Singapore scored a parallel gold medal at the 13th Asian Games in 1998, when its best ladies team in the International 420 Class came in first which complemented the gold medal achievement by the Men's team in the same event. Joan Huang and Naomi Tan, a student and teacher pair, were outstanding in their debut for the event. Their achievement won for themselves the Best Team of the Year Award for 1998.

Naomi and Joan sacrificed much to ensure that they were prepared adequately for their quest for the gold. Joan had to postpone her 'O' Level examinations by a year to ensure that she concentrated full time in her preparations while Naomi, a teacher, had to forgo her pay, having to take unpaid leave to train for the event.

Apart from winning the Best Team title, Joan Huang was also accredited with the Sportswoman of the Year Award the same year for her consistent performance and outstanding achievement in sailing over the years. She was only 16 years old when she partnered Naomi for the event to win the gold for Singapore.