About
Our People
At SBC, we believe that our people play various roles in serving the community. We are committed to developing a multicultural, literary arts sector and recognising excellence in literature through our initiatives.
Board of Directors
Ms Claire ChiangChairperson
Ms Claire Chiang is the co-founder and Senior Vice President of Banyan Tree Group and Global Head Learning & Talent Development. She is also the Chairperson of China Business Development, Banyan Tree Management Academy and the Banyan Tree Global Foun
Ms Claire Chiang
ChairpersonMs Claire Chiang is the co-founder and Senior Vice President of Banyan Tree Group and Global Head Learning & Talent Development. She is also the Chairperson of China Business Development, Banyan Tree Management Academy and the Banyan Tree Global Foundation, and is responsible for the strategic direction, management and operation of Banyan Tree and Angsana Galleries.
With a Master’s degree in Philosophy, Ms Chiang has taught for over 16 years at the National University of Singapore and Hong Kong University.
She is also the founder of Laguna Phuket Kindergarten. Her vision for SILK today is inspired by the need for cross-cultural exchange and a holistic, immersive education that cultivates responsible global citizenry.
Ms Chiang has served two terms as a Nominated Member of Parliament. She sits on the Global Governing Board of the Caux Round Table as Vice-Chair for Asia.
Mr Chua Hong KoonBoard Director
Chua Hong Koon is the Publishing Director at World Scientific Publishing Company. Hong Koon has more than 30 years of publishing experience working with major publishers like Pearson and Oxford University Press. He has published many types of books,
Mr Chua Hong Koon
Board DirectorChua Hong Koon is the Publishing Director at World Scientific Publishing Company. Hong Koon has more than 30 years of publishing experience working with major publishers like Pearson and Oxford University Press. He has published many types of books, from children’s books to assessment and reference books, school and higher education textbooks, trade and professional books, also Christian books. Hong Koon served as an Exco member of the Singapore Book Publishers Association for several years. He is currently an executive member of the National Book Development Council of Singapore. He has a Science degree and also a Law degree.
Mr Tan Chee LayBoard Director
Associate Professor Tan Chee Lay received his PhD in Oriental Studies from Cambridge University. A recipient of the Young Artist Award, Singapore Youth Award (Culture and the Arts) and numerous literary awards such as the Singapore literature prize,
Mr Tan Chee Lay
Board DirectorAssociate Professor Tan Chee Lay received his PhD in Oriental Studies from Cambridge University. A recipient of the Young Artist Award, Singapore Youth Award (Culture and the Arts) and numerous literary awards such as the Singapore literature prize, he is currently Deputy Head of Asian Languages and Cultures Academic Group at NIE, NTU, helping to oversee the Chinese, Malay and Tamil Divisions.
A founding member of the multilingual Poetry Festival Singapore and the Singapore Student Bilingual Literary Award, he had been the judge for Cultural Medallion, Golden Point Award, Singapore Book Prize, and SEA Write Award. A prolific writer of various genres, he has published almost 30 books of academic writing, poetry, children’s picture books, short stories, and prose.
Ms Geraldine Teo ZuzarteBoard Director
Geraldine Teo-Zuzarte, holds a PhD in Early Childhood Education and is passionate about the development of children, especially those in their Early Years. A seasoned speaker, she has presented papers in conferences and workshops both locally and int
Ms Geraldine Teo Zuzarte
Board DirectorGeraldine Teo-Zuzarte, holds a PhD in Early Childhood Education and is passionate about the development of children, especially those in their Early Years. A seasoned speaker, she has presented papers in conferences and workshops both locally and internationally.
Having been in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 30 years, Geraldine held multi-portfolios from classroom teaching to faculty appointments to overseeing the professional development of almost 3,000 ECE educators including pioneering a child study centre, which was recognized by ECDA as Outstanding Centre for Teaching and Learning and was awarded Distinction for the Early Childhood Agency Development’s Innovation Award.
Geraldine has deep theoretical and practical knowledge on ECCE and has been called upon to support national initiatives, including being appointed into the first batch of ECDA Fellows. An experienced ECE practitioner and leader, Geraldine has inspired and nurtured many young entrants to the ECCE sector and many young ECCE leaders today were her students.
Ms Priyanka ShahraBoard Director
Priyanka, a social entrepreneur, founded social enterprises One With Earth, Swapaholic, and DinoStaury, advocating for social and environmental consciousness in fashion, education and lifestyle. She serves as a board member and educator across non-pr
Ms Priyanka Shahra
Board DirectorPriyanka, a social entrepreneur, founded social enterprises One With Earth, Swapaholic, and DinoStaury, advocating for social and environmental consciousness in fashion, education and lifestyle. She serves as a board member and educator across non-profit initiatives supporting community welfare. Her passionate work in the realm of sustainable living has provided her the opportunities to speak at institutions, corporates, and initiatives, including TEDx.
