Athanasius Pang
Athanasius Pang’s career trajectory is anything but conventional.
Once a police officer in Singapore’s elite force, Pang was part of exclusive security teams safeguarding dignitaries, including the late Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. But at 31, he made a life-altering decision—leaving behind his established career to pursue entrepreneurship. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring startup founders.
“Working in Singapore’s elite police force was a transformative experience that taught me resilience,” Pang tells e27. “The high-pressure situations and constant need for quick decision-making honed my ability to stay calm under pressure and adapt to unexpected circumstances. I call it ‘finding peace among chaos’.”
This philosophy would later become his guiding principle—one he now instils in the children he teaches at his entrepreneurial venture, Dip Swim.
The struggles of building a business from scratch
While Dip Swim has gained recognition in Singapore, Pang’s transition from a structured career to the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship was anything but smooth.
“Despite my professional success, I made the bold decision to leave everything behind at 31 to launch Trivox Global Security Group,” he shares. “But building credibility and securing clients from scratch was far more challenging than I had expected. I thought my achievements in service would set me apart—but in business, ‘wow’ doesn’t always convert to dollars and cents. That’s when you truly realise—you’ve been high only when you hit rock bottom.”
With scarce resources, stiff competition, and global scrutiny on this “little company from the little red dot,” Pang found inspiration in Lee Kuan Yew’s approach to nation-building—staying flexible, adaptable, and maintaining a relentless ‘never-say-die’ attitude.
To keep up with the digital era, he pivoted into security technology within two months, attending events like the China Public Security Association to share insights on international security. This adaptability helped Trivox Global Security Group gain a foothold in multiple markets.
The COVID-19 crisis: A breaking point
Then came COVID-19—a crisis that severely impacted businesses across Singapore. The closure of facilities and restrictions on gatherings devastated Trivox Global’s operations. Unlike other companies that could transition online, a security firm had no such luxury.
Revenue dried up, financial strain mounted, and Pang’s mental health suffered. He found himself at his lowest point, struggling with thoughts of suicide.
Personal hardships compounded the situation. At 37, he went through a divorce, and his two children grew distant, harbouring resentment. His ex-wife’s demands for financial support added to his stress. Forced to move back in with his parents, Pang faced one of the darkest periods of his life.
Hitting rock bottom and rising again
Years passed. At 44, he faced another devastating low—unable to secure a job due to being deemed “overqualified,” burdened by mounting debts, and once again contemplating ending his life.
But this time, he chose to fight.
Drawing strength from his past experiences, Pang channelled his skills, resilience, and leadership into a new venture—Dip Swim.
Dip Swim: A vision beyond swimming
Founded in Singapore, Dip Swim is more than just a swimming school—it’s a holistic development platform that fosters mental resilience, emotional strength, and character-building in children.
- Offering a turn-key swim programme, Dip Swim provides:
- On-site swim camps
- Personalised swimwear, apparel, gifts, and accessories
- Pool party organisation and boat rentals
- Catering for swimming-related events
The agency specialises in water survival training for infants and toddlers, equipping them with life-saving skills while nurturing their confidence both in and out of the water.
A unique training philosophy
Unlike conventional swimming schools, Dip Swim follows an innovative and personalised approach, tailoring its training to each aspirant’s:
- Physique and stamina
- Water confidence and past experiences
- Emotional reliance and mental resilience
- Behavioural traits and character development
- The startup also offers professional swim coaching courses for those looking to become certified instructors.
“I wanted to create a nurturing environment where children feel valued, cared for, and emotionally secure,” Pang explains. “Our swim training methodology prioritises character, behaviour, and emotional well-being alongside swimming skills.”
Beyond swimming: Building resilience for life
Dip Swim goes beyond just teaching children how to swim—it incorporates resilience and emotional strength training, fostering self-belief and perseverance.
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“One core philosophy at Dip Swim is teaching water survival skills without relying on floaties or artificial aids,” Pang shares. “This realism-based training encourages children to engage with water naturally, fostering problem-solving skills and emotional resilience.”
Looking ahead: Expanding the vision
Pang envisions a future where Dip Swim continues to integrate social and emotional learning into its programmes. He plans to expand offerings to include:
- Aquatic programmes for pre-natal and post-natal mothers
- Specialised training for older adults
- A mobile app for tracking progress and providing personalised feedback
To create a truly holistic approach to child development, Dip Swim also seeks collaborations with experts in child psychology, nutrition, and physical fitness.
A legacy of resilience and giving back
Athanasius Pang’s journey—from a Singapore elite police officer to an entrepreneur shaping young lives—is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation.
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers?
“Focus on giving, not taking, and always prioritise doing the right thing.”
The post How a former Singapore police officer turned life’s hardest lessons into a swim academy appeared first on e27.