Curriculum Vitae

Dr. RT Chew
25 Jalan Riang, Singapore 358994
rtchew@happyology.co
+65 8468 4808



Vision

To enhance peoples lives.

Constantly evolving and delivering quality
approaches through infusion of east-meets-west
philosophies in Design, Art and Education
Psychology to produce creative and pragmatic
solutions that enhance the daily lives of all people
to be more fulfilled and simply happy.


Motivation I Resilience I MindGym



Page 2 of 6

Education Year Professional Experience

2007 - 2011
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
EDUCATION
[Education Psychology & Arts]
Faculty of Education & Social Work
University of Sydney
Exploring the links between Drama
Education & the Federal Values
Education Framework.

2011 2008 - 2011
BRAND MANAGER &
SHOW PRODUCER
Local Art Base
[Australian Menswear Label] D T
2009 - 2012
FOUNDER & FACILITATOR
MindGym Sydney T

2010 - 2011
ARTS BASED APPROACH
CONSULTANT
IRIS Consulting
[International Resilience Institute Sydney] T


2008 - 2009
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Dr. John Hughes Pro-Dean
Faculty of Education and Social Work
University of Sydney
Literature Review & Data Analysis R

2008 A 2006 - 2008
MARKET RESEARCHER, CURRICULUM PLANNER &
IN-HOUSE DESIGNER
NCLT [National Centre for Language Training, New South Global] D R

2007
2005 - 2007
MASTERS IN EDUCATION
[Education Psychology & Arts]
Faculty of Education & Social Work
University of Sydney
Self Concepts & ongoing motivation &
participation in the Arts.



2006 1999 - 2006
CREATIVE & ART DIRECTOR
Visual Studio, Singapore & Australia
[Project Based] D T

A 2004 - 2005
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Special Project with Jeffrey Tan of
Singapore Dance Theatre D
2001 - 2004
BACHELORS IN
DESIGN STUDIES
Griffith University
Queensland College of the Arts
2004
1999 - 2000
ARTISTIC PROJECT EXECUTIVE
& IN-HOUSE GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Toy Factory Theatre D

1996 - 1999
DIPLOMA IN HOSPITALITY MGT
Temasek Polytechnic Singapore

1999
1996 LEGEND I DDesign Skills , TTraining , RResearch

Page 3 of 6
Training Experience T

Led the development of a proprietary arts-based program to address bullying in schools with IRIS
Consulting [International Resilience Institute Sydney]. The program blends drama and visual arts
tools adapted from emotional resilience workshops offered to corporate clients in Asia including
American Express, Bank of Scotland and Bank of Tokyo. The workshops were successfully presented
to large audiences across various state and private schools and community organisations in Australia.
Received overwhelming feedback from workshop participants who have experienced greater levels of
self-confidence, esteem and a perceived sense of safety and community in their lives.

Launched a Not-For-Profit organisation [MindGym Sydney] offering various mind motivation,
relaxation and resilience techniques to local community participants and corporations. Led the growth
of the group to over 2,500 members within 3 years with 40-50 members that actively participate each
week for community sessions. Further developed and implemented tailored MindGym sessions for
corporations to cope with staff motivation. Managed the operational running of the group including
session designs, marketing and public relations outreach to the local community, e-newsletter to
members and financial & strategic planning.

Implemented a range of bespoke staff training programs for designers working at VisualStudio in
both Singapore and Australia. This included specific training workshops to improve practices in
concept design, branding, strategy, execution, mentoring, typography, colour theory, design layout,
print & web production, marketing/advertising, project estimates and budget management. The impact
from the workshops led to a stronger and more cohesive team working seamlessly together and
collectively upholding very high work standards. The outcome resulted in a marked improvement in
staff retention levels and design projects were completed on time, within budget exceeding client
expectations.

Introduced cultural and market specific training programs for sales staff and agents of Local Art
Base [Australian Menswear Label] [i.e. sales techniques and brand philosophy] across 4 countries
[Australia, Italy, Japan and New Zealand]. The training program resulted in a 35% increase in sales
revenue following the completion of the program.

Formulated a range of language and cultural infusion courses with the Program Director at NCLT
[National Centre for Language Training-New South Global in Australia]. Coordinated workshops with
over 40 academics across 9 institutions in Australia and oversaw the delivery of 15 standardised
courses across the 6 states.


Design & Arts Experience D

Developed and implemented a set of creative concepts for promotional campaigns for a diverse set
of clientele at VisualStudio in both Singapore & Australia. Clients included Changi Airport Group and
LS Travel Retail Pacific [Bijoux Terner, Discover and Newslink]. Art directed a team of graphic
designers and supervised their project workflow to ensure an optimum blend of quality and efficiency
was delivered in the design process and the final solution design.

Superior ability to communicate and engage with a wide range of stakeholders at all levels [e.g.
advertisers, artists, corporate executives and clients]. This was often demonstrated by specific
requests from corporate clients that I be personally assigned as the Chief Creative Director to project
manage the assignment to ensure all the creative ideas and strategies implemented were aligned to
the brief and met the client`s expectations.


Page 4 of 6

Produced six seasons of runway shows for Local Art Base [Australian Menswear Label]. Key
responsibilities included location scouting, general operations, resource management, logistics, music
& artistic direction and show rundown.

At NCLT [National Centre for Language Training-New South Global in Australia], led all facets of
corporate communication including corporate image and literature, developed design templates for
trade show implementation and presentation, advertising, catalogues, direct marketing, and all
supporting product materials and literature. Provided artistic direction and advice on the online
marketing approach [e.g. web design, online advertising].

