Management Team  


Ang Poh Seng

CEO of The Learning Lab

Mr Ang Poh Seng brings a wealth of experience to The Learning Lab, having commenced his professional journey as an auditor with Ernst and Young and PwC. His career trajectory led him to the position of vice president at the Rockstead Capital Group, a private equity firm, followed by roles as Chief Financial Officer in reputable clean energy companies such as Asia Water Technology Ltd and Asia Power Co. Ltd.

Notably, Poh Seng's tenure at EtonHouse International showcased his remarkable leadership skills. Initially joining as Group CFO, he seamlessly expanded his responsibilities to oversee Operations and eventually assumed the role of CEO for the China business. His recent appointment as Group Deputy CEO, in conjunction with his continued role as Group CFO, speaks volumes about his multifaceted capabilities.

Poh Seng's proven track record in leadership, operational excellence, and financial acumen will be instrumental in propelling The Learning Lab towards unprecedented success in line with our business objectives. 

Dr Lubna Alsagoff

Director of Curriculum and Pedagogy

Lubna is Director of Curriculum at The Learning Lab, and heads a team of over 50 curriculum specialists in the subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and Chinese. Prior to helming the Curriculum teams at The Learning Lab, Lubna was an Associate Professor at the National Institute of Education (NIE), where she held a number of positions including Head of English Language and Literature and Associate Dean at the Office of Education Research. She began her academic career at The National University of Singapore after completing her doctoral degree at Stanford University on a university overseas graduate scholarship.

A noted linguist and education researcher, Lubna has published research on Singapore English and produced two scholarly monographs on the dynamicity of English as an international language: Principles and Practices of English as an International Language, US, UK: Routledge and The Global-Local Interface and Hybridity: Exploring language and identity, UK: Multilingual Matters. Lubna is a teacher at heart, having taught and supervised student research for over 20 years at various universities including the National University of Singapore, Stanford University, University of Social Sciences, and the National Institute of Education, and has published books for teachers and students, including A Visual Grammar of English, Singapore: Pearson, and Grammar for Secondary 1-5: Reference Book. London, UK: Hodder Education.

Katherine Huang

Director of Enrolment and Customer Service

Katherine spearheads the enrolment and customer service teams at The Learning Lab. Prior to this role, she served as Vice President and Strategic Initiatives Leader for Great Eastern’s Agency and Financial Adviser platform for the region. Across a span of 15 years, she has held key leadership positions in product management and training, business development, sales management and wealth management.

In her role with The Learning Lab, Katherine is deeply committed towards driving quality service that can strengthen the customer experience. She spends her time thinking about how to enrich the journeys of our parents and students, and how their unique needs can be addressed in the ever-evolving education sphere.

Katherine is passionate about touching lives and contributing back to the community. She regularly volunteers with her two children to deliver meals to home-bound senior citizens in the hopes of improving their quality of life.

Lynette Ann Liew

Director of Teaching and Quality Management

Lynette graduated from NUS with a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature. She obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in education (PGDE, Secondary) and a Master of Education (M.Ed. Curriculum and Teaching) from the National Institute of Education. In 2012, she received the distinguished Fulbright Award for Teaching where she was attached to the University of Maryland in the United States on a professional and cultural exchange programme with a focus on developing 21st century competencies in students. Lynette brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience having been in education for 20 years.

As Director of Teaching and Quality Management, Lynette, together with the Head of Centre and Teaching Excellence, leads a team of Academic Directors, Lead Subject Heads and Subject Heads in managing The Learning Lab centres across Singapore. All centres strive for pedagogical excellence, which is guided by the Teaching Quality Assurance Framework (TQuAF), and is driven by a culture of community, collaboration and professional learning among the teachers. Lynette and her team endeavour to deliver a TLL classroom experience that demonstrates value to both parents and students.

Mabel Lim

Head of Centre Planning and Excellence

Mabel Lim graduated from NTU with a bachelor’s degree (with honours) in Business. She joined The Learning Lab in 2008, beginning her career in the Client Services department. In 2010, she moved to the Planning and Operations team to continue honing her skills in operational planning and management. Having been with The Learning lab for close to a decade, she truly believes in the unique learning experience students have with us as they learn and grow into confident future-ready individuals who go on to fulfil their dreams.

