Carol Chen
Singapore,-
Summary
Results-driven professional with wide background in continuing education and training, performing leadership roles and driving different portfolios including business development, marketing, operations, project and programme management. Skilled in building and maintaining strong relationships, cultivating partnerships, and driving revenue growth. Proven track record of retaining top accounts and expanding profit channels. Strategic thinker and self-motivated leader with a strong background in expanding network connections, launching new products, managing resources, building cohesive teams, and delivering innovative customer solutions.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Centre Director
INSTITUTE FOR ADULT LEARNING
08.2023 - Current
- Developed eco-system to drive center programs and initiatives
- Lead teams to drive adoption of workplace learning and performance
- Spearheaded business development initiatives by leading team in strategising direction that align with organisation’s objectives
- Provide workplace learning consultancy services to enterprises and organisations that deepen skills and advance staff development
- Develop robust outreach and marketing strategies to boost brand visibility and positining
- Cultivated strong partnerships with stakeholders from both public and private sectors, fostering relationships to enhance collaboration and expand outreach
- Coach, mentor and nurture teams to drive professional growth and internal capability building to sustain excellence in performance
Executive Director
=DREAMS (SINGAPORE) LIMITED
07.2022 - 07.2023
- In-charged of =DREAMS campus, a first-of-its-kind after school boarding campus for youth from lower income family
- Managed campus operations, student care, outreach and recruitment
- Engage and building relationship with parents
- Worked closely with =DREAMS’s Board, sponsors, staff and donors to meet program objectives
- Developed student programs encompassing academic, personal interests, and life skills
- Built networks across agencies, partners, and sponsors to support initiatives
Deputy Director, Temasek SkillsFuture Academy
TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC
04.2018 - 07.2022
- Oversaw operations and business development of the Customised and Public Run Course Division
- Led SkillsFuture initiatives and strategic planning for the Security Industry Institute
- Assisted Director in preparing management report for the Board of Governors and Senior Management
- Collaborated with economy agencies to develop training roadmaps
- Formulated and negotiated training agreements and partnerships
Assistant Director, Temasek SkillsFuture Academy
TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC
07.2013 - 03.2018
- Assisted in formulating strategic marketing and business development plans
- Managed outreach, event planning, and new CET program launches
- Established new accounts and built relationships with industry partners
Manager, Professional Development Centre
TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC
07.2009 - 06.2013
- In charged of business development and examination divisions
- Developed policies and procedures, and prepared monthly reports
- Managed ISO9000 implementation for CET courses
Section Head, Continuing Education Centre
TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC
04.2007 - 06.2009
- Responsible for program management and business development
- Supervised program officers and managed department operations
Programme Officer, Continuing Education Centre
TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC
11.2000 - 03.2007
- Administered full cycle of 10 CET Diplomas/Post-Diplomas with over 300 students
- Monitored students’ academic progression and managed marketing activities
Account Manager, Network Education Department
SINGAPORE COMPUTER SYSTEMS LIMITED
05.1997 - 06.1999
- Responsible for sales, marketing, and operations of the department
- Planned course schedules and developed products and training for instructors
Service Executive
THAMES CENTRE FOR OPEN LEARNING (INFORMATICS GROUP)
05.1996 - 12.1996
- Serviced more than 100 MBA, MA, and MSC students and organized orientation and graduation packages
Assistant Manager
BON-FOOD PTE LTD (BURGER KING)
08.1994 - 02.1996
- Managed daily restaurant operations and resources
Education
Graduate Diploma - Workplace Learning
Singapore University of Social Studies
Singapore10-2024
Specialist Diploma - Digital Business
Republic Polytechnic
Singapore05-2022
Senior Management Programme -
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
Singapore01.2019
Master of Science - Marketing & Consumer Insights
Nanyang Technological University
Singapore08-2016
Bachelor of Business Management - Administration
Charles Sturt University – Riverina
Australia01.1993
Year 12 -
Taylor’s College
Malaysia12-1991
Skills
- Business development
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Relationship building
- Operational efficiency
- Strategic planning
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Interpersonal skills
- Leadership and team building
- Project management
Accomplishments
Leadership & Management
o Directed the development and implementation of the =DREAMS care plan, programs, and management systems, leading to the successful inaugural intake of residents.
o Lead NACE@IAL to achieve the highest acquisition of corporate accounts for two consecutive years since product launched in 2018.
Recruitment
Led =DREAMS recruitment and outreach plan that recruited the pilot intake of 25 residents within 4 months of service.
Project Management
Chaired a $37 million joint Training Management System Project and a $1.8 million Interim Training Management System Project for Temasek Polytechnic.
Survey & Research
Led the joint Work-Study Programme Outcome Survey Working Committee at Temasek Polytechnic, collaborating with the Ministry of Education and SkillsFuture Singapore.
Innovation & Development
Launched milestone projects positioning Temasek Polytechnic as a leader in innovative lifelong learning solutions.
Corporate Social Appointment
Appointed President and Honorary Secretary for Temasek Polytechnic Staff Association, and Secretary and Internal Auditor for Temasek Polytechnic Co-Operation.
References
Mr. Albert Toh, Director, Human Resource I Ang Mo Kio - Thye Hua Kwan Hospital, +65 82682137
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
Mandarin
Intermediate
B1
Bahasa Melayu
Elementary
A2
Hokkien
Elementary
A2
Cantonese
Intermediate
B1
Hobbies and Interests
- Jogging
- Yoga
- Cooking
- Baking
Timeline
Centre Director
INSTITUTE FOR ADULT LEARNING
08.2023 - Current
Executive Director
=DREAMS (SINGAPORE) LIMITED
07.2022 - 07.2023
Deputy Director, Temasek SkillsFuture Academy
TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC
04.2018 - 07.2022
Assistant Director, Temasek SkillsFuture Academy
TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC
07.2013 - 03.2018
Manager, Professional Development Centre
TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC
07.2009 - 06.2013
Section Head, Continuing Education Centre
TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC
04.2007 - 06.2009
Programme Officer, Continuing Education Centre
TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC
11.2000 - 03.2007
Account Manager, Network Education Department
SINGAPORE COMPUTER SYSTEMS LIMITED
05.1997 - 06.1999
Service Executive
THAMES CENTRE FOR OPEN LEARNING (INFORMATICS GROUP)
05.1996 - 12.1996
Assistant Manager
BON-FOOD PTE LTD (BURGER KING)
08.1994 - 02.1996
Graduate Diploma - Workplace Learning
Singapore University of Social Studies
Specialist Diploma - Digital Business
Republic Polytechnic
Senior Management Programme -
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
Master of Science - Marketing & Consumer Insights
Nanyang Technological University
Bachelor of Business Management - Administration
Charles Sturt University – Riverina
Year 12 -
Taylor’s College
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