A Literature major, Mr Aman is currently living his dream as he pursues a dual role in teaching and curriculum development. Over the years, he has grown to love teaching, having worked previously in journalism and other writing related endeavours. He brings his own passion for Literature into the classroom and incorporates it into many of the Short Stories our students have grown to love.

Humble, client-oriented and extremely good-natured, Mr Aman has become one of our best-loved teachers at Academia, especially for fellow football enthusiasts! Mr Aman is dedicated and willing to go the extra mile for his students, and is a pillar of support for our learning community.

Literary art enthusiast, passionate bard of poetry and bearing love for the humanities, Ms Annabelle is driven in providing a safe, conducive space for learning. Given her vast array of experiences in working with children and youth, she believes that building the foundations of the English language can in turn, inculcate opportunities for personal growth. With an approach that encourages self-directed learning, Ms Annabelle empowers her students by promoting their readiness to seek new knowledge and courage to step into uncharted waters with confidence.

Having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy (Honours) from The National University of Singapore, she combines philosophical inquisitiveness and positive reinforcement in class to create energetic eagerness in her students. A genuine, sincere educator who aspires to create the best grounds for achieving greater literary heights, she taps on both intellectual and emotive aspects to provide a holistic learning experience.

With over two decades 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.

Ms Daariin Annur brings a rich blend of academic excellence and youth-development experience to the classroom. A Rafflesian from RGS, she went on from the 6-year Raffles Programme to earn an Honours degree in Psychology, with a minor in Public Health, from the National University of Singapore. While at NUS, she curated and facilitated mental health workshops for her peers, refining the skills she now uses to create intelligent and inclusive spaces for learning. An interest in the developmental trajectory of youths led her to teaching, where she sees every class discussion and piece of student writing as a chance to hear young voices come alive.

Gentle yet assertive, Ms Daariin’s lessons are intentionally structured, dialogic, and student-centric. She invites learners to explore ideas, risk mistakes, and reflect on feedback, nurturing a growth-oriented mindset that extends far beyond exam halls. By balancing lively discussion with sensitivity to each student’s energy, she guides them to develop lasting command of language and critical thought. Outside class, her love of journaling and of keeping “commonplace books” filled with articles, quotes, and observations models the very habits of curiosity and evidence-gathering she encourages in General Paper. Parents value her calm assurance; students appreciate a teacher who listens first, mentors second, and celebrates every step of their academic and personal journey.

As a teacher, Ms Ten strives to create a learning environment that is inclusive, supportive, and stimulating. In her classes, she aims to inspire interaction and participation through well-structured lessons that are tailored to the different learning styles of her young charges. Her passion for teaching was ignited during her university days while working in student care, where she realised the profound impact that a motivated teacher could have on young minds. This transformative experience galvanised her, armed with a degree in International Business and Management and an IELTS certification, to pursue a formal career in teaching. Outside of education, Ms Ten has worked in a number roles, but she finds herself most enthusiastic about guiding students as they explore and achieve their potential, and she finds immense satisfaction in witnessing their growth and success.

Ms Ten believes that a good teacher needs to be adaptable, empathetic, and passionate, in order to connect with students and inspire curiosity. Outside of teaching, she enjoys exploring natural landscapes and outdoor activities such as hiking, which not only refreshes her but also inspires creativity and resilience that she brings into the classroom. Committed to lifelong learning, Ms Ten continuously seeks opportunities to enhance her teaching skills, while ensuring she remains an enthusiastic, approachable, and patient educator.

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 for the IELTS and TOEFL 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.

Ms Iris Lim is a passionate educator who discovered her love for teaching during the height of the pandemic. Initially starting as a tutor while awaiting her full-time job after graduating with first-class honours from the University of Melbourne, she quickly realized that teaching was her true calling. Even after beginning her professional career, she continued to teach on weekends, eagerly looking forward to those moments each week. She soon switched to a career in teaching. English had always been her strong suit; in secondary school, she received awards for being the best in her level for social studies and literature, highlighting her long-standing excellence in the humanities.

Ms Lim finds immense reward in witnessing the spark of genuine understanding in her students' eyes, especially when they've struggled with a concept or grammar component. Her teaching style is nurturing, patient, and engaging—creating a safe environment where even the most reserved students feel comfortable to participate. She believes that a great teacher is one who not only is competent but also creates a conducive space for all students to flourish. By offering highly tailored feedback that considers each student's individual strengths and weaknesses, she has earned the gratitude of many students and parents for her genuine care and meticulous approach. Outside the classroom, Ms Lim is an avid reader who sets a yearly goal to finish reading a hundred books – though admittedly she has only succeeded once, during the pandemic lockdown in 2020.

Mr Jeremiah Sng is an intellectual and analytic teacher who cultivated a deep fascination and respect for the nuances of the English language from a young age. Inspired to follow in the footsteps of the teachers who had so meaningfully impacted his own learning experience, Mr Jeremiah pursued a double major in English Language and English Literature at the National University of Singapore, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Highest Distinction). He went on to attain a Master of Education at the National Institute of Education, where he was named Postgraduate Valedictorian and awarded the Singapore Teachers’ Union Gold Medal for the top student in the course.

Mr Jeremiah sees his role as that of being a facilitator of learning and discovery for those under his care. He adopts a consultative and technical style that encourages his students to actively participate in class discussions and push their own limits whilst providing a firm and scaffolded structure that supports this discovery process. A passionate and driven educator, he firmly believes that every student has untapped potential and is fully committed to helping them achieve their goals, both academic and beyond.

