Fellow Motorist: Ong Lay Ling, Group CEO, Eurokars Group

Ms Ong has been with Eurokars for over 30 years, working her way up the ranks from financial controller in 1993 to become the company’s group chief executive officer in 2024. We chat with the Singaporean superwoman in the Eurokars Group headquarters at 11 Kung Chong Road.

How long have you been a motorist in Singapore?

I think I got my driving licence in late 1994. I passed the test on my first attempt and was elated, because I heard horror stories of people having to take multiple times to pass. 

The feeling was even happier than when I passed my professional accountancy exam on my first attempt.

What do you like about motoring in Singapore?

Our Singapore roads are fairly free-flowing, except for bottlenecks arising from traffic accidents on highways. 

Generally, I complete my drive trips in about half an hour. I also like the traffic-light green waves — if you happen to catch one, you just breeze through and save a lot of time. 

What do you dislike about motoring in Singapore?

Slow traffic on right lanes, and right lanes that at some point become right-turn lanes only, such that you have to make a lane-change, which may be difficult to do so when other drivers do not give way.

Remember your first car?

It was a Saab 9-3, silver hatchback. 

What were your other memorable cars?

I loved the MINI Cooper S Clubman, which I had around 2017. It was burgundy in colour. I really enjoyed the very smooth drive. You know, MINI always brings a smile to your face, and the whole design is iconic. 

I also enjoyed the Cooper S Countryman, which was another lovely car to drive.  

My first BMW was the X4. I always liked SUVs. My current company car is a M340i and I also have access to a 735i.

What is the Eurokars proposition for customers?

For us, customer service is very important, that’s our key priority. Mr Karsono Kwee (Eurokars Group founder and executive chairman) started this customer-centric culture in the company which has been the foundation and catalyst for our growth till today, where we now have 11 brands across four different countries in the Asia Pacific.

What do you hope to achieve as Eurokars Group’s group CEO?

With the extensive brand portfolio that we have, alongside our finance and insurance services, body and paint, rental and leasing as well as pre-owned car business, we now have a complete ecosystem that effectively serves the needs of motorists.

With a team of 1,600 staff in Singapore, Indonesia, China and Australia, we would like to continue to uphold the Eurokars’ family-like culture, where we all support one another in growing the business.

I intend to build on the company’s firm foundation developed over the past 39 years, continue to strengthen our model portfolio, from mass-market to ultra-luxury, and expand our footprint and grow our market share in the years ahead.

One of Ms Ong's favourite Eurokars company cars was a MINI Cooper S Clubman.

Read More: Fellow Motorist: Sabrina Sng, managing director; Polestar Singapore and Lotus Singapore & Thailand

Download the Motorist App now. Designed by drivers for drivers, this all-in-one app lets you receive the latest traffic updates, gives you access to live traffic cameras, and helps you manage LTA and vehicle matters.

Did you know we have a Motorist Telegram Channel? Created exclusively for drivers and car owners in Singapore, you can get instant info about our latest promotions, articles, tips & hacks, or simply chat with the Motorist Team and fellow drivers.