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Our Quest Alumni
Meet the distinguished alumni of Our Quest, whose careers span public service, business, aviation, the arts, and more.
Tradition of Service - Our Alumni
Mr Desmond Tan
Our alumnus, Mr Desmond Tan, is the Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office.
Mr Tan was posted to the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) since 30 June 2022. As Group Director of the NTUC Training and Transformation Group, Mr Tan oversees NTUC’s Transformation Office and the NTUC Training & Placement ecosystem, which comprises the NTUC Industry Training & Transformation Department, NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute), NTUC LearningHub and the Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute (OTCi). He is also the Executive Secretary of the Singapore Industrial and Services Employees' Union (SISEU) and Advisor to the Supply Chain Employees’ Union (SCEU).
He served as Member of Parliament for Pasir Ris-Punggol Group Representation Constituency (Pasir Ris Central) from July 2020 to April 2025, and has been elected as Member of Parliament for Pasir Ris-Changi GRC (Pasir Ris Central) in the General Elections 2025.
Prior to joining NTUC, Mr Desmond Tan served as the Minister of State for Home Affairs, and Sustainability and the Environment. He was also the Chief Executive Director (CED) of the People’s Association (PA) where he led the community support effort during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Arthur Tay
Mr Arthur Tay is the Chairman and CEO of the SUTL Group where he actively oversees the marina and consumer goods business in Asia.
Under Mr Tay’s leadership, SUTL has expanded its business, focusing on the Leisure lifestyle and Consumer Goods segments, which serve as a supply chain and logistics enabler in more than 29 countries across Asia. Mr Tay is also the brainchild behind the distinguished ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove Singapore.
Mr Tay’s passion includes striving for excellence in sustainability, to be a forerunner in advocating coastal and ocean conservation efforts in Singapore with the inaugural Blue Water EduFest in November 2022. This nonprofit marine conservation event has been held for 3 consecutive years, sparking impactful conversations on raising awareness and empowering the next generation of ocean stewards.
An active philanthropist and grassroots leader, Mr Tay was awarded the Public Service Medal (PBM) in 2023. He currently serves as Patron for the West Coast Citizens’ Consultative Committee.
Married with twin daughters, Mr Tay is an avid sportsman and enjoys diving, yachting, snow skiing and golfing. He attained his academic pursuits at the University of San Francisco, U.C. Berkeley and Golden Gate University in USA.
Mr Roland Wee
Our alumnus, Mr Roland Wee, is the founder and chairman of the MEI Engineering Group. An engineer by training, he designed and constructed sophisticated facilities on a turnkey basis for many large multinational companies throughout the Asia Pacific region since 1973.
He has also served on the Boards of Singapore PowerGas and subsidiaries of DBS Land, and SembCorp.
Mr Wee co-founded RWDC Industries Limited in 2015, a Singapore-based biotech startup to develop fully biodegradable PHA polymers - a groundbreaking, eco-friendly solution to save the planet and eliminate microplastics from harming the human body. His leadership in this area is used as a case study by SMU. You may read more details via RWDC Industries: How an Octogenarian Helped Produce Sustainable Plasti – The Centre for Management Practice (opens in new tab)
When Mr Wee turned 80 in October 2024, he co-founded and launched the Somatic Health Group that leverages AI-powered technologies for safety and health rehabilitation for patients and around the globe. He says that this is something that we can use for ourselves, for our friends, relatives and society at large.
Driven by a deep commitment to giving back to society, Mr Wee has been an active member of the Singapore Rotary Club for many years to support charitable causes. As a Queen’s Scout and businessman, his guiding philosophy is to leave this world a better, more peaceful and happier place for future generations.
Information from:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3P1Cp6zcww (opens in new tab)
Mr Ronald Goh
Our alumnus, Mr Ronald Goh, is Managing Director of Electronics and Engineering (E&E). Building on his family’s legacy, he embraces the unique challenges that each light and sound installation presents. His company was involved in the installation of light and sound systems for many large-scale projects, including Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, Marina Bay Sands Theatres, GV Max Dolby Atmos Cinema at VivoCity Shopping Centre and Changi Airport.
Under Mr Goh’s leadership, the company has evolved since its early days in the cinema industry. While maintaining its commitment to innovation in cinema sound, he has expanded the business to include videos and LED walls. In a rapidly advancing technological landscape, he believes proactive problem-solving, continuous learning from both successes and setbacks, and adapting best practices are key elements for sustainable growth and success. In 2015, his company was recognised and featured as one of the Top 50 local companies that built our nation in the SG50 Tribute Edition Book, which was published in conjunction with Singapore’s 50th birthday in 2015.