As Head of Centre Planning and Excellence, Mabel oversees the class planning and operations across all The Learning Lab’s facilities. She leads her team in matching the best teachers for each class and creating the optimum blend of subjects and timings to match parents and students’ needs. Mabel’s unwavering commitment to our students is underscored by her genuine care for them — this drives her and her team to put great thought into each task they accomplish in ensuring smooth operational excellence at The Learning Lab.

Michelle Chen

Director of Planning, Enrolment and Customer Experience

Michelle’s journey with TLL began in 2011, fueled by a Business Management degree and a fervent passion for customer service. This passion soon saw her taking the helm as Head of Enrolment and Customer Services at Tampines Mall in 2016. Michelle's dedication wasn't confined to a single location. In 2017, she returned to United Square, where her transformative leadership spurred her teams to new heights. Under her guidance, they consistently delivered service that exceeded expectations, strengthening the very foundation of our student and parent journeys. 

Now, Michelle harnesses her expertise and passion to oversee class planning and operations across all TLL facilities. Her dedication to ensuring optimal learning experiences is evident in how she meticulously matches students and teachers, timings, and classrooms, all while keeping the needs of parents and students at the heart of every decision. 

Michelle's commitment goes beyond operations. She is deeply invested in nurturing a love of learning in every student. This core value is woven into every task she and her team undertake, ensuring that TLL fosters a vibrant and inspiring environment where every child can thrive.

Fiona Tan

Associate Director of Marketing and Communications

Boasting a strong portfolio in digital, performance marketing and analytics, Fiona Tan is Associate Director of Marketing & Communications at The Learning Lab. She joins the company from Google, where she previously held the role of APAC Performance Media Manager and led APAC Performance Marketing for Google Chrome browser and Chromebook business, as well as global workstreams for Chrome.

Fiona is no stranger to TLL, having been its Digital and Marketing Analytics Lead from 2019 to 2021, lending her expertise to the brand’s web and digital paid strategy and the implementation of Adobe Analytics.

Therese Cheng

Head of Curriculum and Teaching Excellence

An educator for 20 years, Therese started her journey in the education sphere as an editor for educational books after she graduated from NUS with a Bachelor’s degree in English Language (Hons). With a desire to go further in the field, she attained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE, Secondary) from NIE and specialised in teaching the General Paper thereafter. 

In 2009, she joined TLL, and through the years, she was involved in teaching, shaping the secondary curriculum as well as mentoring and training new teachers. She has been part of the management team in many roles, first helming the team at Marine Parade Central as the Academic Director, before taking on the role of the Lead Subject Head of English to lead the English pedagogy. Therese later also took on the role of the Head of Centre Excellence, overseeing the TLL centres across Singapore.

In her present role as the Head of Curriculum and Teaching Excellence, Therese works in close partnership with the English, Maths and Science curriculum teams and the Teacher Development and Quality Management unit not only to ensure high quality in TLL's curriculum and delivery, but also to perpetuate the TLL magic – by engaging curious minds, stretching imaginations and motivating all our charges to reach for the stars.

 

Academic Team


Crystal Ngu

Head of English Curriculum

Crystal graduated from Singapore Management University in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Accountancy and a bachelor’s degree in Business Management (Finance). Although an accountant by training, she joined The Learning Lab in 2011 after working in a multinational accounting firm for two and a half years to pursue her love for languages and has been with TLL for the past six and a half years. An avid language learner, she learnt German for three years and is currently pursuing a course in Japanese. She is passionate about books and believes that a love for the language and reading opens up many wonderful worlds to children and helps them develop new perspectives on life.

As Head of English Curriculum at The Learning Lab, Crystal leads a team of curriculum specialists who plan, research and write English curriculum across all levels at The Learning Lab. With her team, she analyses trends in school assessments and continually looks for new and innovative ways to ensure that lessons materials help students meet examination needs as much as they help students build a love for the language.

Jay Pillai

Head of English Curriculum

Jay is a Ministry of Education (MOE) scholar and professional developer with 20 years of experience in EL pedagogy and curriculum. She was also a Head of Department for English Language and Literature. She has taught students in the Gifted Education and Integrated Programmes, as well as in government schools.