Rilla Melati BahriBoard Director
Rilla is a two-time winner of the National Arts Council’s Anugerah Persuratan
(Malay Literary Award Children’s Literature Category 2018 & 2021. She has written
and published more than twenty-five children’s books and was also instrumental as
the
Rilla Melati Bahri
Board DirectorRilla is a two-time winner of the National Arts Council’s Anugerah Persuratan
(Malay Literary Award Children’s Literature Category 2018 & 2021. She has written
and published more than twenty-five children’s books and was also instrumental as
the founder of Mini Monsters Ltd, an educational company specialising in creating
cross-media content for children and provider of language enrichment classes for
schools in Singapore. An effectively bilingual individual, Rilla who obtained her first
degree (Theatre Studies Hons 2 nd Upper) from the National University of Singapore
also holds a Masters in Education from the Nanyang Technological University in
Curriculum & Teaching. She has produced and written for children’s television shows
and participated in international writer’s residencies globally, most recently with the
National Centre for Writing (NCW) in Norwich UK in March 2024, where she honed
her skills as an emerging translator. Presently she is the General Manager of the
Malay Heritage Foundation and an Executive Member of the National Library
Board’s Panel for Malay Literary and Content Recommendations Committee since
2016.
Lim Wooi TeeBoard Director
Dr. Lim Wooi Tee received his medical degree in the University of Manchester. He has been practicing medicine in Singapore for more than 12 years and received The Public Service Medal (COVID-19). He is currently a director of Grassroots Book Room in
Lim Wooi Tee
Board DirectorDr. Lim Wooi Tee received his medical degree in the University of Manchester. He has been practicing medicine in Singapore for more than 12 years and received The Public Service Medal (COVID-19). He is currently a director of Grassroots Book Room in Singapore, the vice president of Mentor Publishing in Malaysia and the founder of Monsoon Zone Publishing and Bookstore in Taiwan. He is also a member of Chinese Advisory Panel of the National Library Board. His creative writing in Chinese fiction has been shortlisted for The Singapore Literature Prize. He has published more than 10 books of fiction, poetry, short stories, and prose.
Ms Lan Luh Luh, Melissa GraceBoard Director
Lan Luh Luh is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law, National University of
Singapore. She has a PhD (Business Policy) from the National University of
Singapore (NUS) and a LLM (First Class) in Commercial Law from the University of
Cambridge.
Ms Lan Luh Luh, Melissa Grace
Board DirectorLan Luh Luh is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law, National University of
Singapore. She has a PhD (Business Policy) from the National University of
Singapore (NUS) and a LLM (First Class) in Commercial Law from the University of
Cambridge. She was doing corporate finance and banking law related work in a big
local law firm before she joined the academia. Currently, she researches and teaches
in the areas of company law, company finance law and corporate governance. She is
the author of Essentials of Corporate law and Governance in Singapore (2nd edition,
2022) and has published in top management and law journals such as Harvard
Business Review and Academy of Management Review. Her current service to the
Singapore legal profession includes being the company law subject coordinator and
examiner for the Singapore bar examination (administered by the Singapore Institute
of Legal Education) and a member of the Inquiry Committee of the Singapore Law
Society. Her other public services include being a member of the Charity Council
(2012-2018), audit committee member of the Presbyterian Synod of Singapore (2012-
2018), Promote Mandarin Council member (2019-2024), member of the PA Chinese
Culture and Language Advisory Panel (2019-2024) and member of the Charity
Governance Award Judging Panel (2022-now).
Ms Ah-Hee Li Yin Yin, ShirleyBoard Director
Ms Shirley Ah-Hee is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of a healthcare technology and digital infrastructure start up that enables efficiency in interoperability among patients, providers and payors. In her current role, she oversees Finance
Ms Ah-Hee Li Yin Yin, Shirley
Board DirectorMs Shirley Ah-Hee is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of a healthcare technology and digital infrastructure start up that enables efficiency in interoperability among patients, providers and payors. In her current role, she oversees Finance, Operations and Human Resources within the company. She has 20 years of experience in leading innovative initiatives spanning front to back processes, transformation projects, mergers & acquisitions, finance, risk and treasury. She has held multiple advisory and management roles in international companies within the United Kingdom, Mauritius and Singapore, giving her a global perspective. When she is taking some downtime, Shirley likes being outdoors, cycling the Park Connectors and making poor attempts at learning both the piano and Chinese, not necessarily at the same time. Shirley holds a BSc and an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Sciences, and is a Fellow Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. She has an ACI Dealing Certificate from the ACI Financial Markets Association and a Certificate in Treasury from the Association of Corporate Treasurers.
