JCU Conversations

Business transformation, digitalisation, change management and more. In this episode of JCU Conversations, we sit down with Mr Lee Tze Shiong, Director at CLA Global TS, one of the top ten largest public accounting and audit firms in Singapore. With over 30 years of experience spanning audit, advisory, business transformation, and regulatory leadership, he brings a wealth of insights on navigating change, embracing digital transformation, and preparing for the future of work.

Business transformation, digitalisation, change management and more. In this episode of JCU Conversations, we sit down with Mr Lee Tze Shiong, Director at CLA Global TS...

CEO, board director, advisor to fellow CEOs, professional speaker, avid sportswoman and more – Su-Yen Wong is a force to be reckoned with. Su-Yen is also Chair of the Board at James Cook University in Singapore, and in this episode, she sits down with our Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Carole-Anne Upton for a candid chat about her career and how she makes it all work – with both her professional and personal pursuits.  

Listen here: https://www.jcu.edu.sg/jcu-conversations/podcasts/jcu-conversations-su-yen-wong 

We’ve heard a lot about workplace well-being, work-life balance remote working and more in recent years. But what if we look at it from the lens of research? Find out more from our Psychology lecturer Dr Sherry Aw, who specialises in research topics such as employee well-being, empathy and emotions, managing work-family life and remote work.

This episode’s host: Janlyn, President of the Psychology Societies Student Group at James Cook University (Singapore Campus).

Join us as we chat with Mr Kau Yi Ming, Venture Partner at Krux Asia and Managing Director at Orative Technologies Mr. Kau takes us through his career journey from the military to the corporate world, entrepreneurship, and paying it forward as an angel investor and venture partner. In this episode, he shares about one of his greatest achievements and passions: driving digital transformation in organisations.

This episode’s host: Dr Kim-Lim Tan, Lecturer at James Cook University in Singapore.

Connect with Kau Yi Ming on LinkedIn.

In this episode, we chat with Andrea Del Mattea, President Asia Pacific, Microsoft, and advisory board member at James Cook University in Singapore. Andrea reflects on her prolific global career in tech, and shares insights on harnessing artificial intelligence to make a difference and drive inclusivity across the world. She also speaks about her time at James Cook University, where she was awarded an honorary doctorate in engineering.

This episode’s host: Dr Steve Kerrison, Senior Lecturer, Cybersecurity at James Cook University in Singapore.

Connect with Andrea Della Mattea on LinkedIn.

Ted Howland, Vice President, Group Sustainability at CapitaLand Investment joins us in this episode of JCU Conversations! Mr Howland, a Stanford-trained engineer, shares about how engineering and sustainability work together, the future of sustainability, why he’s optimistic about what’s to come and some surprising fun facts. 

This episode’s host: Rachel Ward, Member of the Advisory Board Subcommittee for Social and Health Sciences at James Cook University in Singapore.

Connect with Ted Howland on LinkedIn.  

In June this year, we welcomed our new Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Singapore at James Cook University, Professor Carole-Anne Upton. Professor Upton joins us in this episode of JCU Conversations, where she shares about why her career has been full of serendipity, as well as her thoughts on education, the future of learning and more. 

This episode’s host: Akshita Bhatia, Student Leader at James Cook University in Singapore. 

Connect with Professor Carole-Anne Upton on LinkedIn.  

Meet Ms Natasha Syed, Founder and CEO of SkilledIn Green, a talent marketplace that focuses on green skills and careers in sustainability. Natasha pivoted from a conventional 9-to-5 career in banking & finance to follow her passion for entrepreneurship. Join us as she talks about her journey, her commitment to sustainability and more.

This episode’s host: Michelle Thrash, Senior Manager, Student Careers at James Cook University in Singapore.

Connect with Natasha Syed on LinkedIn. 

Change agent and business leader Grace Ho has honed an impressive portfolio over two decades with a career that spans multinational corporations, technology startups, and corporate governance with board roles. She shares insights from her diverse experiences, including business transformation, sustainability, and more.

This episode’s host: Philip Forrest AM, Board of Advisors and the Chair of the Business School Advisory Subcommittee at James Cook University in Singapore. 

Connect with Grace Ho at GoImpact Capital Partners on LinkedIn.  

Life has been an exciting adventure for Professor Andreas Lopata, Professor in Biochemistry at the Tropical Futures Institute, James Cook University in Singapore – it sometimes seems like he’s lived many lives over the past few decades! Professor’s Lopata’s education and career have quite literally taken him to unexpected places – from a Business school in Germany, to studying insects in South Africa, and specialising in food allergy research in Singapore today. Learn more about his colourful life experiences! 

This episode’s host: Associate Professor Denise Dillon, Associate Dean of Research Education and Acting Dean R...

Professor Jason Pomeroy, Founding Principal of Pomeroy Studio and Pomeroy Academy, shares about his forte and passion – sustainable design and architecture, and how it influences his teaching profession, travel experiences and more.

This episode’s host: Associate Professor Caroline Wong, Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching at James Cook University, Singapore.

