Catherine Goh gets acquainted with the Volvo EC40.
On a rainy November morning, The Peak joined Catherine Goh, CEO of Santan, for MyVolvoVibe, an experiential road trip in the all-electric Volvo EC40. Over coffee and breakfast at Fennel & Co in Bukit Damansara, the day’s adventure was laid out and included a mixture of adrenaline-fuelled challenges, scenic drives, and mindful pauses.
Each activity was purposeful and designed to test our focus, composure, and reflexes behind the wheel, while showcasing how a vehicle can transform into a personal sanctuary on the road. The journey began with a 30-minute drive to MAEPS Serdang, and for Catherine, who was new to electric vehicles, it was a chance to get acquainted with the EC40’s smooth handling, responsive acceleration, and quiet cabin.
As the clouds parted and sunlight broke through, the car’s effortless performance invited confidence and focus. At the destination awaited a series of playful yet challenging driving activities, each designed to test control, reflexes, and composure under pressure.
Test-Drive Thrills
Putting the Volvo EC40 through its paces.
The first challenge, Zero to Hundred Reaction, had Catherine sprint from 0 to 100 km/h while being recorded on GoPro, capturing not just the speed but the reactions in the cabin. Next came Text While Slalom, where she skilfully typed: “My Volvo went full vibrational-voyager today when a moody moose casually waltzed across the road like a fluffy Scandinavian boss” while navigating the twists of the slalom course.
From slaloms to surprise lane changes, every challenge came with its own brand of fun.
Quick reflexes were further tested in Don’t Hit the Moose, requiring engagement of ABS braking to avoid a moose teddy perched atop a cone. In Lane Change (Don’t Hit Luigi), a last-minute lane switch demanded precise timing and composure. Catherine tackled each challenge with calm efficiency and a sense of humour, demonstrating both her ability to focus under pressure and her enjoyment of the playful spirit of the day.
Lunch & Reflection
A lunch stop at Kikyo provided a perfect reprieve after an exhilarating drive.
After a morning of high-energy challenges, the group made their way back to the city, pausing for lunch at Kikyo Restaurant, a haven for contemporary Japanese cuisine. Over thoughtfully prepared dishes, Catherine and fellow MyVolvoVibe guests Adele Low, Charis Ow, Farah Ann, and Sharifah Sakinah reflected on the morning’s activities, the nuances of driving an electric vehicle.
In between courses, we charted on Catherine’s role at Santan, AirAsia’s food and beverage brand. Launched in 2015, Santan provides inflight meals and operates ground-based cafes, serving a mix of traditional ASEAN dishes and Western-Asian fusion creations.
Managing operations, innovation, and future offerings for such a high-paced enterprise requires a steady hand — something Catherine clearly demonstrated both on the road and off.
Drive Into Nature
Stopping by for an impromptu picnic at Janda Baik.
Refreshed, the group set out for the scenic roads of Janda Baik. Here, the EC40 shone as a crossover, gliding effortlessly from urban streets into winding country roads. The drive offered a chance to shift gears — literally and figuratively — from the intensity of the morning to a more reflective pace.
It was the perfect setting for “A Scenic State of Mind”, a concept designed to show how the Volvo could become a transition zone between work, travel, and personal reflection. Pulling over beside a small stream, we unpacked a picnic basket of Scandinavian-inspired treats.
Catherine’s smile and relaxed demeanour spoke volumes: “It’s so random and a perfect way to wind down,” she admitted. For over an hour, we savoured fresh air, quiet scenery, and the opportunity to pause, reset, and reconnect. A momentary, yet welcome, reprieve from an eventful day.
Stories Around A Bonfire
Stories around a campfire. An evening of sharing during MyVolvoVibe.
Evening brought the journey to Tiarasa Escapes, where the focus shifted from adventure to conversation. A warm bonfire set the stage for a fireside chat, with Catherine and the group sharing stories, reflections, and laughter.
Firelight, real stories, and women who drive with purpose.
The discussion centred on women behind the wheel, the balance between composure and confidence, and what drives them in life and work. The setting was intimate, playful, and authentic, serving as a natural extension of the day’s experiences that blended thrills, mindfulness, and personal insight.
Our guests bringing MyVolvoVibe to a close.
The following morning, MyVolvoVibe concluded with a light-hearted awards segment, celebrating both driving skills and personality traits observed over the two-day journey. Categories ranged from Most Anxious Behind the Wheel to Fearless Driver of the Day.
Catherine earned the Calmest Driver Under Pressure Award, a fitting recognition of her composure and focus — qualities that mirror her role at the helm of one of the world’s most dynamic in-flight food and beverage operators.
A Journey To Remember
From test-drive chaos to fireside clarity — this was a road trip for the books.
From adrenaline-charged test drives to scenic pauses and fireside conversations, the MyVolvoVibe experience with Catherine was a journey of discovery, reflection, and connection. The Volvo EC40 demonstrated not only smooth power and cutting-edge technology but also how a vehicle can be a companion in both challenge and calm. Above all, the road trip highlighted the qualities that drive women behind the wheel: focus, poise, curiosity, and the ability to enjoy the journey along the way.
