Management Team

David Ellison

Chief Executive Officer
The Learning Lab

David joined The Learning Lab in 2016 as our Chief Executive Officer after an illustrious career as part of the global leadership team at the British Council. An accomplished business leader who began his career as a teacher, David has over 20 years of international experience managing large scale teaching operations in Latin America, Europe and East Asia.

His track record of leading large teams to deliver high quality educational outcomes makes him an ideal figure to lead The Learning Lab. In particular, he brings a great mix of education management expertise, operational experience and passion for customer care which will further enhance the quality of service The Learning Lab provides to its students and their parents.

David’s compelling vision for education is a strong inspiration for The Learning Lab to prepare students to excel in the classroom and in life. Leading a dedicated team of professionals in senior management, including the Directors of Curriculum, Teaching, Operations, Finance, Human Resources as well as Marketing, Enrolment and Client Services, he continues to shape the outstanding legacy of Singapore’s top private tuition and enrichment provider.

Dr Lubna Alsagoff

Director of Curriculum
The Learning Lab

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.

Lynette Ann Liew

Head, Teacher Development and Quality Management
The Learning Lab

Lynette graduated from NUS with a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature. She obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in education (PGGE, Secondary) and a masters of education (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 on a professional and cultural exchange programme with a focus on understanding how schools in the US design, implement and deliver 21st century skills.

As Head TDQM, Lynette leads her team to ensure that the appraisal and development processes at The Learning Lab provide the necessary support for all the teaching staff to help them build their capacities as curriculum designers and pedagogical leaders. The team functions as part of the Academic Network which sees the Academic Directors, Subject Heads and Lead Subject Heads working together to provide the mentoring, coaching and training necessary to grow the teachers here into 21st century educators who will, in turn, nurture the students into future-ready 21st century citizens with a love for learning.

Justin Leow

Head, Teaching Network
The Learning Lab

Justin graduated with a bachelor’s degree with honours in English literature and a master’s degree in international relations from NTU. Since his graduation from university, Justin has worked at The Learning Lab (TLL), teaching a diverse portfolio of primary and secondary English classes each year to prepare mainstream, GEP and IP students for the PSLE, GCE ‘O’ Levels, and GCE ‘A’ Levels.

As the Head of the Teaching Network, Justin supports the academic leaders in guiding the teachers who inspire our young charges. He believes that all of us do that driven by this focus: for each and every student, for each and every lesson, the very best learning journey we can conceive. He knows that this is a tall order, but the sheer joy of watching our young learners fall in love with learning each day means that he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Eleanor Tan

Director of Marketing, Enrolment and Client Services
The Learning Lab

Eleanor Tan is Director of Marketing, Enrolment and Client Services at The Learning Lab where she leads and inspires her teams to engage with parents and students in authentic ways — always looking to improve the quality of service they receive. With a strong background in brand, product development and consumer insights, she is fully committed to a deep understanding of parent and student needs, championing the student and parent experience and finding innovative ways to make them stronger.

Over the past 17 years, she has held various leadership posts in marketing across Asia and Europe, including a number of educational institutions, both Singaporean and International. Her experience with GEMS Education gave Eleanor a firm grounding of the demands of K-12 education, bringing her into contact with parents in both China, Malaysia and Singapore, and introduced her to the challenges, goals and aspirations of pre-tertiary students. Combining this broad sector experience with the rigorous people oriented approaches she learned from her time with Philips AVENT in Hong Kong, ENGAGE Group in London and Nippon Paint in Asia, Eleanor brings a unique perspective to The Learning Lab.

With her skills, experience and knowledge, Eleanor has channelled efforts to focus on how The Learning Lab can respond to the needs of parents and students in Singapore against a changing education landscape. Since joining The Learning Lab in 2014, she has spearheaded multiple initiatives aimed at improving communications, parent relations and making enrolment processes as smooth and seamless as possible. Her work spans multiple areas to ensure the company stays fully in touch with its mission and purpose while remaining current and relevant.

Mabel Lim

Head of Centre Planning and Excellence
The Learning Lab

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.

Academic Team

Crystal Ngu

Head of English, Curriculum
The Learning Lab

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.

Goh Wan Mei

Head of Mathematics, Curriculum
The Learning Lab

Wan Mei graduated from the National University of Singapore in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics. She joined 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
The Learning Lab

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.

Peggy Gwi

Head of Chinese, Curriculum
The Learning Lab

Peggy graduated from National University of Singapore in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. After working in MOE for 15 years, she joined The Learning Lab in 2015. She believes that all students are capable of learning and the learning that is taking place is not solely academic; it also encompasses holistic experiences to help students discover themselves, nurture rightful mindsets and grow to their fullest potential.

As a Head of Chinese Curriculum at The Learning Lab, Peggy leads a team of curriculum specialists who plan, research and write Chinese curriculum across K1 – P6. She and her team continually look for new and innovative ways to not only helping students to meet exam needs but also to deepen students’ understanding and appreciation for Chinese Language and to think deeply and to reflect on what they have learnt.

Jenny Oh

Lead Head of English
The Learning Lab

Jenny graduated with a bachelor’s degree with honours in English language and a master’s degree in English Studies from NUS. After teaching in the MOE for 6 years, she decided to explore the metacognitive realm of language learning for her postgraduate research. Backed by a wealth of experience in teaching and mentoring educators since she joined The Learning Lab in 2002, Jenny’s passion for teaching is strongly evidenced in her dedication to her students and in the meticulous way she curates the student experience. With a firm belief that language mastery will always be an essential life skill and a heart for nurturing students, Jenny has been an essential part of The Learning Lab’s efforts to inspire a love of learning.

As the Lead Head of English, Jenny works in close partnership with her team of English Subject Heads across all centres, the English teachers and the curriculum team in ensuring quality in our English 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
The Learning Lab

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.

Choo Swee Heng

Lead Head of Mathematics 
The Learning Lab

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.

Sue Lynn Lee

Academic Director
Early Years and Lower Primary

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.

Tracy Yong

Academic Director, Upper Primary
United Square

Tracy graduated from NTU with a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature and also holds a diploma in Education from NIE. With 15 years of experience in education, Tracy has taught students and mentored teachers across the spectrum: from MOE schools to private centres. Her expertise and experience makes her ideal to lead and support her colleagues at the heart of TLL’s operations.

As Academic Director of United Square for Primary programmes, Tracy provides academic leadership for all primary teachers in United Square to ensure quality standards remain high and are consistent across the teaching team. Tracy 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.

Shuli Sudderuddin

Academic Director,
Secondary and JC programmes
United Square

Shuli graduated from NUS with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and subsequently from the University of Warwick with a master’s degree in Writing. She loves nothing more than introducing her students to the joys of the English language.

As Academic Director of Secondary and Junior College Programmes at United Square, Shuli provides academic leadership for teachers of older students to ensure quality standards remain high and are consistent across the teaching team. Shuli 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.

Charis Sim

Academic Director
Tampines

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 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.

Phua Kaiying

Academic Director
JEM, Choa Chu Kang and Westgate

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.

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.