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.
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 Wong is an accomplished communication specialist, media professional, and nonprofit leader with over a decade of experience in the media and communications industry. He is the Co-Founder of SpeakEasy Lab, a speech and communication academy dedicated to helping individuals "find their voice and voice their thoughts" through accessible, high-quality training. Gerald works with a wide range of clients—from students to professionals—to enhance their communication confidence, clarity, and impact.
He began his career in broadcasting in 2014 as a radio producer and presenter on national radio, where he continues to host weekend shows today. Over the years, Gerald has built a reputation as an articulate and engaging host, having led high-level events attended by political officeholders and C-suite leaders as well as televised shows. He has also moderated panels on local and international stages, including the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Sea of Solutions conference in Bangkok.
A passionate advocate for effective communication, Gerald continues to train individuals and organisations in media and effective communication, with a focus on empowering them to express themselves with purpose and authenticity.
Mervyn Ye
Co-Founder
A top graduate of the NUS MBA (Marketing Specialisation) with early experience in public service, Mervyn Ye is an accomplished arts and education leader with a strong record in building creative organisations and developing impactful learning experiences. Drawing on his experience in both management and the arts, Mervyn bridges strategy and creativity to shape training that makes confident speaking a life skill accessible to everyone.
Before founding SpeakEasy Lab, Mervyn served as the founding General Manager of Voices of Singapore, where he oversaw its growth from 100 to over 1,500 members across 30 ensembles, and later as Director of The Voice Company, Singapore’s premier singing school for the versatile singer. His work across these platforms reflects a deep commitment to nurturing expression in all forms, spoken, sung, and performed, and to creating inclusive communities where people grow through shared voice and connection.
Outside of training and management, he is also an active musician and arranger.
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.
Stephanie Phang
Trainer
Stephanie Phang is a communications practitioner with extensive experience as an emcee and voice-over artist. She has hosted live events across corporate and arts platforms, and recorded professional voice-overs for commercial and brand campaigns. With a background in theatre, she brings strong stage presence, vocal control, and audience awareness to every setting.
She was commissioned to present Introduction to Harmonising for the Esplanade’s Vocal Focal series, and has hosted and performed at events for brands such as Agoda and NTUC. Her voice-over portfolio includes work for StarHub, L’Oréal, and Volkswagen. She also provides live audio description for the visually handicapped, a role that demands clarity, precision, and sensitivity in communication.
As a writer, Stephanie was runner-up in the 2006 Commonwealth Essay Competition and has written website copy for several local businesses. She made her professional lyricist debut in the original local musical The Paiseh Pieces by The Second Breakfast Company, and premiered a solo concert of her self-written parodies at the Esplanade in 2023.
Alongside her communications work, Stephanie is also a singer and vocal coach, a certified Level 1 instructor under the Modern Vocal Training programme. Her vocal training informs the way she teaches projection, articulation, and confident delivery. Stephanie is passionate about helping individuals find their voice and communicate with clarity, authenticity, and impact.