Collaborative leader with dedication to partnering with coworkers to promote engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Student Development (& Alumni Relations)
Singapore Polytechnic
09.2016 - 12.2022
Led a department of 30 staff made up of student development officers and admin staff.
Provided holistic education for students by offering non academic learning opportunities to enhance their life skill sets
Introduced Experiential Learning as a pedagogy to the CCA clubs
Introduced learning outcomes (Club Rubrics) to achieve graduate attributes as defined by the institution.
Chaired the Community Engagement Programme CEP (students portion)
Provided leadership programme for club and school leaders.
Provided learning opportunities through service learning clubs, programme and activities.
Worked with the International Student Club to integrate international students into the polytechnic environment.
Established relationships with alumni (till April 2020 where business model changed).
Worked closely with organizational (Senior Management) leadership to guide operational strategy and direction.
Established departmental performance goals and provided feedback for underperforming areas.
Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
Monitored and coordinated workflows to optimize resources.
Formed strategic partnerships and connected with the stakeholders* (CCA clubs, the schools, other IHLs, MOE).
Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
Interacted well with stakeholders* to build connections and nurture relationships.
Evaluated department documentation to verify alignment with regulatory requirements.
Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen work flows.
Monitored expenditures to mitigate risk of overages.
Monitored office workflow and administrative processes to keep operations running smoothly.
Trained new employees on proper protocols.
Handled problematic stakeholders to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
Managed purchasing and procurement efficiently.
Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions.
Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
Launched staff engagement in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
Involved in the student discipline panel.
Involved in the interview panel for student scholarship.
Involved in the review panel for student bursary.
Oversaw the design and implementation of institutional module (Sports for Life).
Chairman of polytechnic forum (rotational amongst the polys).
Deputy Director, SP Design School
Singapore Polytechnic
07.2013 - 08.2015
Led a team of 12 staff from both academic and technical support.
Supported the school in the area of student development, technical support and outreach.
Determined agenda, developed plans and oversaw implementation of programs and updates.
Improved coordination and communications across organization to increase operational efficiency.
Contributed to short- and long-term strategic planning for the school.
Design operations with strategic process improvements.
Liaised between organization and affiliates and managed networking relationships with stakeholders.
Delivered data outcomes to internal and external staff to drive continuous improvement and stakeholders engagement.
Turned mandates into actionable operational strategies.
Participated in risk assessment analysis for all new lines of business and for continuation of existing lines of business.
Created and updated records and files to maintain document compliance.
Created and updated physical records and digital files to maintain current, accurate, and compliant documentation.
Trained and mentored new employees on business operations.
Worked closely with management to provide effective assistance for specific aspects of business operations.
Led team of academic and technical professionals in special projects and daily operations.
Tracked key business metrics and made recommendations for proactive adjustments to policies and procedures.
Partnered with educators to instruct and mentor students with developmental and physical disabilities.
Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
Cultivated school-wide culture of innovation and collaboration.
Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
Senior Manager, Design School
Singapore Polytechnic
04.2010 - 06.2013
Led a team of 10 teaching staff.
Course Chair of Diploma in Interior Design.
Looked after the technical support team.
Provided pedagogical direction for the course for all 3 years of studies.
Provided strong leadership to enhance team capability, performance and morale.
Implemented and developed operational standards, policies and procedures.
Conducted performance evaluations, training, mentoring and hiring to maintain appropriate staffing requirements.
Evaluated hiring and promotions.
Reviewed and analyzed student feedback to obtain data required for improving teaching and learning opportunities.
Held monthly meetings to create and improve business plans and workshops to drive successful goals.
Executed appropriate staffing and budgetary plans to align with business forecasts.
Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry stakeholders.
Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
Lecturer (Common Foundation Programme Chair)
Singapore Polytechnic
01.2007 - 03.2010
Led and chaired the inaugural Common Foundation for the SP Design School
Functional Leader for 5 teaching staff.
Designed and Implemented the Common Foundation Programme (in Semester 1) for all year 1s entering into the SP Design School.
Taught in the Interior Design course in Semester 2.
Collaborated with faculty and staff to create meaningful learning experiences.
Mentored and advised students to explore career pathways based and amplify knowledge, skills and strengths.
Participated in conferences and professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date with latest trends in field.
Had regular studio sessions to guide and mentor students in their projects on a 1 on 1 basis.
Selected and designed lesson plans and curriculum to meet academic objectives.
Designed and delivered lectures and presentations to students.
Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
Arranged syllabus, developed schedule, and determined reading list for varied courses simultaneously, giving students appropriate time to complete assignments and absorb information.
Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
Led seminars and workshops to facilitate student learning and engagement.
Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process.
Evaluated and supervised student activities and performance levels to provide reports on academic progress.
Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
Applied innovative teaching methods to encourage student learning objectives.
Assessed students' progress and provided feedback to enhance learning.
Created materials and exercises to illustrate application of course concepts.
Conducted engaging in-class discussions to facilitate learning and encourage participation.
Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class session in accord with stated course objectives.
Graded assignments and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
Developed semester outlines and instructional plans for each class session to comply with stated course objectives.
Designed and implemented various educational activities and programs to meet student needs.
Taught diverse student population by employing various learning styles and abilities.
Created positive and safe learning environment for students by setting and enforcing classroom code of conduct.
Created excitement and enthusiasm in classroom by delivering engaging subject matter.
Reviewed program materials and coordinated updates to keep department materials relevant and accurate.
Met with students to dispense study and career advice and provide guidance and potential opportunities within chosen field.
Involved in Student Development arm of the school - club advisor for Design School Club.
Lecturer
LASALLE College Of The Arts
09.2004 - 01.2007
Taught in Diploma, Degree and Masters Level in the area of Interior Design.
Collaborated with faculty and staff to create meaningful learning experiences.
Mentored and advised students to explore career pathways based and amplify knowledge, skills and strengths.
Participated in conferences and professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date with latest trends in field.
Had regular studio sessions to guide and mentor students in their projects on a 1 on 1 basis.
Selected and designed lesson plans and curriculum to meet academic objectives.
Designed and delivered lectures and presentations to students.
Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
Arranged syllabus, developed schedule, and determined reading list for varied courses simultaneously, giving students appropriate time to complete assignments and absorb information.
Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
Led seminars and workshops to facilitate student learning and engagement.
Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process.
Evaluated and supervised student activities and performance levels to provide reports on academic progress.
Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
Applied innovative teaching methods to encourage student learning objectives.
Assessed students' progress and provided feedback to enhance learning.
Created materials and exercises to illustrate application of course concepts.
Conducted engaging in-class discussions to facilitate learning and encourage participation.
Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class session in accord with stated course objectives.
Graded assignments and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
Developed semester outlines and instructional plans for each class session to comply with stated course objectives.
Designed and implemented various educational activities and programs to meet student needs.
Taught diverse student population by employing various learning styles and abilities.
Created positive and safe learning environment for students by setting and enforcing classroom code of conduct.
Created excitement and enthusiasm in classroom by delivering engaging subject matter.
Reviewed program materials and coordinated updates to keep department materials relevant and accurate.
Met with students to dispense study and career advice and provide guidance and potential opportunities within chosen field.
Studio Manager
Pico Art International Pte Ltd
11.2003 - 09.2004
Planned and executed programme to improve the communication and morale of the designers.
Provided training and upskilling programme for the designers.
Design and implemented a new and fresh look for the design studio.
Adjunct Lecturer
Singapore Polytechnic
07.2003 - 06.2004
Organized, prepared, and delivered course material.
Engaged students with insightful and compelling classroom discussion of topics relevant to coursework to boost student learning and retention.
Taught classes in architectural design and principles
Collaborated with faculty and staff to create meaningful learning experiences.
Mentored and advised students to explore career pathways based and amplify knowledge, skills and strengths.
Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
Led seminars and workshops to facilitate student learning
Evaluated and supervised student learning and performance levels.
Created positive and safe learning environment for students by setting and enforcing classroom code of conduct.
Created excitement and enthusiasm in classroom by delivering engaging subject matter.
Guided students in researching, structuring and presenting the projects.
Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and consultations.
Assessed students' progress and provided feedback to enhance learning.
Adjunct Lecturer
LASALLE College Of The Arts
01.2001 - 06.2003
Organized, prepared, and delivered course material.
Engaged students with insightful and compelling classroom discussion of topics relevant to coursework to boost student learning and retention.
Taught classes in architectural design and principles
Collaborated with faculty and staff to create meaningful learning experiences.
Mentored and advised students to explore career pathways based and amplify knowledge, skills and strengths.
Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
Led seminars and workshops to facilitate student learning
Evaluated and supervised student learning and performance levels.
Created positive and safe learning environment for students by setting and enforcing classroom code of conduct.
Created excitement and enthusiasm in classroom by delivering engaging subject matter.
Guided students in researching, structuring and presenting the projects.
Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and consultations.
Assessed students' progress and provided feedback to enhance learning.
Project Manager
National Volunteer Centre
01.2001 - 07.2001
Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.
Achieved project deadlines by coordinating with contractors to manage performance.
Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management.
Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
Developed and initiated projects, managed costs, and monitored performance.
Provided details and operational direction in project challenges, consistently meeting deliverables according to deadlines.
Coordinated material procurement and required services for projects within budget requirements.
