Jonathan Sit on the Singapore Show and SUTL Marina Strategy

Renowned for his contributions to the development of ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove and the Singapore Yachting Festival as premier events, he elaborates on this year's expectations and the centrality of sustainability in SUTL Enterprise's growth strategy.

Mar 21, 2025

Jonathan Sit is from Hong Kong and pursued hotel management at Cornell University in New York prior to earning an MBA from the National University of Singapore. Upon joining ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove in 2014, he ascended to the position of General Manager. In October 2023, he was appointed Regional General Manager of the Marina Division at SUTL Enterprise, a marina construction and consulting firm, to supervise the operation and growth of the ONE°15 brand and its newly established events-management division.

In what ways will the Singapore Yachting Festival 2025 differ from the previous year's edition?

The Festival serves as a prominent yachting exhibition, consistently drawing an increasing number of Asia-Pacific premieres, so solidifying its position as a vital platform for boat introductions in the region. The centerpiece of the on-water exhibition is the 56m Echo Yachts catamaran Charley 2, among revolutionary yacht designs ranging from 10m day boats to 20m enclosed flybridges, providing purchasers with enhanced variety and sophisticated amenities.

Multihulls are prevalent at the exhibition, with 16 models spanning 15-50 meters, indicative of their regional appeal. Additionally, an increased number of 25-40 meter production superyachts will be showcased, signaling a burgeoning market interest in larger luxury yachts.

This year's event underscores the expanding scale, diversity, and technological advancements within the yachting industry. Sustainable technological solutions are progressing at an unparalleled rate, with novel technologies influencing the industry's future evident on the boats and at the exhibition stands.

The Exhibition Pavilion on land showcases cutting-edge marine services and boat technologies, featuring over 30 brands. Notable newcomers include FMT Yacht Transport (USA, yacht transporter), S Com Tech (Korea, catamaran manufacturer), Cimolai Technology (Italy, lifting equipment), Australian Marine Lifting (customized lifting and handling equipment), Nautic Clean (Italy, boat cleaning solutions), Entropia (Monte Carlo, yacht brokerage), and Fantasea (China), which will unveil a new catamaran at SYF 2025.

We take pride in collaborating with local enterprises, such as boat manufacturer Odyssey Marine and Eelat, which serves as a Volvo Penta battery provider, a full-service dealer for Cummins marine recreation, and the exclusive distributor for Doen water jets from Australia.

Numerous new elements will augment the industry exhibition and guest experience, including an Arrival Lounge, Superyacht Lounge, and a Festival Market organized by JIU Asia. The Superyacht Lounge, sponsored by Damen and Rolls-Royce, is a premier hospitality venue tailored for industry leaders and VIP guests. It is a floating lounge situated within the Superyacht Zone to promote networking and facilitate deal-making in proximity to the showing vessels.

ONE°15 Events Management has assumed responsibility for the Southeast Asia Yachting Conference in collaboration with prominent industry organizations such as APSA, MIA, ICOMIA, SBIA, and HKBIA. The conference subjects are pertinent and specifically designed for the Southeast Asian yachting sector.

In what manner would this event enhance the luxury lifestyle sector in Singapore and Southeast Asia?

The Festival draws premier European brands, local dealers, and an appropriate demographic of high-net-worth individual (HNWI) attendees. Singapore is strategically situated as a business nexus, facilitating the convergence of European yacht brands and Asian dealers, where Asia-Pacific high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) are inclined to travel for yacht model premieres.

By assembling a collection of superyachts, high-performance vessels, luxury automobiles, and premium lifestyle events, we are addressing the desires of high-net-worth individuals and the luxury-oriented demographic. The involvement of premier partners like J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Damen, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, JIU Asia, among others, enhances the Festival's scope and reputation.

Furthermore, the event corresponds with Singapore's overarching objective of establishing itself as a superyacht charter hub. The Festival highlights the region's capacity for luxury yacht tourism, thereby stimulating demand for marina facilities, yacht charters, and associated services, which in turn fosters the expansion of Southeast Asia's luxury lifestyle and maritime industries.

Since October 2023, you have served as the Regional General Manager of the Marina Division at SUTL Enterprise, overseeing marina operations, business development, and event management. In what manner did your scope develop?

As General Manager of ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, I oversaw daily operations and directed the growth, expansion, and strategic development of marina operations, consultancy, and regional initiatives for more than a decade. This experience allowed me to merge operational proficiency with a profound comprehension of boating culture and luxury lifestyle trends, guaranteeing that our marinas continually provide world-class experiences.

My new portfolio encompasses three domains: marina management, marina development, and the recently established events management division. This position has extended my reach beyond Singapore, enabling me to establish strategic alliances throughout the Asia-Pacific region via diverse commercial interactions. Client interactions initially intended for presentation at the SYF have evolved into significant links and contact points for prospective marina expansions in the region, and vice versa. We anticipate expanding the presence of ONE°15 Marinas for our boaters in the region shortly.

In this capacity, you have investigated and assessed prospective marina assets and locations worldwide, particularly within the Asia-Pacific area, to enhance the ONE°15 Marina portfolio. Which initiatives do you believe offer the most significant growth potential?

We observe substantial growth prospects in nations like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, which provide diverse and unspoiled cruising areas alongside an increasing enthusiasm for luxury yachting. Phuket is a prime location owing to its strategic position and appeal to superyacht owners, resulting in a demand for increased berthing space.

Notably, in Hong Kong, the government has selected approximately three to four marina sites for prospective development into yachting facilities. This is exceptionally uncommon for the established boating market.

What have been the outcomes and reactions to the upgrade and reconfiguration of ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove since 2019, aimed at better accommodating superyachts and enhancing the marina's facilities?

The feedback has been exceedingly favorable. The SG$7 million (US$5.25 million) enhancement enabled us to host a larger fleet of superyachts, accommodating vessels up to 220 feet in length, while improving our berthing facilities and onshore amenities. Upgraded power pedestals, dedicated concierge services, and the implementation of sustainable features have been pivotal in achieving our Platinum Gold Anchor Award, Superyacht Ready Accreditation, sustainability certifications, and other distinctions as a premier superyacht destination. The responses from yacht proprietors and industry collaborators have been notably positive.

Part of SUTL Enterprise, ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove will host the 3rd Singapore Yachting Festival from April 10-13

What strategies do you intend to implement to sustain or enhance this standard of excellence, particularly regarding environmental considerations?

Sustainability is key to our strategy. We intend to enhance our sustainability certifications and ISO 14001 accreditation by broadening our sustainability initiatives throughout all operations. This encompasses investment in renewable energy solutions, improvement of waste management systems, and the promotion of electric and hybrid vessels through collaborations with technical leaders.

Our persistent initiatives to promote marine protection, including the coral garden project, will remain vital. Our objective is to include environmental stewardship into several facets of marina management, guaranteeing that ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove not only upholds but establishes new standards for sustainability and quality within the yachting sector.