Johann Loh (JL) - Managing Director

Mr Johann Loh was a national top student, a Rafflesian who graduated magna cum laude (high honours) from Princeton University. Originally hailing from a neighbourhood primary school, he was selected to join the GEP at NYPS. An academic high-flyer who won multiple prizes in Literature at RI and RJC, he received a full scholarship from Princeton University and spent one year across the pond at Oxford. After completing some postgraduate work with renowned philosopher Peter Singer, he was about to begin his PhD at Cambridge when he had a change of heart and decided to pursue his love for language in the private educational sector. He has been a language consultant and writer for a portfolio of high-profile clients including Singapore Management University, Louis Vuitton, Citibank, and BNP Paribas, among others. He is also the co-founder of the independent publishing house Beard & Balloon. Learn more at johannloh.com.

Dr Neil Laurence Coomber (NLC) - Director of Pre-University Studies & Business English

Highly respected by his former students, Dr Neil Laurence Coomber spent five years teaching General Paper at Raffles Institution, where he set examination papers ranging from Prelims and Promos to Common Tests. He possesses exam setting, marking and standardisation expertise, having developed school curriculum and infopacks for a variety of themes. His teaching skills are highly regarded by those who have had the good fortune to study under him and his legendary General Paper notes are highly sought after. Prior to teaching in Singapore, he taught English to MBA, graduate and business students internationally. His impeccable credentials include a PhD from Oxford University supervised by the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Oxford University, Professor Dame Jessica Rawson, as well as a Certificate in Teaching Gifted and Talented Students from Purdue. He has trained at the Raffles Teaching Academy and NIE and many will remember him as the Master of Ceremony during the quintessential school rugby finals for several seasons running. He knows how to guide students with their UCAS applications and testimonials to top universities, ranging from Oxbridge to the Ivy League.

Teaching style: Highly Structured & Scaffolded, Consultative, Direct Feedback, Participation Required

Lena Emmanuel (LE) - Academic Head of the Foundation Programme

A stalwart of the Singaporean education scene, Ms Emmanuel has an astounding three decades of experience teaching English both in the MOE and the private enrichment sector. Her traditional Peranakan background is reflected in her classical approach to English and writing. The quintessential lifelong learner, Ms Emmanuel also has a diploma in Applied Linguistics from SEAMEO Regional Language Centre and a merit certificate in Speech and Drama from the London College of Music and Media. Having taught both primary and secondary students, her strength lies in being able to animate and energise the classroom while maintaining a rigorous and disciplined approach to classroom management. Her formidable technical expertise draws from her PGDE training at the NIE and her majors in Sociology and English Literature from NUS.

Teaching style: Kinaesthetic, Participation Required, Extroverted, Highly Guided

Azrael Tseng (AT) - Academic Head of O-Levels and International Baccalaureate

With 17 years of local and global teaching experience under his belt, Mr Azrael Tseng is a dynamic and motivational English and Literature teacher who brings an extraordinary amount of energy into his classroom. An RI Old Boy, his passion for the English language was honed with his BA in English Language and Literature at NUS. Having taught Secondary English and Literature with the MOE for 7 years upon receiving his PGDE from the NIE, he subsequently became a lecturer and examination board member at the Academy for English Language Teachers training professional educators around the world. He had a stint in Japan where he taught the International Baccalaureate (IB) at a prestigious IB-aligned international school in Okinawa, helping students to achieve numerous 45-pointers for the IB examination. In his free time, Mr Azrael is also an avid writer and poet. You can read his literary works at azraeltseng.com.

Teaching style: Participation Required, Consultative, Extroverted, Student-centric

Sarah Lim (SLM) - Literature Specialist

Sarah Lim is a quietly thoughtful and soft-spoken type, one who has constructed a vibrant and beautiful inner world of literature and books. She welcomes children into this poetic world of books and reading, for she believes that even the youngest child can and should learn to appreciate literature. This passion is something that aligns perfectly with Academia’s vision for our students. With a B.A. in English (Honours) from NTU and 5 years of teaching experience, the SCGS alumna’s journey to continue her higher education in English was sidetracked when she discovered her love for teaching the youngest children at a Montessori preschool early in her career, as well as a stint teaching English and Literature in Canada. We honour her journey so far and see in her a path for gently coaching quiet, introspective types. The teacher-student relationship can take on a subtle and pervasive dimension, like water, which is soft and yet incredibly resilient. In a world of diverse student types and needs, teacher Sarah brings with her patience, understanding and friendship.

Teaching style: Introspective, Direct Feedback, Nurturing, Consultative

Alicia Cheng (ACG) - Teaching Associate & Curriculum Developer

Ms Alicia Cheng is a bubbly and caring teacher who adores teaching our Primary-level students. She enjoys teaching their inquisitive little minds and finds it especially rewarding to motivate those who lack inspiration. Watching them grow in maturity and wisdom is something that pushes her to go the distance for our students. We have seen how children take to her almost instantaneously because of her naturally sunny disposition, and we know she truly cares for each and every student under her care. Having previously also taught English at an international school during a teaching stint in China, she takes a more big-picture view of education globally. She believes in positive reinforcement and working through any issues that may hold a child back – or make them feel unmotivated. As part of her teaching philosophy, she is great at establishing an organic rapport with students, pushing them without making them feel that they are being pushed. We believe she will also inspire your child to go the distance!

Teaching style: Nurturing, Student-centric, Consultative, Extroverted

Amanpreet Singh (ASH) - Curriculum Developer & Assistant Teacher

Jordan Winona Mutterties (JWM) - Foundational Teaching Associate

Jordan is a kind and positive young American woman who moved to Singapore after getting married to a Singaporean man. A woman of immense faith, she has both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Biblical Counselling from a US university in California. Jordan always sees the best in everyone and every situation, and her approach to children is to embody and model the qualities and values that she holds dear. Outside of her work at Academia, she provides free counselling to those who are in need of help and spiritual guidance. We believe in her essential kindness and goodness and know that, no matter what the case, and in the context of local diversity, she will always demonstrate love, care and concern to every single one of our students and clients.

MMA - Senior Teacher & Curriculum Developer

A highly credentialed teacher and former lawyer, MMA’s journey to becoming a star teacher is one that we deeply respect and admire. MMA began her career as a lawyer, having been admitted to the bar after obtaining her law degree from NUS. A burgeoning and blossoming passion for teaching precipitated a decision to change careers and obtain her PGCE from NIE, after which she taught English at a variety of secondary schools and junior colleges with the MOE for several years. Her move to the private sector saw her becoming the lead teacher at another well-known English enrichment centre. This year, she joined Academia where she continues to pursue her personal growth and development alongside our L345 team. MMA is one of the sharpest and most dedicated teachers and strives to do the best for every student under her care, going the extra mile to make their learning experience truly exceptional. She is a great credit to our centre and we know she will do the best for your child!

Teaching style: Student-centric, Highly Guided, Nurturing, Empowering