"The motivating factor was the adventure and the personal and professional growth that such an opportunity implies," he shares. "I had always wanted to work abroad and experience what Odfjell has to offer in offices outside of Norway."
Kjell joined Odfjell at the end of 2018, bringing with him a wealth of experience from the shipping industry in Bergen. His career up until then had been rooted in his home country, but the prospect of joining a dynamic and tight-knit team in Singapore was irresistible.
"I had worked closely with the Singapore team before and knew they were not only clever but also fun and supportive. When the opportunity came, I was super happy and said yes without hesitation."
Connecting through culture
Singapore offered Kjell the chance to immerse himself in one of the world’s most multicultural environments.
"The shipping community here is incredibly close-knit," he explains. "We don’t just work together—we play football, paddle, and go on runs. The bond extends far beyond office hours, and it’s fascinating how much stronger problem-solving becomes when you are friends outside of work."
He has formed connections with people from all over the world, including Australia, Mongolia, China, and Singapore itself. These friendships have broadened not just his professional network but also his worldview.
"Being in such a multicultural environment teaches you cultural intelligence. It’s a skill that’s hard to define but incredibly valuable, especially when working in a diverse team."
Family adventures in Singapore
The move to Singapore wasn’t just about Kjell’s career. It was an adventure for his entire family—his wife and two daughters. "One motivating factor was being able to bring my family along on this journey," he says. "Watching my kids adapt to a new school, a new language, and a new environment has been inspiring. They are incredibly flexible, and their adaptability has taught us a lot."
While the decision to move was easy for his immediate family, leaving friends and extended family behind was harder.
"It was tough to say goodbye, especially to the grandparents. But we focused on the positives—the chance for personal growth and the unique experiences we could share as a family."
Weekends have become more family-focused than ever. "In Norway, we’d often visit grandparents or have sleepovers with friends. Here, it’s just the four of us, and we’ve grown closer because of it. From caravan trips in Western Australia to spring blossoms in Japan, the experiences we’ve shared have enriched our lives tremendously."
From snow to sunshine
Adjusting to Singapore’s lifestyle, weather, and culture came with its fair share of surprises. "The first impression was the heat," Kjell laughs. "Coming from snowy Norway, I thought I was going to get heat rash! Meeting neighbors in swimming trunks instead of snow gear was a completely different experience."
The differences in daily life were stark but often humorous. "In Norway, you might meet someone shoveling snow; here, it’s at the pool or in the hallway in swimwear. It’s these small cultural quirks that make the experience memorable."
Singapore’s predictability and convenience have also been a pleasant change. "The weather makes planning easy, and there’s always something to do. Whether it’s visiting the zoo, going to the beach, or exploring hawker centers, life here is dynamic and full of activities."
Thriving professionally with Odfjell
Kjell’s role in Singapore is fast-paced and dynamic. His day often begins with a padel match—part exercise, part industry insight session. “Trends, requirements, and deals are discussed mid-rally. Our level of padel allows all that,” he jokes.
Once at the office, Kjell dives into problem-solving, aligning ships and cargoes with market fluctuations while coordinating closely with colleagues across different time zones.
“Singapore is a hub for chemicals, with many major conglomerates operating here. Being close to customers allows us to tackle issues directly and find solutions in real time,” he explains.
Lunch is a time to recharge—often with ramen, his go-to meal. “Lunch is fuel—ramen, obviously,” he says. The afternoon is spent reviewing fleet schedules, analyzing cargo movements, and ensuring vessel performance aligns with market demands.
Kjell also collaborates with brokers, customers, and internal teams to optimize chartering strategies and problem-solve logistical challenges. Evenings frequently involve dinners with brokers and customers, where conversations move from business to geopolitics to debates over ice skating skills.
Kjell’s time in Singapore has been nothing short of transformative. "The density of activity in the chemical sector here is unparalleled. It’s a hub for huge companies and conglomerates, which means you’re constantly engaging with different stakeholders and solving problems on the frontlines," he explains.
"Being in Singapore puts you closer to the action. In Bergen, you feel slightly removed from the frontlines, but here, you’re working directly with customers, addressing challenges and crafting solutions in real-time."
Odfjell’s support system has been instrumental in facilitating his growth. "I remember when I first arrived, the HR team took over 600 pictures of my apartment to ensure I wasn’t being scammed.
“It just shows how committed Odfjell is in making sure you’re comfortable," Kjell recalls. "From advice on how to transition to my role to tips on navigating daily life, the team’s guidance has been incredible."
Watch Kjell’s collection of clips of his life abroad:
Kjell credits the multicultural workplace with sharpening his adaptability and problem-solving skills.
"You’re exposed to diverse ways of thinking and working, which challenges you to be flexible," he adds.
A stage name and stories to tell
Kjell’s time in Singapore has been filled with unique and humorous moments, but one story stands out. "They know me more as James than as Kjell here in Singapore because James is my stage name when I go on stage to perform at karaoke," he shares with a laugh. "It’s become a running joke in the office and a fun way to connect with colleagues and friends."
Kjell has embraced the challenges and rewards of expat life fully:
"Odfjell ensures we thrive both professionally and personally. It’s this balance that sets the company apart," he says.
Lessons from life abroad
Kjell’s move from Norway to Singapore shows how stepping into something new can lead to meaningful experiences. From adapting to a tropical climate to building friendships across cultures, his journey highlights the value of keeping an open mind and has changed his outlook on life and work. "When you’re exposed to different perspectives, you begin to see the world through a more nuanced lens," he reflects.
"You understand that decisions are often shaped by cultural and environmental factors, which helps you become more empathetic and open-minded."
Kjell’s gratitude for Odfjell’s role in his journey is unmistakable. "From colleagues in Bergen to the team in Singapore, everyone has been genuinely invested in my transition. It’s this sense of community that makes Odfjell exceptional."
He encourages others to consider an expat role if the opportunity arises:
"Take the leap. It’s not just about professional growth but also about the personal experiences that come with it. And don’t forget, karaoke can be a great icebreaker, even if your song of choice is 'All I Want for Christmas,'" he jokes.
