Updated: SPEA Newsletter 2024 Issue No. 1 (June/July)

Singapore Physical Education Association

Special Feature - Our Management Committee, Why SPEA?

Benson Teo

As far as my memory serves, I have always enjoyed sports and being outdoors. My days as a BMTC instructor during NS unveiled my passion in teaching others. It didn’t take me long to decide on a career to teach two of my favourite subjects – Physical Education and English Literature. What kept me going for more than two decades are the priceless moments only PE teachers understand. From getting that boy to land beyond 206 on the rubber mat to that girl to complete 2.4 within 17:50 after countless attempts. Or that magical moment when feedback amounted to something – the student’s racquet finally made contact with the shuttle, or when the flying disc actually travelled to the intended destination. And who can forget the swelling pride when you witnessed the CCA you coached reach the Nationals for the first time in history.

Since progressing to my current role (traded my shorts for pants), I always yearn to be reconnected intimately to the fraternity. That opportunity came knocking a couple of years back when my first HOD/PE, Mr Leonard Koh, invited me to join him in SPEA. My current role sees me leading the selection committee for the Outstanding Physical Education Teacher Award (OPETA). In my capacity, I do hope to push for greater emphasis in Physical Education and to reiterate the importance of Mens sana in corpore sano*. With technology increasingly becoming a big part in our lives, I want to have our young charges adopt a more active lifestyle (less screentime!) with Physical Education as the key vehicle in achieving overall well-being.

Let’s raise our glasses for SPEA for these wonderful 50 years and here’s to many more great years to come!

About Benson:

Benson is currently a Vice-Principal at Edgefield Secondary School. He has served SPEA MC for 1 year. He strongly believes every child must be physically educated. He strongly champions for Physical Education, like any other disciplines, be accorded the same importance and respect.

"Mens sana in corpore sano" is a Latin phrase that translates to "a healthy mind in a healthy body"

Jones R. (2017). Mens Sana. The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 67(663), 435. https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp17X692609

Bok Liong

I had never imagined myself to be a teacher as I was quite a challenge when I was as a student. But when the opportunity came for me to join ITE College East in 2010 as a PE Lecturer, I took the leap of faith as I have always enjoyed working with youth and I love sports. That same year, I became a member of SPEA. I have served two past Presidents: Dr John Wang and Dr Koh Koon Teck and the current President, Mr Leonard Koh, I have seen how a small organisation like SPEA was able to reach out to the teaching and coaching fraternity in Singpaore to provide lifelong learning opportunities. Often, these courses were either free-of-charge or participants only have had to pay a very affordable fee. We were mindful that the course fee should not be a barrier for participants. This was the spirit of SPEA…the sacrificing spirit that had become part of our identity. Happy 50th Anniversary!

About Bok Liong:

Bok Liong embarked on his career as an outdoor instructor with Outward Bound Singapore in 1994, where he served as a senior instructor. In 2003, he transitioned to the Singapore Sport Council Coaching Development Department, playing a pivotal role in establishing the National Registry of Coaches. With coaching certifications in kayaking and sport climbing, Bok Liong boasts over 30 years of experience as an outdoor instructor and coach. Currently, he holds the position of Assistant Director at ITE College East, overseeing the Physical Education and Sport Management Programme.

Francis Tang

As a person with dyslexia, I had many learning challenges. Nevertheless, I had many teachers who believed in me. They helped me develop self-belief so that I could overcome all learning challenges.

Fast forward, and I became a teacher. Inspired by my teachers, I also wanted to help students develop their self-belief. However, when I became a teacher, I quickly realised it was not easy.

Each time I entered the class, I faced forty children with different learning needs and motivations. Fortunately, along the way, I met colleagues who believed in me. They made me think that I could impact the children.

As such, I persevere. Instead of complaining about the students, I tried to understand them. And instead of following the crowd, I tried to innovate. For instance, I believe unmotivated students can change, but they need teachers who believe in them and can make them believe in themselves.

As such, I spent many hours developing my skills in giving pep talks. I believe it is possible to change the students’ mindset.

