Tze Han (Ryan) Ooi

I operate at the intersection of outdoor retail, brand, community, and sport, with a career built on hands-on experiences, long-term relationships and networking across the outdoor industry. I started on the retail floor, beginning in the footwear department, moving into outerwear, and eventually, the hardgoods department. I provided product solutions ranging from athletic shoes, ski outerwear, luxury brands, and ski and snowboard equipment. I have worked directly with customers and conducted training sessions with colleagues and teams before accepting a Community Ambassador role for the Ottawa region with Salomon Canada, focusing on community activations and brand partnerships. Alongside this, I have built a freelance action-sports photography practice, documenting a variety of mountain sports such as trail running, gravel biking, mountain biking, and skiing/snowboarding. While on assignments, I have spent countless hours with athletes and local communities in real environments with temperatures ranging from +40°C to -40°C. Through my photography practice, I have also worked with race directors and organizers within the Ottawa-Gatineau region to provide creative feedback to help market and grow event awareness within the region and local grassroots communities. These experiences in the outdoors have shaped how I approached my previous role in buying and procurement, where I have supported the Outerwear and Footwear categories while taking ownership of the Gear and Camp categories. Because I've worked across sales, brand, community, and product, I bring a 360° understanding of what makes outdoor brands succeed - not just in marketing campaigns, but in physical stores, the online retail space, in the field and within the communities they serve. I focus on creating value by connecting brands, retailers, athletes, and consumers, translating authentic stories and product performance into commercial results and long-term loyalty, trust, and partnerships. As I have now relocated back to my motherland (Malaysia), I'm keen on bringing the experience and talent that I've cultivated over the 5 years I've been in the Outdoor Industry and focused on opportunities where I can help outdoor brands grow while staying grounded in nature, outdoor sports, local culture and meaningful relationships in Malaysia, South East Asia, and/or the Asia Pacific region. Feel free to send me a DM, I'm always free to chat to explore ideas and opportunities!