Johann Loh is Chief Product Officer at Academia, where he leads the design of the company’s curriculum, pedagogy, technology and learning experience.

An educator, writer and product designer, Johann believes that great education is never accidental. Every worksheet, lesson, assessment, classroom routine and digital tool should work together as part of a coherent system that helps students think more clearly, write more precisely and develop genuine confidence with language.

His work is driven by a lifelong fascination with English—not simply as a school subject, but as one of humanity’s most powerful tools for thinking. Equally influential is his love of Literature and storytelling, and the conviction that the stories we read and tell shape the way we understand the world. These ideas continue to underpin the way Academia teaches students to read critically, write persuasively and communicate with clarity.

Before founding Academia in 2013, Johann worked extensively in curriculum development and private education, while also building a career as a language consultant and copywriter for organisations including Louis Vuitton, Citibank, BNP Paribas and Singapore Management University. Today, he brings those experiences together to oversee curriculum architecture, teacher development, assessment design, artificial intelligence and educational technology across the company.

Johann graduated as Singapore’s top Literature student from Raffles Institution before receiving a full scholarship to Princeton University, where he graduated magna cum laude in Philosophy and spent a year at the University of Oxford. He was later accepted into the PhD programme at the University of Cambridge before choosing instead to devote his career to primary and secondary education.

More than a decade after founding Academia, Johann continues to focus on a single question: How can we build learning experiences that are not only academically rigorous, but so thoughtfully designed that they change the way students learn?

Mr Matthew Low is a thoughtful and articulate scholar of the literary arts. An Anglo-Chinese School alumnus, his introspective journey with the world of literature and books began from a young age, when he realised that every work he dived into - stories, poems, and other forms - allowed him to look at the world in new ways, challenging him to find value in unexpected places. A recipient of the Nanyang Scholarship, Nanyang Technological University's foremost undergraduate scholarship, Mr Matthew took his passion for literature into his university studies, graduating with Highest Distinction Honours, and a Bachelor of Arts in English. During his time in NTU, he was a Dean's Lister for three consecutive years, and received the School of Humanities Book Prize for English.

At Academia, Mr Matthew seeks to share with students his belief that literature enables us to explore the deepest and dearest thoughts and experiences from great intellects across time periods and geographical distances. A focused educator, his objective is to help students appreciate the artistry in each literary work they encounter. In the process, students learn to express themselves clearly and authentically, and gain confidence in their own language skills. 

Ms Michelle Chen is a dedicated educator whose passion for teaching was ignited during her university days, studying for her Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Initially tutoring to make ends meet, she soon discovered that helping students overcome their academic challenges brought her deep fulfilment and joy. With a strong grasp for the English language, having received a First in Cohort Award for General Paper during her JC days, Ms Chen explored private tutoring across a wide range of levels, from Phonics to General Paper, working part-time at various enrichment centres before joining Academia upon graduation.

Ms Chen believes that a good teacher should be patient, resourceful, and adept at breaking down complex skills and concepts to meet each student's unique strengths and needs. Her teaching style is nurturing, detailed, and consultative, fostering an interactive and engaging learning environment where valuable knowledge is imparted effectively. Described as friendly, amiable, and jovial, she strives to maintain a positive atmosphere in the classroom, making every student feel welcome. Outside of teaching, she has an extensive background in the performing arts, having starred in theatrical school productions, storytelling competitions, and occasional singing performances. Her love for performing and making audiences laugh seamlessly ties into her passion for English and her commitment to inspiring students today.

Mr Olivier Tan firmly believes in the paramount importance of mastering the English language. A proud alumnus of his alma mater Hwa Chong Institution, he comprehends the significance of hard work in shaping one’s language foundation, driving him to excel in his English and develop a love for Literature. He followed his passion and graduated from the National University of Singapore with a degree in English Literature.

Hardworking, dedicated and extraordinarily responsible, Mr Tan truly embodies the future-oriented direction of Academia and our belief in the unparalleled potential of millennials. Olivier is patient and affable, teaching his students to write in that quintessential English Lit style that is assured, elegant and elevated. His Literature curriculum provides our students with all the scaffolding they need to actually understand the subject in a systematic and logical manner. We know you will discover that his track record of supporting his students through all of their challenges make him extremely popular with students and parents.

Ms. Sonia Gomez is an enthusiastic and approachable educator who has developed her teaching experience across both Singapore and Australia. After completing her Primary and Secondary education locally, she moved to Australia to pursue a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood and Primary Teaching, gaining classroom experience through teaching placements and designing learning activities that students found both engaging and meaningful. She later returned to Singapore to pursue a degree in English Language and Literature. Over the past three years, Ms. Gomez has worked at Academia in various capacities, both as an intern and teaching assistant, giving her extensive familiarity with our curriculum, teaching approach, and students.

Ms. Gomez believes that effective teaching begins with patience, empathy, and the ability to explain concepts in ways that students can readily understand. Her lessons are guided by clear goals, active participation, and a supportive classroom environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring their curiosity. Flexible, practical, and enthusiastic in her approach, she especially enjoys seeing the moment when a challenging concept finally clicks for a student. Beyond her academic interests, Ms. Gomez holds a Piano Diploma and is an avid reader working towards a goal of 50 books in a year. She also enjoys video games and Japanese animation.