Over the years, I have had many achievements in teaching. But those would not have been possible without the belief that my colleagues had given me. The safe learning environment gave me the courage to try new approaches and helped me to embrace failures.

Joining SPEA last year was another milestone in my life. I met new friends who have a strong passion for teaching. Talking to them inspired me even more. As we uplifted one another, my self-confidence grew. I am confident that my impact can extend beyond the school.

All teachers will understand that teaching is not an easy job. We face different challenges all the time, and it is easy to feel discouraged and lose self-belief.

We all need a supportive environment. When surrounded by like-minded and passionate teachers, our passion will also grow. That is why developing our social capital is so important.

I hope that in years to come, SPEA will continue to be a space for teachers to support one another. I believe that together, we can impact more teachers, helping them to believe in themselves. And with the heightened teachers’ collective efficacy, we can impact even more children!

About Francis:

Francis Tang is currently a Senior Academy Officer in Physical Education and Sport Teachers Academy (PESTA). He has served in the MC for one year. Francis strongly believes that every child can and wants to learn. He enjoys helping students develop their self-belief and looks forward to impacting more children.

Jason Chua

Joining the Singapore Physical Education Association (SPEA) a year ago as a member of the Media and Publicity team has been an enriching journey. This role has provided me with a unique platform to promote high standards, sound practices, and unwavering professionalism within the Physical Education (PE) and Sports community in Singapore.

Being part of SPEA has deepened my commitment to these values, allowing me to collaborate with like-minded professionals who are passionate about advancing PE. Through our collective efforts, we’ve worked towards enhancing the visibility and appreciation of quality practices among our PE colleagues.

As we celebrate SPEA’s 50th anniversary, I am filled with hope and anticipation for the fraternity’s future. I envision SPEA continuing to grow, fostering a community that upholds exemplary standards and actively promotes and shares good practices across Singapore’s PE landscape. May we continue to inspire, support, and elevate each other in our shared mission to enrich the lives of our students through quality physical education.

About Jason:

Jason Chua is currently the Head of Department for Student Management at Xingnan Primary School. He has served as a committee member in the Singapore Physical Education Association (SPEA) for a year.

Jason firmly believes that every child is of worth and has the capacity to learn. As educators, it is our responsibility to find diverse and engaging ways to excite students, curate meaningful learning experiences, and ignite their natural curiosity—so that learning becomes a journey they enjoy and own.

In recognition of his dedication and impact, Jason was awarded the Outstanding Teacher Coach Award in 2021.

Jit Jin

My journey toward becoming a PE teacher began in primary school, where I was deeply influenced by two key mentors—Ms. Seng Puay Huang and Ms. Esther Chan, my volleyball ECA (Extra-Curricular Activity) teachers. Some of my most vivid memories from that time are not of classroom lessons, but of our thrice-weekly volleyball training sessions and the extra self-practice I would squeeze in before assemblies and during recess. More than just a sport, volleyball became a community. The highlight of each year was the annual year-end BBQ hosted by Ms. Seng and Ms. Chan. It wasn't just a celebration of the team's achievements, but a reunion that even past students would return for—a testament to the strong sense of belonging they had nurtured.

Their dedication and the strong bonds they created left a lasting impression on me. After graduating, I found myself drawn back to that community, volunteering regularly to help with Saturday afternoon training sessions and holiday camps. Ms. Seng’s belief in me was so strong that she even sponsored my attendance at a coaching course organized by the Volleyball Association of Singapore so I could officially support the team during competitions.

Through these experiences, I discovered my passion for working with youth through sports. The joy I felt when helping others grow—both in skill and confidence—was incredibly fulfilling. During my university breaks, I took on relief teaching stints at the same school, further confirming that teaching, especially in the context of physical education, was where I truly belonged. By the time I graduated, I knew without a doubt that I wanted a career that combined my love for sports with the opportunity to mentor and inspire young people. Becoming a PE teacher was the natural next step, and I’ve been proud to serve in this role since 2004.

Joel Chia, my former colleague and HOD PE & CCA at Jurongville Secondary School, inspired me to serve in SPEA in 2019. I had left the school in mid-2016 for a stint with the Uniformed Groups Unit and had just been reposted back to schools when Joel asked if I was keen on being part of the SPEA committee. Having had a great working relationship with him for a decade, I readily agreed.