Managed projects from procurement to commission.
Negotiated and managed third-party contracts related to project deliverables.
Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed.
Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
Tracked project and team member performance closely to quickly intervene in mistakes or delays.
Developed and implemented project plans and budgets to ensure successful execution.
Sourced, vetted and managed vendors needed to accomplish project goals.
Architectural Designer
RDC Architects Pte Ltd
07.1997 - 12.2000
Reviewed technical drawings developed by CAD technicians and drafters.
Researched materials to determine appropriate selection for projects.
Attended team meetings to resolve technical and project issues and review project schedules.
Performed complex architectural and design assignments, applying innovative architectural design concepts and advanced professional knowledge.
Verified construction documentation to meet client requirements and vision.
Conducted pre-planning studies for new construction and renovations to buildings and facilities that included specialized functions.
Coordinated with cross-functional teams to improve structure sustainability and design.
Reviewed contractor proposals to determine favorable partnerships for on-time and under-budget project completion.
Evaluated project requirements to identify and mitigate risks.
Communicated with vendors and contractors to incorporate input into project designs.
Maintained quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements, illustrations and documentation.
Monitored and analyzed project costs and resource allocation to mitigate overages.
Refined conceptual designs into detailed plans by adding floor plans, elevations and section drawings.
Produced detailed drawings and specifications used by contractors and engineers to build projects.
Created detailed plans for construction projects within equipment specifications and budgeting.
Determined project costs and made adjustments to keep projects within budget.
Inspected contractor and sub-contractor work to verify construction met quality standards and complied with building codes.
Solicited bids from contractors and negotiated to secure best possible prices.
Assessed building site suitability based on topography, zoning and access to utilities.
Participated in design competitions.
Architectural Intern
SRT Architects Ltd
07.1994 - 06.1995
Utilized computer program AutoCAD and prepare design plans.
Performed research on structures and materials.
Organized and produced client presentations.
Completed accurate site measurements.
Assisted with designing house projects.
Worked with building contractors and client representatives.
Attended team meetings to resolve technical and project issues and review project schedules.
Researched materials to determine appropriate selection for projects.
Communicated with vendors and contractors to incorporate input into project designs.
Refined conceptual designs into detailed plans by adding floor plans, elevations and section drawings.
Inspected contractor and sub-contractor work to verify construction met quality standards and complied with building codes.
Designed custom furniture adapted to floor plans, working closely with multiple furniture vendors.
Education
Master of Arts - Urban Design
National University of Singapore
Singapore
01.2003
Bachelor of Architecture -
National University of Singapore
Singapore
07.1997
Bachelor of Arts - Architectural Studies
National University of Singapore
Singapore
07.1994
GCE A Level -
Anglo Chinese Junior College
Singapore
12.1988
GCE O Level -
Anglo Chinese Secondary School
Singapore
12.1986
Skills
Project Management
Project Coordination
Staff Development
Business Development
Business Planning
Budget Control
Strategic Planning
Creativity and Innovation
Strategies and Goals
Organizational Development
Hiring and Retention
People Development and Management
Operations Management
Company Guidelines
Crisis Management
Contract and Vendor Management
Budget Management
Issues Resolution
Collaboration
Verbal and Written Communication
Rules and Regulations
Accomplishments
Excellence in Teaching Award (2009)
Timeline
Director, Student Development (& Alumni Relations)
Singapore Polytechnic
09.2016 - 12.2022
Deputy Director, SP Design School
Singapore Polytechnic
07.2013 - 08.2015
Senior Manager, Design School
Singapore Polytechnic
04.2010 - 06.2013
Lecturer (Common Foundation Programme Chair)
Singapore Polytechnic
01.2007 - 03.2010
Lecturer
LASALLE College Of The Arts
09.2004 - 01.2007
Studio Manager
Pico Art International Pte Ltd
11.2003 - 09.2004
Adjunct Lecturer
Singapore Polytechnic
07.2003 - 06.2004
Adjunct Lecturer
LASALLE College Of The Arts
01.2001 - 06.2003
Project Manager
National Volunteer Centre
01.2001 - 07.2001
Architectural Designer
RDC Architects Pte Ltd
07.1997 - 12.2000
Architectural Intern
SRT Architects Ltd
07.1994 - 06.1995
Master of Arts - Urban Design
National University of Singapore
Bachelor of Architecture -
National University of Singapore
Bachelor of Arts - Architectural Studies
National University of Singapore
GCE A Level -
Anglo Chinese Junior College
GCE O Level -
Anglo Chinese Secondary School
Similar Profiles
GIM HONG TANGIM HONG TAN
Senior Manager, Projects at Singapore PolytechnicSenior Manager, Projects at Singapore Polytechnic