To find out more, read the full interview with The CEO Magazine Here (opens in new tab).
*photo was taken from CEO Magazine: https://www.theceomagazine.com/executive-interviews/it-electronics/ronald-goh/ (opens in new tab)
Mr Lawrence Leong
Mr Leong served 30 years in the Singapore Armed Forces and retired as Brigadier General. His past experience includes roles as the Military Adviser to the Permanent Mission of United Nations in peacekeeping and disaster relief. He also joined the Singapore Tourism Board to help develop new tourism initiatives, including taking on the role of Project Director for the inaugural Formula One Night Rice. In addition, he founded 3QUENSZ, a platform devoted to coaching and mentoring young leaders, further exemplifying his dedication to nurturing and empowering the next generation. He is currently the Deputy CEO Development, Mandai Wildlife Group.
We are also proud to share that Mr Leong is our distinguished panellist for the inaugural Career Mentoring @ QUEST in 2024, for alumni to learn relevant career tips and expand their professional network.
Information from:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-leong-73461b3b/ (opens in new tab)
- https://nexleaders.com/our-experts/lawrence-leong/ (opens in new tab)
Mr Lim Song Joo
Mr Lim Song Joo, an esteemed alumnus of our School, has amassed over 25 years of experience in the Technology and Finance sectors. Throughout his career, he has held numerous management positions, overseeing technology asset financing, client management and global strategy across both global and Asia Pacific regions.
As a dedicated changemaker, Mr Lim is committed to giving back to the community through various roles such as mentoring, investing in start-ups, and training professionals and consultants. He actively contributes to government-linked organizations such as Enterprise Singapore, raiSE, and Institutions of Higher Learning (IHLs), delivering impactful initiatives to enhance the ecosystem. Mr Lim also trains Certified Consultants for Enterprise Singapore and is recognized as a key partner in the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, including grants, training, and investments.
A strong advocate for youth empowerment, Mr Lim champions initiatives that promote values, life goals, mental wellness, and self-care, fostering a more cohesive, inclusive, and caring society. He advocates for holistic values in our youths as their foundation strength into adulthood.
Mr Lim is recognized as an Academic Fellow (Entrepreneurship Development) by ICMCI, an international institution of Certified Consultants with members from over 50 countries. In 2023, he was nominated for the Presidents’ Award Social Enterprise Champion (Individual) and emerged as one of the top two finalists, receiving recognition from President Tharman at the Istana.
Mr Lim serves as the patron of our school's Design & Innovation Club, where he provides guidance and supports the school’s Maker Education efforts to nurture innovation and creativity among students.
Information from:
- https://iie.smu.edu.sg/mentor/lim-song-joo (opens in new tab)
- https://www.bwgcircles.com/about (opens in new tab)
Captain Jaffar Hassan
Captain Jaffar Hassan is a distinguished aviation professional who began his flying career in 1989. His extensive experience and commitment to the aviation industry have made him a respected figure in both national and international aviation communities.
Captain Hassan is currently flying the Airbus A380 for Singapore Airlines and he is also serving as the Executive Vice President for the Asia-Pacific region. He is a board member at the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA). In this capacity, he plays a pivotal role in representing and advocating for airline pilots across the Globe and especially the Asia-Pacific region. Captain Hassan is also passionate and dedicated to enhancing aviation safety standards and continues to drive positive developments within the industry. He is also working with the local government and non-government agencies to advocate interest and a career choice in the Aviation industry among students, youths and young professionals in Singapore.
Mr Picasso Tan
Our alumnus, Mr Picasso Tan, is the director of Picasso International Productions (PIP), a premier event company serving a diverse international clientele across Singapore and abroad. Mr Tan has spearheaded numerous national events in Singapore, including the conceptualisation and choreography of several National Day Parades, as well as the design of the 1996 World Trade Organisation Ministerial Meeting’s closing ceremony.
Mr Tan, an Asian Wushu champion and multiple SEA Games gold medalist, represented Singapore in Wushu for 11 years, earning numerous medals along the way. One of his crowning achievements was leading the Singapore Wushu team to an impressive seven gold medals at the 1993 SEA Games held in Singapore.
