ABOUT US
Our
Story
To democratise access to powerful communication where confident, effective expression is not a privilege, but a skill every individual can own.
Welcome to SpeakEasy Lab-where great communication is about saying what you mean and saying it effectively.
It all started with two friends: one who speaks like a smooth-talking radio host (because he is one), and the other who found public speaking akin to a horror movie marathon. Both felt there was a need to build a safe space where everyone could learn to speak with clarity, confidence and a little flair—and that was how SpeakEasy Lab was born.
What began as a mission to help individuals become more confident communicators has since grown into a broader vision: to build SpeakEasy Lab into a social enterprise that not only delivers communication training to a wide range of learners, from students to professionals, but also develops impact programmes for the social sector, empowering youths through communication and equipping non-profit organisations with effective storytelling and stakeholder engagement skills.
At SpeakEasy Lab, we believe good communication is all about being yourself and conveying what you truly feel through a combination of effective vocal expression and message crafting. It is not about impressing, but about portraying your true self to others.
So come as you are, experiment and leave sounding like you mean it.
Our Core Beliefs
what drives us
Everyone deserves to be heard. We remove barriers so all voices can rise.
access
Great speakers aren’t born. They’re made, through guided, consistent practice.
practice
Come as you are. Every voice belongs. Leave better.
authenticity
Management
setting the stage
Gerald Wong
Co-Founder, Lead Trainer
Gerald is the Co-Founder and Lead Trainer of SpeakEasy Lab. He oversees the organisation's strategy, partnerships and curriculum development, building programmes that help people communicate with confidence while advancing SpeakEasy Lab's social mission of empowering youths and supporting non-profit organisations through communication training.
A communication specialist and media professional with over a decade of experience, Gerald is an active practitioner in the industry. He began his career in broadcasting as a radio producer and presenter on national radio, where he continues to host a daily lunch-time belt today. Over the years, he has built a reputation as an articulate and engaging host, leading high-level events attended by political officeholders and C-suite leaders, as well as televised programmes. He has moderated panels on local and international stages, including the United Nations Environment Programme’s Sea of Solutions conference in Bangkok.
Prior to founding SpeakEasy Lab, Gerald served as Executive Director of EB Impact, a Singapore-registered charity dedicated to making sustainability accessible and actionable, where he provided strategic leadership and shaped the organisation’s long-term vision and impact strategy. Earlier, he was Assistant General Manager of Voices of Singapore, working at the intersection of arts and social change. There he established the charity’s community impact unit, serving underserved youths, persons with additional needs, and seniors. He also co-founded a music training and artist management company focused on developing children and youths into multifaceted performers, and continues to serve on its board.
Gerald holds a BA (Hons) in Arts Management from Goldsmiths, University of London and LASALLE College of the Arts, and a Graduate Diploma in Non-Profit Management from the Singapore University of Social Sciences, which he completed on a full scholarship.
Mervyn Ye
Co-Founder
Mervyn is the Co-Founder of SpeakEasy Lab. He oversees the organisation's operations, development and growth, building the systems and learner experiences that enable SpeakEasy Lab to reach more people and deepen its impact across schools, workplaces and the social sector.
A top graduate of the NUS MBA (Marketing Specialisation) with early experience in Singapore's public service, Mervyn is an accomplished arts and education leader with a strong track record in building organisations and developing impactful learning experiences. Drawing on his expertise in business strategy, organisational leadership, and the performing arts, he combines strategic thinking with creativity to shape programmes that help learners communicate with confidence, clarity, and authenticity.
Prior to founding SpeakEasy Lab, Mervyn served as the founding General Manager of Voices of Singapore, where he oversaw the organisation's growth from 100 to over 1,500 members across more than 30 ensembles, helping establish it as one of Singapore's leading arts charities. He later served as Director of The Voice Company, Singapore's premier singing school for the versatile singer, where he led its operations and continued to develop innovative learning experiences for aspiring performers. Across these organisations, his work reflects a deep commitment to nurturing confident expression through music, performance, and education, while creating inclusive communities where people grow through shared voice and meaningful connection.
Outside of SpeakEasy Lab, Mervyn is also an active musician and arranger, continuing to contribute to Singapore's arts landscape through performance, collaboration, and mentorship.
Mervyn holds a Master of Business Administration from the National University of Singapore, where he graduated at the top of his specialisation. He also graduated with First Class Honours in Accountancy from Nanyang Technological University, providing a strong foundation that complements his leadership across the arts, education, and social sectors.
