Profile of SgSL Instructors

SgSL Instructor Photo_Alan Wong

Alan Wong

Green thumbs and gestures – that’s me!
With two decades of experience in
landscape design and consulting, I’ve
honed my skills in crafting stunning
outdoor spaces. But my other passion?
Teaching sign language. I believe
nurturing connections between people is
just as important as nurturing plants. Let’s
grow and communicate together!

SgSL Instructor Photo_April Chia

April Chia

I’m passionate about bridging
communication gaps within the Deaf
community and promoting inclusion. My
hope is to see more people using
Singapore Sign Language in everyday
communication, creating a more
accessible and inclusive world. Outside of
work, I enjoy watching K-dramas, murder
mysteries, time travel shows, and
documentaries. I’m also a dog lover with
two dogs, Whisky and Vodka, who have
been with me and my family for nearly 16
years, and a playful young cat named
Love, who brings even more joy to our
home. Together, they keep my life full of
love and laughter.

SgSL Instructor Photo_Dennis Tan

Dennis Tan

Since 1989, I have been teaching sign
language in schools and The Singapore
Association for the Deaf. I enjoy teaching
Singapore Sign Language in its various
forms, including Deaf humour, stories,
poems, and other types of literature.

SgSL Instructor Photo_Elaine Teo

Elaine Teo

I’ve taught sign language at The
Singapore Association for the Deaf for
more than 25 years. I find joy and
meaning in teaching sign language to
people from all walks of life and building a
bridge between the Deaf and hearing
communities. It always brings me joy to
see my students connecting with each
other. Some have even ended up married
and invited me to their weddings! In my
free time, I love travelling and indulging in
Korean dramas.

SgSL Instructor Photo_Freddie Soh

Freddie Soh

I have been breaking communication
barriers since 1995, fostering inclusion

and empowering diverse communities. I
strive to bridge gaps, build connections,
and strengthen relationships across all
walks of life. As a devoted animal lover, I
have cared for chinchillas, dwarf
hamsters, and rabbits, embodying
compassion in all forms.

SgSL Instructor Photo_Gohpi Nathan

Gohpi Nathan

I enjoy teaching Singapore Sign
Language (SgSL) as it has been my
native, visual language since childhood. I
believe that through SgSL, many people
can learn effectively through animated
facial expressions and detailed body
language. My pastimes include traveling,
long walks and hikes, and night cycling!

SgSL Instructor Photo_James Ong

James Ong

I have a passion for bridging
communication gaps. Having been

inspired by personal experiences with the
Deaf community, I became an instructor
to promote inclusion. Outside of my
teaching hours, I enjoy chatting to further
connect with diverse communities and
foster meaningful relationships.

SgSL Instructor Photo_Jennifer Chan

Jennifer Chan

I am a passionate instructor and mother
of three children, who also happens to be
born Deaf and raised by Deaf parents.
Other than Singapore Sign Language, I
have learnt Chinese Sign Language too. I
am passionate about helping people and
would like to encourage inclusion by
bridging both Deaf and hearing
communities with sign language. I love
sports, hiking and water activities, and
look forward to travelling with my favourite
people.

SgSL Instructor Photo_Tan Jian Hao

Tan Jian Hao

Inspired by how teachers shape students’
potential, I became a sign language instructor to bridge the gap between the
hearing and Deaf communities. I’m
passionate about helping others and
fostering inclusion through
communication. In my free time, I enjoy
sailing; it’s my way of connecting with
nature and finding peace.

SgSL Instructor Photo_Moses Chan

Moses Chan

As a Deaf Access Officer and sign
language instructor at The Singapore
Association for the Deaf, I believe that
non-hearing persons should not be
defined by their disabilities but rather by
their abilities and talents. I regularly
conduct deaf awareness programmes for
hearing persons to connect, immerse and
find beauty in a silent world.

SgSL Instructor Photo_Philip Choy

Philip Choy

I am a passionate sign language
instructor dedicated to helping others embark on their journey into the world of
sign language. Born Deaf, I am a strong
advocate of Total Communication,
ensuring inclusive and effective
communication for all. Beyond my
volunteer work in sign language
education, I enjoy leading an active
lifestyle and often cycle and jog to stay fit.
I am also a whiskey and wine
connoisseur.

SgSL Instructor Photo_Shalini Gidwani

Shalini Gidwani

With 30 years of experience teaching sign
language and visual art at The Singapore
Association for the Deaf, I see my role as
an unique and powerful bridge between
the two worlds of the hearing and the
Deaf. In addition, having two daughters
who are CODA (children of deaf adults)
enriches my life with diversity and
inclusion. Travelling to new places,
learning new things, making arts and
crafts, volunteering, yoga, cooking and
baking are what I enjoy!

 SgSL Instructor Photo_Shirley Chew

Shirley Chew

I started teaching sign language at The
Singapore Association for the Deaf in 1998. I love using interactive activities
with my students of different ages and
from all walks of life as it helps them to
learn better and improve their signing
skills. Seeing them improve at signing
and being able to express themselves just
makes me happy! I enjoy going for walks
to relax, and enjoy baking in my spare
time.

SgSL Instructor Photo_Tina Lau

Tina Lau

As a mother of two, I find considerable
fulfillment in my professional and personal
life. I regard sign language as an
exceptional means of creative expression
and derive substantial satisfaction from
facilitating the learning process for my
students. For leisure, I prefer to engage in
reading pursuits.