Despite two successful tenures at the helm of the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club (RSYC), Mr Bala B. Krishnan believes he still has a lot to offer to the recreational outfit.
The 66-year-old has been elected as commodore for a third time this year – when the 1,656-member club is working on upgrading facilities and increasing membership as it gears up for its bicentennial celebration in June 2026.
“We have a masterplan that includes building super yacht berthing facilities, raising funds for a lease extension till 2040 and a bicentenary countdown programme,” said Mr Bala, who became RSYC’s first Indian commodore in 2007.
“I grew up in Pasir Panjang and used to play with my schoolmates at the club when it was still at Pandan Reservoir.
“I was taught sailing, canoeing and other sea sports during an Outward Bound Singapore course in 1974. I fell in love with the sea but did not pick up sailing as I was more into football.
“In 1995, I paid $20,000 to become a member and started to take more interest in the club’s activities. I became a commitee member in 2003.”
Mr Bala said he spent his first two terms (2007 to 2009) and (2017 to 2019) as commodore on modernising the club and developing a business strategy, explaining that it was to make the club sustainable.
RSYC, whose clubhouse is next to the West Coast Park, is the world’s sixth-oldest yacht club and the oldest in Asia. It is the only member-owned yacht club in Singapore.
The committee upgraded the boat storage, increased the number of hotel rooms from 32 to 60 and built more amenities such as a tennis court and restaurant. It also organised social events and regattas.
“We gave back to the community through sailing and other recreational activities for the residents of West Coast, Telok Blangah and Jurong. We raised funds for them and invited them to visit our premises,” said Mr Bala, who is working with his management committee on extending the marine berthing.
“This will mean up to seven more super yachts can berth at our marina. We got the lease from the Singapore Land Authority and the $8 million project should be complete by the end of the year.
“There is a lot of work to be done. I have my day job in the electronics industry and I travel regularly to South Asia, but I still make time for the club activities as it is important that we complete all the projects over the next three years.
“My family – wife, two children and six siblings – are very supportive.”
Mr Bala’s commitment to RSYC has not gone unnoticed.
“I have known Bala for many years and he devotes considerable time for the club,” said RSYC honorary secretary Nigel Ho.
“He did not get into the committee to promote himself, but to give to the club. He has vision, experience and knowledge, and his expertise is benefiting the club.”
Former honorary seceretary and retired marine industry veteran Jimmy Khoo said Mr Bala travels extensively but still finds time to contribute to the club.
“It’s all voluntary work,” explained Mr Khoo.
“But Bala is dedicated and for over 20 years, he has put in a lot of work for the club’s growth and sustainability.”
Mr Bala believes RSYC is on the right track, with a year of activities lined up before the bicentenary celebrations to bring to the fore the rich heritage of the club.
“We are not just a club, but there is also a rich heritage,” he said.
“The members should embrace this and be proud.”