Through the involvement in the SPEA committee, I had the opportunity to get to know many wonderful PE veterans who have greatly inspired me and enriched my learning with their decades of experience and stories.

About Jit Jin:

Tan Jit Jin is currently HOD/PE & CCA in Clementi Town Secondary School school. He has served MC for 6 years. Jit Jin believes in character education through Sports and CCA. He enjoys the interaction with students during co-curricular activities and looks forward to their growth as individuals and contributing citizens to Singapore.

Joel Chia

I joined the Singapore Physical Education Association (SPEA) as a life member in 1993, shortly after graduating from the School of Physical Education. In those early years, SPEA played an active role in our professional community, organising workshops, conferences, and social events that brought physical educators together. One of the most memorable initiatives was the launch of the Outstanding Physical Education Teacher Award (OPETA), presented biennially. More than just an award ceremony, it became a meaningful occasion where the PE fraternity—past and present—gathered in fellowship to celebrate our shared passion for teaching and movement.

Over the years, I had the privilege of serving SPEA in various capacities. From 2004 to 2008, I was a member of the Management Committee and served as Internal Auditor during the presidencies of Dr Quek Jin Jong and Dr Michael Koh. In 2015, I was invited by then-President Associate Professor Koh Koon Teck to return to the committee. Since 2016, I have served as Vice-President (Planning & Development), working alongside a dedicated sub-committee to organise professional development workshops and social activities that enrich and engage our members.

We continued to champion excellence in physical education through the OPETA and the Teacher-Coach Awards. In 2025, we proudly introduced the Outstanding SPED PE Teacher Award to recognise the contributions of PE educators in special education schools.

As a PE teacher since 1993, it has been an honour to contribute to SPEA’s mission and to serve alongside passionate professionals committed to uplifting the PE community. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities, friendships, and collective impact we have created through this association.

About Joel:

Joel is currently the Head of Department for PE/CCA at Millennia Institute and has served the SPEA MC for over 10 years. A strong advocate for active living, Joel enjoys playing pickleball and cycling recreationally, and he actively competes in lawn bowls competitions. As the Deputy President of Bowls Singapore, he is passionate about promoting the sport of lawn bowls and is eager to encourage more people to take it up.

Louis Ho

Over the past six years, I have worked alongside dynamic individuals committed to serving the PE fraternity in SPEA. This experience has been enriching—personally and professionally—shaping my understanding of the broader PE landscape while allowing me to contribute meaningfully to the fraternity.

I started as an active member, gradually taking on greater responsibilities, from leading the selection panel committee for the Outstanding PE Teacher Award (OPETA) to an advisory role in the awards committee. I was also involved in the subcommittee for publications and now oversee SPEA's publicity and publication segment. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work has been recognising and celebrating outstanding PE teachers. This initiative now extends to specialised PE teachers in SPED schools. My work also involves raising the professional standards of PE through publications and publicity efforts. A key milestone has been leveraging data analytics via Google platforms to enhance the quality of our publications, ensuring they contribute more effectively to professional development within the PE community, both locally and, potentially, at a global level.

My motivation to join SPEA stemmed from a deep respect for the "legends" in PE, whom I have had the privilege to learn from- leaders such as Dr. Koh Koon Teck, former SPEA President, and Mr. Goh Ek Piang, SPEA advisor, along with representatives from PESTA, CoachSG, SHL RP, and ITE.

SPEA has been an invaluable platform for my learning and professional development. As I continue this journey, I hope to work with more like-minded individuals who believe that PE is one of the most powerful subjects that shapes lives beyond the classroom. Happy 50 years, SPEA !! To many more years of service and growth to PE!

About Louis:

Louis is currently a teaching fellow at PESS/NIE/NTU. He has taught PE for the past 18 years before moving to PESS/NIE as a teaching fellow in 2023. He has served as MC for 7 years. Louis believes in the power of sports to transform lives and communities. He hopes that PE continue to be a driving force for personal transformation and community building.