After leaving MOE, she set up Jay Professional Learning Consultancy due to her keen interest and ability to develop professional development workshops and curriculum for educators. She completed her Master in Curriculum and Teaching, at the National Institute of Education, Singapore in 2011, after which she worked for the English Language Institute of Singapore, MOE.

Jay believes in living her personal and professional life based on three key questions: Where am I now? Where do I need to go to? How do I get there?

Goh Wan Mei

Head of Mathematics Curriculum

Wan Mei graduated from the National University of Singapore in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics. She joined The Learning Lab since graduating from NUS and has been developing the Mathematics curriculum in TLL for the past 12 years. Due to her belief in the importance of influencing and making a positive impact on young lives, she joined TLL to pursue a career in education. She believes that it is essential to help every child see the beauty and usefulness of mathematics in the real world. She is also a proud mother of a baby girl.

As Head of Mathematics Curriculum at The Learning Lab, Wan Mei leads a team of curriculum specialists who plan, research and write Mathematics curriculum across all levels at The Learning Lab. She leads her team in analysing trends in school exam papers and with them, continually develops materials, games, activities, and other learning tools that help students meet exam needs as much as they help students understand the deep relationships between math and our daily lives.

Chen Yilin

Head of Science Curriculum

Yilin graduated from National University of Singapore in 2009 with a Bachelor Degree in Science (Chemistry). Upon graduation, she decided to join the education industry as she is passionate in educating young minds. She believes that it is important to develop curiosity of the world in children which helps them to be open-minded towards new adventures, ideas and even interest. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family and friends.

As Head of Science Curriculum at The Learning Lab, Yilin leads a team of curriculum specialists who plan, research and write Science curriculum across all levels at The Learning Lab. Together with her team, she analyses trends in school exam papers and with them, continually develops materials, games, experiments and other learning tools that help students develop a deep love for Science as they meet exam needs in school.

Juliana Cheong

Lead Head of English

Having graduated from National University of Singapore with a Bachelor’s degree in English Language, Juliana moved from the banking industry into the education sector as she found much joy in teaching and nurturing young minds. She joined TLL in 2013 and became Subject Head for Upper Primary English at United Square in 2018.

As the Lead Head of English, Juliana works in close partnership with her team of English Subject Heads across all centres, the curriculum team and English teachers in ensuring quality in our English lessons – by finding the optimal balance between technical knowledge required for academic excellence and curating lesson experiences that will prove to be memorable in every student’s learning journey.

Choo Swee Heng

Lead Head of Mathematics

Swee Heng graduated from the NUS with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. After working for several years, she decided to answer the calling to work in education at The Learning Lab. Over the last 9 years, she has continued to further her knowledge in the teaching of mathematics, including the completion of a master’s degree in education that will serve her and her team well in continually bettering our students’ experiences at The Learning Lab.

As the Lead Head of Mathematics, Swee Heng works in close partnership with Mathematics teachers and the curriculum team in ensuring quality in our Mathematics lessons — finding the optimal balance between technical knowledge required for academic excellence and critical learning experiences that are crucial in every student’s journey of self-discovery.

Karen Lau

Lead Head of Science

Karen graduated from NUS with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and has a postgraduate diploma in Education from NIE. Inspired by her Chemistry teacher, she was determined to inspire many more to develop the lifelong love of learning Science.  Her strong passion to educate children in ways that help them both within and beyond the classroom is complemented by her strong ability to lead, guide and mentor teachers. Having been part of The Learning Lab since 2004, Karen is devoted to continually enhance the quality of Science education for students and the professional development of teachers.

As the Lead Head of Science, Karen works in close partnership with science teachers and the curriculum team in ensuring quality for Science at The Learning Lab — finding the optimal balance between knowledge and skills required for academic excellence, and crafting learning experiences that nurture positive learning dispositions.

Charis Sim

Academic Director
Tampines Mall, Century Square and Seletar Mall

Charis graduated from SMU with a bachelor’s degree in business management in 2010 and holds a master’s degree in education from NIE (2015). She's been with The Learning Lab since 2010 and believes that the best thing about teaching is getting to interact with children. Additionally, she feels that teachers at The Learning Lab pride themselves in nurturing the love of learning in our students.