Oversaw the daily operations at Toy Factory Theatre including leading the highly successful publicity
drive for the show 'I have a date with Spring`, which was played to a large audience of over 8,000
people. Developed the marketing plans for the various stage productions, led the design of the
program booklets and managed the music production process which included producing the
soundtrack, negotiating the record deal, drafting and reviewing artist contracts, managing distribution
rights, overseeing casting of musicians and acting as the key liaison between the studio and the
theatre company.

Engaged by Jeffrey Tan [formerly from Singapore Dance Theatre] in 2005 to provide artistic
direction on a creative project. This involved researching & conceptualising a collaborative dance /
multimedia installation performance. Managed the creative process from concept to completion.

Finalist for Design Cover of 2003 for Design Graphics Magazine.


Research Experience R

Completed a mixed-method PhD, applying both qualitative and quantitative analytical skills.
The research involved both teachers and students from lower socio-economic government
schools.

Undertook literature reviews and produced data analytics working as a Research Assistant for the
Pro-Dean of Development at the Faculty of Education and Social Work, Sydney University in Australia.
Also formulated a research plan for personal academic pursuits.

Proficient in designing research projects, statistical analysis and qualitative data collection
methods. The skills were refined in undertaking specialist courses at the Australian Consortium
for Social and Political Research Incorporated and applied in the doctoral thesis and literature
review works.

Led the competitor research, market & customer segmentation analysis for both Local Art Base and
NCLT. Developed tailored strategies to respond to competitor price movements, market messaging,
product positioning, branding and sales targeting, which led to a 35% increase in sales for Local Art
Base.



Page 5 of 6


Publications & Conferences

Chew, R [2008]. An Empirical Review of Values Education Theories and Their Relation
to The Federal Governments Values Education Framework. presented at PESSA
Biannual Research Forum, Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney.

Chew, R, Hughes, J [2008]. Values Education through Engagement in Drama:
Innovations across Contexts. presented at APERA Asia-Pacific Educational Research
Association Conference, National Institute of Education, Singapore.

Chew, R [2009]. Exploring the Link Between Drama Education and The National Values
Education Framework Through an HSC Drama Text. presented at the International
Symposium on Applied Theatre: Engagement and Transformations, Faculty of
Education and Social Work, University of Sydney.

Chew, R, Freebody, K, Spandagou, I [2012]. (pending) Exploring Values Education in
Drama Classroom: Challenges and Considerations. NJ Research Journal.

Chew, R, Spandagou, I [2012]. (pending) Experiences of Beginning Drama Teaching NJ
Research Journal.

Chew, R, Warren, S [2012]. (pending book) Not you, Not Me, But Us: Commonalities
between Chinese Philosophy and Western Psychology.


Awards & Scholarships

2008 : Thomas and Ethel Mary Ewing Doctoral Scholarship.
2003&4 : Griffith University Academic Award
[Top 10% of University]
2003 : Golden Key International Honours Society
[Top 10% of Australian Universities]

References

CHRIS CHENG
Artistic Director, Local Art Base
t : +61 413 972 858
e : labgallerie@gmail.com

KEVIN SO
MindGym Sydney
t : +61 431 555 730
e : kevin_so@tpg.com.au

SHANE WARREN
Director, IRIS Consulting
t : +61 418 726 880
e : admin@irisconsulting.com.au


Ive engaged RT to run workshops for my factory
staff in Bangkok. Not only did they have a great
time at the workshop, they all seem a lot happier
working at the factory now. The quality of their
work and the assembled products are of a much
higher quality now. In my line of work where we are
often dealing with precious stones and expensive
materials, this is the best outcome.


RT is a visionary, an engaged and passionate
individual who is able to see beyond any
persons limitation or disability to realise
their true potential. RT is a true master
of the mind


I attended RTs MindGym workshop when I
was in Sydney for a conference. He has
an amazing way of making complex ideas
easy to understand. He is also able to
adapt his knowledge and deliver it at a
level accessible to whomever he is
speaking to. Weve stayed in touch since
and Ive never tal ked with him and not
fel t inspired afterwards.
THEIRRY BORDAS
Chief Executive Officer
Kaimana Jewelry, Paris & Bangkok

KEVIN SO
Chief Executive Officer
MindGym Sydney

CARY LIST
President & Chief Executive Officer, Financial
Planning Standards Council [FPSC], Canada
I have been consistently impressed by RTs
dedication, innovation and leadership skills,
which has enabled him to oversee many projects
from an initial idea, into its execution, at the
same time motivating others to perform at their
best.
RT is one of a kind, with a very strong artistic
background and an i nsi ghtf ul understanding of what
the needs of the market and individuals are. His
passion and depth of knowledge in both the design
and psychology fields makes him a rarity in the
industry and gives him the ability to develop fresh
approaches to both business and training.
RT has a unique and clear way of bringing passion &
focus together so that any layperson wi l l be
enriched through the innovative techni ques in hi s
mental exercises & art- based approaches

JEFFREY TAN
Former Resident Choreographer
Singapore Dance Theatre
CHRIS CHENG
Artistic Director, Local Art Base
Sydney

DR. PETER CHUENG
Medical Doctor [Rheumatology]
Testimonials
One of the most intelligent and
culturally sensitive persons I know. RT
executes his workshop with grace and
conviction. I can see many people
benefiting from his workshops.
Im a no-fluff straight talking kind of person.
Nonetheless, RT has been a joy to work with. Hes
been able to translate his knowledge and
experiences in design to psychology and more
impressively to our emotional resilience models.
He even makes it look easy with his light-hearted
personality.
DR. ANGELO GIOE
Deputy Director, Italian Cultural Institute
Sydney
DR. SHANE WARREN
Director, IRIS Consulting
Sydney