Allison Nam, SIM Alumna, Chief Commercial Officer and Co-Founder of Nandina REM

Allison's story begins in the bustling world of IT infrastructure sales, where she quickly mastered the technicalities of systems integration but soon found herself yearning for a career that could blend her expertise in technology with the strategic allure of finance. Her ambitions soon outgrew the scope of her role. "Working in a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) gave me invaluable exposure to the multifaceted demands of a smaller business and shaped my understanding of how a business operates," she reflects, highlighting the resilience and adaptability she gained from the diverse responsibilities.

Despite thriving in this challenging environment, Allison felt restless. She knew she had more to offer and was eager to broaden her skill set. The idea of combining her expertise in IT with a new path in finance began to take shape. "I knew I wanted to move into the financial sector or find a role that would allow me to integrate IT and finance," she recalls. 

Allison was determined to find a programme that was both cost-effective and aligned with her professional aspirations. Allison's search led her to the SIM Graduate Diploma in Financial Management programme. "SIM offered the right curriculum, allowing me to graduate within a shorter time frame and equipping me with the skills I needed to transition into finance," she shares. The flexibility of SIM's evening classes meant that Allison could continue working full-time while pursuing her studies. Balancing work and studies was challenging, but Allison was determined. 



Her time at SIM paid off. The strong foundation in financial principles Allison gained helped her secure a new job with an e-trading platform. The course shaped her technical skills and helped her develop an entrepreneurial mindset, something she would draw on in the years to come. "It taught me how to conduct financial analysis and prioritise business growth, which is a key advantage when attracting investors during fundraising," she explains, tying her educational experiences to her later career achievements.

Breathing New Life into Decommissioned Aircraft

Allison was at a crossroads after more than two decades of working in business development across various sectors, including technology and banking. With extensive experience managing relationships with high-net-worth individuals, private investors, and institutions, she built a reputation for growing businesses across multiple industries. Most notably, she had been the Executive Director for J.P. Morgan Greater China Futures and Options, where she successfully grew the business fivefold over eight years.

Motivated to channel her experience and skills into a new venture, Allison set her sights on tackling a complex and under-addressed challenge, "what do we do with aeroplanes once their time in the sky is done?"



This inspired Allison and her co-founders, Karina Cady and Dazril Phua, to create Nandina REM, a company with a clear mission: to turn decommissioned aircraft into new sources of valuable, low-emission circular materials. "More than 90% of an aircraft can be reused or recycled," Allison explains. "With over 8,000 retired aircraft parked in storage yards globally and another 11,000 expected to be decommissioned in the next decade, we saw a huge opportunity."

Allison's unique background gave her an edge. In her early 20s, she developed inventory software for plane parts, a project that left a lasting impression on her understanding of the aviation industry. This early experience, combined with her years in fintech and venture capital, prepared her to tackle the challenges of building Nandina REM from the ground up. "We're creating new sustainable materials, and in doing so, we're solving a global problem while making a positive environmental impact."

Sustainability at the Core

For Allison, sustainability is more than a buzzword; it is at the heart of everything Nandina REM does. From day one, the company has prioritised long-term sustainability goals. "We work closely with our supply chain partners to create access to blended financing and remove the green premium," she explains. As a Chief Commercial Officer, Allison is responsible for building strategic partnerships with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), suppliers, and other key players, convincing them to embrace the business case for aviation circularity.



But the company's ambitions go even further. Allison and her team are exploring innovative technologies like AI to enhance supply chain traceability and transparency. "We want to give our customers complete confidence in the origin and sustainability of our materials," she says, pointing to the company's forward-thinking approach.

A Working Mom and Entrepreneur

Running a fast-growing business like Nandina REM comes with its challenges, but balancing her professional life with her family is always a priority for Allison. "I've been blessed with an incredibly supportive husband who's been my rock for the past 25 years," she shares. Together, they have raised two sons, and his unwavering support has allowed her to thrive in her career.

"Prioritisation and flexibility are key," she adds. "Carving out family and personal time helps me stay grounded and focused." Despite her demanding schedule, Allison believes that personal and professional growth often go hand-in-hand. "As I evolve in one area, it naturally leads to growth in the other."

Mentorship and Social Impact

Allison's commitment to mentoring the next generation of leaders is evident through her work with Advisory Singapore. "I want to share my experiences and insights with young people facing unique challenges in today's world," she explains. Guiding youth has also helped shape her leadership perspective, pushing her to stay curious and innovative.

In addition to her mentorship role, Allison volunteers with Willing Hearts, distributing meals to vulnerable populations in Singapore. This work has deepened her understanding of social mobility and inclusivity, which are lessons she brings back into her work at Nandina REM. "It's important to create pathways for diverse talent and foster an inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential," she says.



For Allison, the future is about more than business success; it is about lasting impact. Nandina REM aims to lead the way in sustainable manufacturing, creating circular materials that can reduce up to 84% of emissions during production. "Our goal is to embed these materials into the global supply chain and inspire other industries to adopt circularity principles," she shares.

Through her business and volunteer work, Allison stays motivated by one simple truth: "Everything I do is about leaving a legacy—for my children, for future generations, and for the world."

Stay tuned for more groundbreaking innovations! Follow Nandina REM on LinkedIn for the latest updates.