Driven by his strong strive towards excellence, Mr Tan crafts unique, unforgettable experiences for each event, continually raising the bar in event production through his creativity and innovation.
Information from: https://pip.sg/ (opens in new tab)
Dr Tan Eng Khim
Dr Tan Eng Khim 陈永钦 is the Director and Principal Veterinary Surgeon of Animal Medical Centre (VET@RV) Pte Ltd, which he has led for over 15 years. A recipient of multiple scholarships, Dr Tan is a veterinary surgeon with more than 20 years of experience in the animal health industry.
Since 2015, he has been recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS, UK) as an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Practice — a distinction held by only nine veterinarians globally, including just two in the Asia-Pacific region as of July 2025. He was appointed to the RCVS Panel of Assessors in 2019, where he evaluates advanced-level veterinarians (at clinical master’s level and above) seeking recognition as Advanced Practitioners. He has also served on the RCVS Academy Panel since 2022, contributing to the development of professional training resources.
Dr Tan has spoken at veterinary conferences across the Asia-Pacific region, with his next engagement scheduled in Taiwan in 2026. He was invited to join the Board of Advisors of Murdoch University, his veterinary alma mater, and was honoured to be invited as the occasional speaker at its graduation ceremony. In Singapore, he has served as Honorary Editor of the Singapore Veterinary Association and as Honorary Veterinary Advisor to the Pet Enterprises and Traders Association.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr Tan is an award-winning composer whose works have been performed by international ensembles and musicians. His passion for the arts began early—at age six, he won Champion at the Singapore National Chinese Language Storytelling Competition. He later won his first organ-playing competition in 1992, and in 1995 received the Singapore National Compositional Award for his original work. His compositions have been performed internationally, including a 1996 premiere in Singapore by the Medici String Quartet (UK).
His most recent commission is a commemorative piece for the 120th Anniversary of Goh Loo Club and Singapore’s 60th year of independence. Premiering on 6 July 2025 at the Arts House Chamber, the work — arranged by Associate Professor Zhong Zhiyue of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music — is written for guqin, sheng, and tenor soloist, a role Dr Tan will perform himself.
Dr Tan has also served as a vocal coach and co-producer for the National University of Singapore (NUS) Sheares Theatre, and has conducted various choirs, including the National Junior College Choir — which competed at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales — as well as the King Edward VII Hall Choir and Sheares Hall Choir at NUS.
His background in the arts has shaped his approach to veterinary care — combining clinical precision with patience, empathy, and the sensitivity of an artist.
Links
Animal Medical Centre (VET@RV) clinic (opens in new tab)
Lianhe Zaobao feature article (opens in new tab)
Dr Siva Gopal Thaiyalan
Our Alumnus, Dr Siva Gopal Thaiyalan, is a Senior Lecturer at the S R Nathan School of Human Development at the Singapore University of Social Sciences. Dr Thaiyalan began his career as a teacher and later became a Senior Curriculum Specialist for Character and Citizenship Education at the Ministry of Education in Singapore. He was involved in setting up the Service-Learning Club at the National Institute of Education and led three Youth Expeditions Projects (YEP) to Sikkim and Sri Lanka.
Dr Thaiyalan received the Ministry of Education’s Overseas Graduate Scholarship to pursue the Master of Education in Youth Development Leadership at the University of Minnesota in the USA in 2011. In 2015, he was awarded the Asia Pacific Leadership Fellowship at the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, and in 2016, he was awarded the Victoria Doctoral Scholarship at the Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand and completed his PhD in 2020.
Dr Thaiyalan’s research interest lies at the nexus of citizenship education, experiential learning and youth development.
Ms Joyce Hiew
Our esteemed alumna, Ms Joyce Hiew, has built an impressive career in the hospitality industry. Despite challenging life circumstances, she overcame numerous obstacles to achieve success on her own terms.
Ms Hiew began her career as part of the Singapore Airlines cabin crew, gaining invaluable experience in customer service and excellence. Later, she ventured into the food and beverage industry, where she continues to make strides as the owner of Bibik Caterers Pte. Ltd. and Okasa Sushi Restaurant.
We are also proud to announce that Ms Hiew is one of our mentors for the inaugural Career Mentoring @ QUEST program, guiding alumni with valuable career insights and helping them expand their professional networks.
Information from: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyce-hiew-8638b178/?originalSubdomain=sg (opens in new tab)