Dr Melvin Heng, Executive Director & Group CEO at Thomson Medical, shares about his career journey from medicine to corporate leadership. In this podcast, he talks about balancing business and commercial priorities with healthcare needs and ethical standards, what he loves about what he’s doing today, what he misses most about his time as a medical practitioner and more.

This episode’s host: Associate Professor Lucy Tan, Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology at James Cook University in Singapore.

Connect with Dr Melvin Heng on LinkedIn.

In this episode of JCU Conversations, we speak to His Excellency Allaster Cox, High Commissioner at the Australian High Commission Singapore. H.E. Cox shares interesting insights into life as an ambassador – from a typical day at work to memorable cultural experiences and what it takes to pursue a career in international diplomacy.

This episode’s host: Andrew Chew, Chief Commercial Officer of James Cook University in Singapore, and Chairman of James Cook Institute

More info: https://www.jcu.edu.sg/jcu-conversations/podcasts/jcu-conversations-24-allaster-cox/

This might be the best advice for fresh graduates? 🤔

In celebration of International Women's Day, we are thrilled to feature Eleanor Seet, President and Head of Asia ex-Japan at Nikko Asset Management Asia, as a guest on the #JCUConversations podcast! 

Dr K Thirumaran, Academic Head of the #JCUSingapore School of Business, interviews Eleanor and they discuss her accomplished career, finance industry and more. 

More info: https://www.jcu.edu.sg/jcu-conversations/podcasts/jcu-conversations-23-eleanor-seet

Yun Yuan Tay, Head of Asia Pacific at Skyports shares how automated vehicles have the potential to revolutionise public transportation with a faster, smoother, and safer journey through the skies.

This episode’s host: Professor Jason Pomeroy, Founding Principal of Pomeroy Studios and Pomeroy Academy

Connect with Yun Yuan Tay on LinkedIn

🔊 Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.jcu.edu.sg/jcu-conversations/podcasts/jcu-conversations-22-yun-yuan-tay

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Discover our latest podcast episode, featuring a captivating conversation with Professor Andrew Rose, Dean of NUS Business School. Delve into valuable insights on academia and education as he shares his perspective in this engaging interview!

This episode’s host: Professor Abhishek Bhati, Campus Dean and Head of Learning, Teaching and Student Engagement at James Cook University, Singapore

Connect with Andrew Rose on LinkedIn

Listen in as Andrew Buay, Singtel's Vice President of Group Sustainability, reflects on his incredible journey from a school drop out in the Singaporean education system to a successful and diverse career.

This episode’s host: Professor May Tan-Mullins, Former Dean International and Chief Sustainability Officer of James Cook University in Singapore

Connect with Andrew Buay on LinkedIn

Professor Abhishek Bhati, Former Campus Dean and Head of Learning, Teaching and Student Engagement, at the Singapore campus of James Cook University, as well as being the Regional Vice President of International Tourism Studies Association shares his insights and journey on tourism research, teaching and learning, and more!

This episode’s host: Dr Manisha Agarwal, Lecturer of Business at James Cook University in Singapore.

Connect with Professor Abhishek Bhati on LinkedIn.

Professor Chris Rudd, Former Deputy Vice Chancellor and Head of Campus at James Cook University in Singapore, shares his insights and journey on his cross-cultural experiences, academic leadership, and the evolving role of universities. 

This episode’s host: Vania Halim, Former President of the Student Council at James Cook University in Singapore. 

Connect with Professor Chris Rudd on LinkedIn.

Sreeram Iyer, Global Chief Operating Officer at ANZ Bank's Institutional Banking Business and Head of Group Capability Centres, shares the importance of speak-up culture — where voice inclusivity matters — and its impact on workplaces and leadership dynamics. 

This episode’s host: Steffie Vanessia, Investor Relations Associate at Tribeca Investment Partners 

Connect with Sreeram Iyer on LinkedIn.

Philip Forrest AM, an Independent Company Director, imparts invaluable advice on building successful long-term relationships in the business world and underscores the importance of empathy and integrity in a leader to foster such connections. 

This episode’s host: Rajaneesh Kurup, Segment Strategy Director at Equinix Asia-Pacific and President of Australian Alumni Singapore

Connect with Philip Forrest AM on LinkedIn.

Professor May Tan-Mullins, Former Dean International and Chief Sustainability Officer at James Cook University in Singapore, takes us on a thrilling journey through her remarkable career and unwavering commitment to shaping a sustainable future.

This episode’s host: Dr Peter Hofman, Professor of Business at James Cook University in Singapore

Connect with Professor May-Tan Mullins on LinkedIn.

The Honourable Will Hodgman, Strategic Advisor to Trovio Group and Former Australian Higher Commissioner to Singapore, shares his perspective on good leadership as well as the challenges that he’s faced in his career.

This episode’s host: Andrew Chew, Former Chief Commercial Officer at James Cook University in Singapore

Connect with Will Hodgman on LinkedIn.

Benjamin Chua, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Speco, a Smart Hygiene company, shares about his career journey and how he contributes to society, as well as advice to up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

This episode’s host: Associate Professor Jacob Wood, Associate Dean of Research at James Cook University in Singapore

Find out more about Speco.