SBC Advisory Network
International Advisors
- Andrea Pasion-Flores (Philippines)
- Murti Bunanta (Indonesia)
- Nellie Dato Paduka Haji Sunny (Brunei Darussalam)
- Nury Vittachi (Hong Kong)
- Selina Lee (Malaysia)
- Thant Thaw Kaung (Myanmar)
Singapore Advisors
- Bibi Jan Md Ayyub
- Evelyn Wong
- Felicia Low-Jimenez
- Jennifer Yin
- Kiang-Koh Lai Lin
- Kanagalatha
- Leo Vincent
- Melvin Choo
- Sa'eda Buang
- Tan Chee Lay
- Tan-Ang Soo Buay
- Valerie Cheng
- Wai Yin Pryke
- Yeow Kai Chai
Staff
SBC is made up of many passionate individuals committed to the literary arts.
William PhuanExecutive Director
William enjoys nonfiction books and narrative films. He is a big fan of martial arts novels and films. He was formerly the Director of The Arts House and Programme Director of the New York Asian American International Film Festival.
William Phuan
Executive DirectorWilliam enjoys nonfiction books and narrative films. He is a big fan of martial arts novels and films. He was formerly the Director of The Arts House and Programme Director of the New York Asian American International Film Festival.
Celine ChowHead, Programmes
Celine has been working with books and the earnest people who create and market them, for what seems like forever. She is still at it because she enjoys the work and the people she crosses paths with in the process.
Celine Chow
Head, ProgrammesCeline has been working with books and the earnest people who create and market them, for what seems like forever. She is still at it because she enjoys the work and the people she crosses paths with in the process.
Vasantha DeviAdmin and Finance Senior Manager
Vasantha is SBC's longest-serving employee and a motherly figure to SBC's interns. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and cooking for her loved ones.
Vasantha Devi
Admin and Finance Senior ManagerVasantha is SBC's longest-serving employee and a motherly figure to SBC's interns. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and cooking for her loved ones.
Caroline WanSenior Programmes Manager
Caroline’s journey in the literary arts started with an invitation to a spoken word event and the rest as they say is history. As an ardent fan of the written word, her resolution is to make a dent in the TBR pile currently taking over her room.
Caroline Wan
Senior Programmes ManagerCaroline’s journey in the literary arts started with an invitation to a spoken word event and the rest as they say is history. As an ardent fan of the written word, her resolution is to make a dent in the TBR pile currently taking over her room.
Fransiska Widya ChandraProgrammes Manager
An eager reader, Fransiska is stoked to be on the other side of things to experience how this industry works. She feels most in her element cosy in a corner of a quiet coffee joint reading her book of choice.
Fransiska Widya Chandra
Programmes ManagerAn eager reader, Fransiska is stoked to be on the other side of things to experience how this industry works. She feels most in her element cosy in a corner of a quiet coffee joint reading her book of choice.
Sharon LimProgrammes Manager
Sharon is grateful to work alongside authors, illustrators, publishers and booksellers in this inspiring industry. She loves to visit bookstores and has no intention to kick the Tsundoku habit of buying books and never (later) reading them.
Sharon Lim
Programmes ManagerSharon is grateful to work alongside authors, illustrators, publishers and booksellers in this inspiring industry. She loves to visit bookstores and has no intention to kick the Tsundoku habit of buying books and never (later) reading them.
Ng Wei LinMarketing Manager
Wei Lin is passionate about the power of moments and intersections in the arts. She loves creating spaces and experiences that build community. She also tinkers with jazz piano for her spoilt cats.
Ng Wei Lin
Marketing ManagerWei Lin is passionate about the power of moments and intersections in the arts. She loves creating spaces and experiences that build community. She also tinkers with jazz piano for her spoilt cats.
Hamsavalli DorairajuMarketing Executive
Hamsavalli is a multifaceted creative who firmly believes that art knows no bounds and values the importance of establishing meaningful connections. She’s also a Book Influencer, Photographer, and Writer. Her cats, Luna and Cyrus, means the world to
Hamsavalli Dorairaju
Marketing ExecutiveHamsavalli is a multifaceted creative who firmly believes that art knows no bounds and values the importance of establishing meaningful connections. She’s also a Book Influencer, Photographer, and Writer. Her cats, Luna and Cyrus, means the world to her!
Ruo WeiProgrammes Assistant
An avid reader from young, Ruo Wei believes in the magic of a good book and that reading is an invaluable skill. She is an aspiring writer herself and looks forward to working with people who care about literature and the arts.
Ruo Wei
Programmes AssistantAn avid reader from young, Ruo Wei believes in the magic of a good book and that reading is an invaluable skill. She is an aspiring writer herself and looks forward to working with people who care about literature and the arts.