Raymond Koh

I have always enjoyed sports and the joy it brings when people come together to be active. That passion led me to embark on this journey to become a PE teacher 20 years ago. It was a natural choice—rooted in a deep belief in the power of movement to shape lives, build character, and connect communities.

My time in NIE/PESS remains one of the most memorable chapters of my life. I had the opportunity to learn a wide range of sports and games alongside a wonderful group of classmates, many of whom have remained close friends till today. The shared experiences, the laughter, and the camaraderie we built on the courts and fields laid a strong foundation for the teacher I would become.

As I progressed in my career, I was blessed with the opportunity to lead a department and mentor younger colleagues. It’s deeply fulfilling to work with passionate educators to create active and meaningful PE experiences for our students. One moment I’ll never forget is when a student, who once struggled with confidence in PE, eventually made the national team. Watching him beam with pride reminded me why we do what we do.

I chose to serve in SPEA because I wanted to contribute, particularly in the area of Special Education (SPED). I believe strongly in creating more inclusive PE experiences, and SPEA gave me a platform to offer ideas and share knowledge in this space. In return, I’ve learned so much from the many PE and sports enthusiasts who give selflessly to uplift the profession. Their dedication inspires me.

Looking ahead, my hope is to see even greater porosity between SPED and mainstream schools—where sharing of best practices becomes the norm, so that all students, regardless of ability, are empowered to be active for life. I also hope to see the continued rise in professionalism among PE teachers, with more being recognised globally for their contributions and expertise.

PE in Singapore has come a long way. As we celebrate SPEA’s milestones, my wish for its next 50 years is that it continues to be a strong voice for PE educators, supporting, advocating, and inspiring excellence across all educational contexts.

About Raymond:

Raymond Koh is currently a Senior Education Officer in the Special Education Branch, MOE. He has just started his first year of service in MC. Raymond is a strong advocate of inclusion through sports and is exploring ways to make PE more accessible and enjoyable for all students, including those with higher support needs.

Saranvana Pillai

My journey into PE teaching began with a deep-rooted love for sport from a young age. But over time, I realised PE is far more than just physical activity. It is a powerful vehicle that shapes the heart, mind, and soul. Through PE, we help build physically active individuals, and resilient, compassionate, and reflective citizens. While PE may sometimes be seen as less critical than examinable subjects, I’ve witnessed first-hand its growing importance and impact in every school I’ve served.

Though I once considered a career in the military, teaching PE gave me a purposeful path combining my passion for sport with the opportunity to shape character and values.

Why I Serve in SPEA

I was invited to join SPEA by Professor John Wang and that started the journey. Being part of a committed team that constantly pushes the frontiers of PE and sport has been inspiring. I’ve learned much from the collective wisdom, resourcefulness, and heart of fellow members, all working to make SPEA relevant and impactful in an evolving educational and organizational landscape.

My Hopes for PE and SPEA

I hope PE in Singapore continues to grow in stature, and that PE teachers carry themselves with pride and professionalism. As we look to SPEA100, my wish is for the association to remain agile, united, and driven - with a growth mindset that empowers the fraternity and meaningfully shapes the future of PE and sport in Singapore.

About Saravana:

Saravana Pillai is currently a Teaching Fellow at PESS/NIE/NTU. An educator with over 25 years of experience in Physical Education and Sports Science, he has served in the Ministry of Education (MOE) in various capacities, including Teacher, Head of Department (HOD), Curriculum Specialist and Subject Head.

Stella Yap

I chose to become a PE teacher because I believe movement is a universal language — one that speaks courage, resilience, and joy. In every game played and every fall recovered from, I witness students discovering not just how to move, but how to move forward in life. PE is more than physical — it’s relational and transformational. It’s where confidence is built, not by winning, but by trying again. And in PE, every challenge is a chance for growth. We stretch not just physically, but also mindsets — to dream bigger, reach further, and care deeper. Movement reveals what words often hide — fear, hope, courage, and care. PE helps us listen.

A turning point came during a trip to New Zealand and Thailand, where I saw PE taught as storytelling in motion. It reinforced that teaching PE goes beyond skills and concepts; it is about developing drive. And that stretched my thinking — “The mind, once stretched by a new experience, never returns to its original dimensions.”