Connect with Benjamin Chua on LinkedIn.

Mel Gollan, Founder of RIPA Global, a New Zealand built connectivity platform for commerce, shares about her career journey, the commerce business, sustainability, and how emotional intelligence comes into play when designing products.

This episode’s host: Naomi Vowels, Co-Founder and CEO at Givvable

Find out more about RIPA Global.

Connect with Mel Gollan on LinkedIn.

As CEO and Founder of ESGTech, Andrew Gazal shares the importance of Environment, Social and Governance standards, and how data on these factors are crucial to companies across industries. He also shares how he believes companies and their leaders can become more sustainable.

This episode’s host: Associate Professor Wang Pengji, Associate Professor of Business at James Cook University in Singapore

Find out more about ESGTech.

Connect with Andrew Gazal on LinkedIn.

As the former Chief Sustainability Officer & Advisor at Monetary Authority of Singapore, Dr Darian McBain shares more about the fun of working in sustainability, how people can contribute to climate action, and the role of human rights in sustainability.

She is presently the CEO and Founder of OCSO Asia, an outsourced Chief Sustainbility Officer advisory service.

This episode’s host: Professor May Tan-Mullins, Former Dean International & Chief Sustainability Officer at James Cook University in Singapore

Connect with Dr Darian McBain on LinkedIn.

As the Chief Technology Strategist at the Ministry of Health Office for Healthcare Transformation, Professor Robert Morris discusses mental health, how the pandemic shaped healthcare, and his experience in computer science and AI technologies.

This episode’s host: Professor Caryn West, Dean of Research at James Cook University in Singapore

Connect with Professor Robert Morris on LinkedIn.

Advisor to the DesignSingapore Council Mark Wee (then Executive Director) wears many hats — architect, artist, designer, educator. Find out how he’s breaking down barriers as he shares his career journey and his thoughts on art, design, and education. 

This episode’s host: Professor Jason Pomeroy, Founding Principal of Pomeroy Studio and Pomeroy Academy

Find out more about Mark Wee on his website, or connect with him on LinkedIn and Instagram.

CEO and Founder of The Great Room Jaelle Ang discusses her colourful childhood, educational journey, and career. She also shares the key traits that leaders should have, and how she overcame challenges while growing businesses in a foreign land. Her answers might surprise you!

This episode’s host: Professor Jason Pomeroy, Founding Principal of Pomeroy Studio and Pomeroy Academy

Find out more about The Great Room.

Connect with Jaelle Ang on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

CEO and co-founder of SaladStop! Adrien Desbaillets shares how he transitioned from shrimp peeling to joining the hospitality industry, and then founding SaladStop! with his father. He also shares the challenges of starting, running and growing a business, what aspiring entrepreneurs should look out for, and more!

This episode’s host: Professor Jason Pomeroy, Founding Principal of Pomeroy Studio and Pomeroy Academy

Find out more about SaladStop!

Connect with Adrien Desbaillets on LinkedIn. He also welcomes emails at adrien@saladstop.com 

What does it take to lead a university? Professor Sandra Harding AO, former Vice Chancellor and President of James Cook University, shares her interest in humanities and the social sciences, her passion for sustainability, the importance of an active holiday, and just what it takes to become a leader.

(This episode was recorded before Sandra’s retirement as Vice Chancellor and President of James Cook University.)

This episode’s host: Pinky Sibal, Associate Director of Branding at James Cook University in Singapore

Find out more about James Cook University

JCU Chancellor Bill Tweddell reflects on his long association with James Cook University and on his storied career. He also shares how his experiences have shaped his leadership skills, the responsibility of drawing upon these skills, and the importance of forging relationships and exchanging ideas.

(This episode was recorded before Bill’s retirement as Chancellor of James Cook University.)

This episode’s host: Nicola Hodgman, Associate Director of Special Projects at James Cook University in Singapore

Find out more about James Cook University

Group Chief Executive Officer of Surbana Jurong Wong Heang Fine has had a challenging childhood. He shares how his experiences across various projects have shaped his entrepreneurial and collaborative abilities, and made him a leader in today’s diverse landscape.

This episode’s host: Professor Jason Pomeroy, Founding Principal of Pomeroy Studio and Pomeroy Academy

CEO of Barramundi Group Andreas Von Scholten joins the show to share how he entered the world of aquaculture, how he’s grown throughout his career, and the key to sustainability — also, find out if his favourite meal includes a serving of tasty barramundi.

This episode’s host: Professor Dean Jerry, Director of the Tropical Futures Institute at James Cook University in Singapore

Chief Financial Officer of DBS Group Chng Sok Hui has had a real rollercoaster of a career. She shares how she quickly grew into becoming a leader across her various roles, how she found her way into Singapore's leading consumer bank, and how she achieves that coveted work-life balance.

This episode’s host: Dr Malobi Mukherjee, Former Lecturer of Business at James Cook University, Singapore

Find out more about DBS Group

Connect with Chng Sok Hui