The trainers
gurus by day
Alia Alkaff
Trainer
Alia Alkaff is a storyteller, performer, and emcee who believes stories are most powerful when shaped with the audience in mind.
She began her professional journey in media and creative production, working in television and end-to-end video production, before moving into the nonprofit sector where she delved into content strategy, marketing, and capability development programmes at the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC). She holds a degree in Communication Studies from Nanyang Technological University and a diploma in Creative Writing for TV and New Media from Singapore Polytechnic.
As a theatre practitioner, Alia has participated in the Necessary Stage's Playwrights' Cove and Wild Rice's Young & Wild actor programme, and continues to create work that explores identity, loss, and hope, often with a dash of humour. Her background spans writing, directing, and performing, giving her a multidisciplinary lens on communication and creative expression.
Bringing together storytelling, performance, and a deep understanding of audiences, Alia supports learners in finding their voice, crafting narratives with purpose, and communicating with clarity and confidence.
Elakeyaa Selvaraji
Trainer
Elakeyaa Selvaraji is an award-winning presenter, journalist, and communications professional with over 10 years of experience across broadcast media, public affairs, and strategic communications. Currently with CNA, she is known for her dynamic on-screen presence, engaging storytelling style, and ability to connect with audiences across platforms.
Her years in broadcast media and communications have given her a deep understanding of how people connect through stories, presence, and authentic communication. Drawing from her experience working in fast-paced and high-pressure environments, Elakeyaa brings an approach that emphasises clarity, confidence, and genuine connection with audiences.
Passionate about confidence-building and self-expression, Elakeyaa conducts energetic and practical training sessions that help learners develop stronger presentation skills, vocal delivery, storytelling instincts, and overall communication confidence. She believes communication is not just about sounding polished, but about learning how to express ideas with clarity, authenticity, and impact.
Evangel Wong
Trainer
Evangel Wong is an actor, performance-maker and drama educator who graduated with Honours Distinction in Theatre Studies from the National University of Singapore (NUS). Her work spans performance, storytelling and creative facilitation, with a strong interest in how communication can foster understanding and meaningful human connections.
She is the co-founder of n:ow arts, an independent theatre-based arts collective. Drawing inspiration from personal stories and lived experiences, her artistic practice explores how storytelling can convey different perspectives, encourage empathy and connect people through shared experiences. Her work places particular emphasis on clarity, intention and the impact of communication.
As a drama trainer conducting Speech and Drama programmes in MOE schools, Evangel is passionate about helping children and adults communicate confidently and express themselves authentically. She draws on voice, body language, storytelling and creative exercises to help learners develop their presence, articulate ideas and engage meaningfully with others.
Her acting credits include punkpunkjunglefever (2025) by CAKE Theatre and I and You (2022, 2024) by Gateway Arts. Her directing credits with n:ow arts include on becoming (2025), a multisensory installation, and I(n) Nature (2025), a site-specific movement work.
Jae Liew
Trainer
Jae Liew is an actress and emcee with over a decade’s experience in the media industry.
Her ability to portray compelling characters earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 26th Asian Television Awards, and has led her to take on lead roles in various dramas and movies such as 128 Circle, Tanglin and 小孩不笨3 (I not stupid 3).
Her vast experience hosting for government agencies, trade shows, music festivals and charities, gives her a unique understanding of the variety of pressures and challenges different events can bring about, and how to deal with them.
She has led workshops on public speaking and effective communication for teachers and students, and has been a guest speaker at various secondary schools and post-secondary institutions in Singapore.
Her tenure in Japan also saw her coaching Japanese elementary and high school students for prefecture-level English speech competitions.
She now brings her public speaking toolkit to Speakeasy Lab where she aims to continue to guide with empathy, build students’ confidence and show them their strengths where they see none.
Shreya Upadhyaya
Trainer
Shreya is a communication trainer with six years of experience coaching learners in public speaking, alongside a professional career in partnerships and business communication.
Her passion for communication began at a young age, when she earned a Distinction in LAMDA Communication.
Alongside teaching, Shreya has built a career in business partnerships, delivering client presentations and engaging with stakeholders. She currently works in partnerships at a sustainable media company. This gives her a first-hand understanding of how communication plays out in real business settings, from presenting an idea to building lasting working relationships.
Outside the classroom, Shreya is an avid climber, and brings the same patience and persistence from the wall into every session.
Shreya finds communication deeply empowering, and believes it is one of the most genuine ways to connect with people in an increasingly disconnected world. At SpeakEasy Lab, she hopes to help learners find their own authentic voice and the confidence to share it.