As Academic Director of Tampines, Charis provides academic leadership for teachers to ensure quality standards remain high and are consistent across the teaching team. She leads the academic team, comprising Mathematics, English and Science Subject Heads, to provide proactive support to teachers through training, coaching and mentoring sessions. The academic team also works closely with the curriculum teams to ensure that the curriculum meets students’ needs and expectations.

Julio Mendoza

Academic Director
Marine Parade Central, Tampines, Century Square

Julio graduated from La Trobe University Australia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology in 2011. As a strong believer in the power and importance of education, Julio sought to channel his skills and knowledge into his calling as a teacher and joined The Learning Lab in 2016. Combining his wealth of life experiences spanning across the globe with his passion for pursuing excellence in academics, sport and art, one of Julio’s greatest joys is to bring a holistic and enriching approach to learning into the classroom.

As Academic Director of Marine Parade Central, Tampines Mall, Century Square, Julio provides academic leadership for teachers to ensure quality standards remain high and are consistent across the teaching team. He leads the academic team, comprising English, Mathematics and Science Subject Heads, to provide proactive support to teachers through training, coaching and mentoring sessions. The academic team also works closely with the curriculum teams to ensure that the curriculum meets students’ needs and expectations. 

Lee Sue Lynn

Academic Director
Early Years and Lower Primary, United Square

Sue Lynn graduated from NUS with a bachelor’s degree in English Language. She has always had a strong conviction that a child’s learning journey starts from a very young age. At The Learning Lab, she is inspired to work with young children in their formative years and hopes to inspire in them a deep love for learning that fuels a passion that burns brightly even outside the classroom. Having joined The Learning Lab fresh out of university in 2009, she has been enjoying a fulfilling journey of growth. Together with the team of Early Years teachers, she envisions The Learning Lab as the start of a memorable and endless learning journey for children.

As Academic Director of Early Years, Sue Lynn provides academic leadership for all teachers in the Early Years team to ensure quality standards remain high and are consistent across the teaching team. She leads the academic team, comprising English and Math Subject Heads, to provide proactive support to teachers through training, coaching and mentoring sessions. The academic team also works closely with the curriculum teams to ensure that the curriculum meets students’ needs and expectations.

Feodora Tang

Academic Director
Rochester Mall

Feodora graduated from Queen Mary, University of London with a bachelor’s degree in Law. She first experienced the joy of teaching in Japan where she taught English to both adults and children. After leaving legal practice in 2013, Feodora joined The Learning Lab as a Specialist Teacher in English. Subsequently, she took on the role as Centre Director (Westgate) before her appointment as Academic Director (Rochester Mall). Together with a team of dedicated and nurturing teachers, Feodora strives to nurture the love of learning in every student by providing a supportive and engaging environment for the students to achieve their personal bests.

As Academic Director of Rochester Mall, Feodora provides academic leadership for teachers to ensure quality standards remain high and are consistent across the teaching team. Feodora leads the academic team, comprising Mathematics, English and Science Subject Heads to provide proactive support to teachers through training, coaching and mentoring sessions. The academic team also works closely with the curriculum teams to ensure that the curriculum meets students’ needs and expectations.

Phua Kaiying

Academic Director
Jem and Choa Chu Kang

Kaiying graduated from SMU with a bachelor’s degree in Accountancy. Having always been enthusiastic about education and working with children, Kaiying joined The Learning Lab in 2012 as a Specialist Teaching Associate. Learning did not stop there. Being adept in classroom instruction and parent-teacher relations, Kaiying ventured beyond just educating students. She became the Centre Director (Bukit Batok) in 2015 before her recent appointment as Academic Director (Westgate, Jem and CCK). Together with the highly-energetic and nurturing teachers, Kaiying hopes to build a love of learning in every student that each of them might become the best version of themselves.

As Academic Director of JEM, Choa Chu Kang and Westgate, Kaiying provides academic leadership for teachers to ensure quality standards remain high and are consistent across the teaching team. She leads the academic team, comprising Mathematics, English and Science Subject Heads, to provide proactive support to teachers through training, coaching and mentoring sessions. The academic team also works closely with the curriculum teams to ensure that the curriculum meets students’ needs and expectations.

