUS College and the Yale School of the Environment, where she studied mangrove ecology and developed a broader interest in tropical forest conservation and restoration. At Camphora, she is involved in floristic biodiversity baseline studies and environmental management and monitoring projects. As part of her work, she has been happily exploring Singapore’s forests and making new friends—both human and otherwise. Outside of work, Jie Min enjoys meeting friends for drinks and dabbling in different hobbies, with Pilates being her latest fixation.
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.
Sylvia, Ecologist (Flora)
Prior to joining Camphora, Sylvia spent 5 years as a research assistant in the forest ecology department at Nanyang Technological University where she started her journey to learn about the flora of Singapore. Outside of hugging trees, she loves practicing and teaching yoga, playing beach volleyball & spending time with her family and her dog.
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.
Surin, Ecologist (Flora)
Surin is a flora specialist with a particular interest in the epiphytes and understorey shrubs of Southeast Asia. Prior to joining Camphora, he studied the primary peat swamp forests of Brunei.
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Surin is also an experienced horticulturist, and enjoys exploring and photographing the jungles of Southeast Asia. Cats and dry humour are his best 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.
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.
Shiella, Ecologist (Flora)
Shiella is a. botanist with formal training in taxonomy and phylogenetics. Her master's thesis focussed on the key traits for delineating species of tropical kiwi (Saurauia) and analysing their evolutionary relationships. Before joining Camphora, she participated in numerous research expeditions across the Philippines, studying the distribution of of native and endemic flora and leading conservation education initiatives to promote biodiversity awareness. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing,
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.
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.
Carissa, Landscape Architect
Carissa has a Master of Landscape Architecture from the National University of Singapore and has worked on a diverse range of landscape design projects, from master planning to small-scale residential developments. She is passionate about integrating green infrastructure and water-sensitive landscapes to create public and private spaces that thoughtfully enhance ecological resilience and human well-being. Her approach is rooted in subtle yet deliberate interventions that strengthen both landscape and biodiversity.
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