If life were a relay, I’m grateful to hold the baton — to run my part with purpose, and pass it on stronger. My mission is to create a space where every child feels seen, safe, and strong, where true strength isn’t measured in push-ups or sprints, but in how we lift each other up. Because in PE, every child is a player — not just in sport, but in shaping the story of who they can become. And my greatest joy? Running that race beside them.

Serving in SPEA

I learnt about SPEA in 2021 and agreed to join out of curiosity and hope to give back, but stayed on, out of conviction. I saw a family of like-minded educators, one that beats with the same passion, yet moves in beautiful sync to shape mindsets and values in redefining the PE narrative. From the excitement of rolling out initiatives to the quiet joy of sharing teaching ideas, I’ve been shaped by mentors and inspired by peers.

My hopes for PE & SPEA

My hope for PE in Singapore? That we continue to elevate it; not just as a subject, but as a sanctuary. A space where every child feels seen, safe, strong.

For SPEA100 — may we never lose the spark, and remain the heartbeat behind this movement. Let us not just keep the pace, but set the pace. May we be the muscle that doesn’t tire, the heart that doesn’t forget, and the voice that keeps advocating for the power of physical education to transform lives. Because behind every jump, throw, and cheer, is a story — and that story deserves to be told.

Because in this race of life, PE teaches us how to breathe through the struggle, and still finish strong.

About Stella:

Stella currently serves as a Special Assistant at MOE Schools Division, Educational Leadership and School Excellence Branch. Prior to her HQ stint, she spent five fulfilling years as a PE educator at New Town Secondary School. She has served in SPEA for 3 years and had the opportunity to present at overseas conferences alongside passionate, like-minded colleagues! As a strong believer in the power of sports and the arts to enliven, engage, and empower, she strives to connect others and make a difference through developmental transformations!

Tze Woon

I joined SPEA because Harry asked my SPE classmates and me to join. We couldn't refuse Harry. Over the years, I continued to be a member and later served as auditor and treasurer from 2008 - 2012. I took a break from 2013 and returned to serve as treasurer in 2024. Initially, it was really for Harry, whom had become a friend after I graduated. Later, I served because I read about our founder Dr Lau Teng Chuan and was inspired by his personality in various capacities in sports and PE. I remembered being part of the LTC autobiography project in 2012.

I think SPEA has come a long way and passed through many generations of sportsmen and educators. Each shared their vision of how sports and PE has been. And my wish for SPEA is to be a group to advocate innovation for PE teachers and sportsmen, to build a vibrant sports ecosystem in Singapore.

About Tze Woon:

Tze Woon is currently a HOD PE/CCA in St Andrew's Secondary School. He has served MC for 5 years. Tze Woon believes that sports and physical activity help people become fit and enjoy a good quality life. Through sports, we can also build an inclusive society.

Zason Chian

I have the privilege of serving SPEA since 2012 in various roles – as a Co-opted member, Committee member, and currently as Honorary Secretary (2022 – present). Over the years, I have truly enjoyed being part of the team, taking on roles such as a member of the SPEA Newsletter Editorial team and Chairperson of the 2021 Outstanding Teacher-Coach Award Selection committee.

These experiences have allowed me to collaborate with passionate, like-minded educators from the PE and sport fraternity, broadening my perspectives and deepening my appreciation for the profession. My involvement with SPEA also helps me stay connected to the wider educator community, ensuring my teaching at NIE remains relevant and continually inspiring me to reflect on the evolving needs of PE.

As the local and international PE and sport landscape continues to grow and transform, my hope for SPEA’s next 50 years is that it remains forward-looking, continues to be a strong voice for PE and sport educators, and boldly challenges the boundaries of what PE and sport can achieve.

Zason is currently a Senior Lecturer at PESS/NIE/NTU. Zason had 15 years of working experience at the Ministry of Education, firstly in schools as a Physical Education (PE) teacher and Sports Secretary, and subsequently in the headquarters as a Senior Specialist for PE & Sports curriculum planning.

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