Lim Wan Ping

Academic Director
Secondary and Junior College, United Square

Wan Ping graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from NUS and joined The Learning Lab teaching Maths and Science. With more than 13 years in TLL, she has taken on many roles including being a mentor, trainer and curriculum vetter. From 2017 to 2022, she led the Upper Primary Maths team in United Square as Subject Head for Maths, before she was appointed the Academic Director of the Secondary and Junior College team.

As Academic Director of United Square, Secondary and Junior College, Wan Ping provides academic leadership for teachers to ensure quality standards remain high and are consistent across the teaching team. As an educator who is deeply passionate about teaching, she believes that instilling a growth mindset will encourage students to learn from mistakes and challenge themselves such that their potential is truly realised. She also believes in empowering teachers to cultivate the best practices and pedagogical approaches to provide a positive learning experience for students at TLL.

Soo Wai Kit

Academic Director
Online Programmes, Seletar Mall, Woodleigh

Wai Kit graduated with a bachelor's degree in Life Sciences from NUS in 2010, with a Joint Minor in Environmental Ecology from the University of Toronto.

After discovering his passion for teaching as an Education Officer in what is now known as the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, Wai Kit joined The Learning Lab as a specialist primary school Science teacher and also became part of the pioneering team of teachers who started teaching secondary science lessons at TLL. In 2016, he led the science teachers in Tampines as Subject Head for three years before he was appointed as Academic Director of Marine Parade Central from 2019 to 2021.

Wai Kit is passionate about inspiring future thinkers and confident problem-solvers. He believes that a strong partnership between teachers, parents and learners is the bedrock for a learner’s uninhibited growth to achieve their potential.

As Academic Director of Seletar Mall and Woodleigh, Wai Kit provides academic leadership for teachers to ensure quality standards remain high and are consistent across the teaching team. He leads the academic team, comprising Mathematics, English and Science Subject Heads, to provide proactive support to teachers through training, coaching and mentoring sessions. The academic team also works closely with the curriculum teams to ensure that the curriculum meets students’ needs and expectations.

Additionally, as Academic Director of Online Programmes, Wai Kit oversees TLL’s suite of fully online programmes for the Singapore market. He works closely with the relevant curriculum and teaching teams to understand the needs of our students and parents and to refine and ensure quality of the online programmes.

Hong Jiayi

Academic Director
JEM, Chua Chu Kang, Rochester Mall

Jiayi graduated from NUS with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. As someone who is passionate about driving meaningful change in the world, she found herself drawn to a career in education and joined The Learning Lab in in November 2014 as a teacher. She was appointed as the Subject Head for English at the West centres in December 2017. Ever the quiet and unassuming leader, her consistent dedication and application in her work has added much value in the learning of students and teachers alike at the centre. With her strong team playing abilities, she has also supported her predecessor well in making the West centres a well-organised team.

As Academic Director of JEM and Chua Chu Kang from 2020 to 2023, and most recently with The Learning Lab (Rochester) under Jiayi’s purview, Jiayi provides academic leadership for teachers to ensure quality standards remain high and are consistent across the teaching team. She leads the academic team, comprising Mathematics, English and Science Subject Heads, to provide proactive support to teachers through training, coaching and mentoring sessions. The academic team also works closely with the curriculum teams to ensure that the curriculum meets students’ needs and expectations.

Joyce Simpson

Academic Director
Upper Primary, United Square

Joyce graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Social Science, with majors in Political Science and Corporate Communications, from Singapore Management University. After having spent a couple of years in another industry, Joyce decided to join The Learning Lab in March 2014, fuelled by her passion to nurture a love for learning in children and to put the whole learner at the heart of things. Over the years, Joyce has taught a range of TLL English classes, spanning from Early Years to Upper Primary and GEP students. Between 2017 and 2020, Joyce served as the English Subject Head at The Learning Lab (Rochester). As a subject head, she trained and mentored a team of passionate English teachers to deliver effective and inspiring lessons that bring out the best in every child before she was appointed as Academic Director at The Learning Lab (Rochester) from 2021 to 2023.

As Academic Director of United Square and Upper Primary, Joyce provides academic leadership for teachers to ensure quality standards remain high and are consistent across the teaching team. Joyce leads the academic team, comprising Mathematics, English and Science Subject Heads to provide proactive support to teachers through training, coaching and mentoring sessions. The academic team also works closely with the curriculum teams to ensure that the curriculum meets students’ needs and expectations.