EXPERIENCE MY WORK
Cecilia Woo
Note: Information updated as of 21th Jul 2024
Cecilia Woo
Note: Information updated as of 21th Jul 2024
With a rich professional history spanning 37 years, I am an accomplished Executive Director with a remarkable record of consistently achieving mission-critical objectives. My leadership journey has been characterised by exceptional communication skills, a knack for managing diverse teams across cultures, and an unwavering entrepreneurial mindset that places a premium on profitability for optimal success
A visionary leader, I excel in forging strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, aligning seamlessly with vital business initiatives Recently, I embraced a new chapter by joining a charitable organisation and the environmental management association, fueled by a strong desire to make meaningful contributions to the community. My commitment to driving success while prioritising environmental causes underscores my dedication to organisational excellence and community well-being
• TAC Leadership Development Programme
Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore
• Graduate Course - Fundraising and Philanthropy
Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore
• Post Graduate Diploma in Digital Marketing
The Digital Marketing Institute, United Kingdom
• Bachelor of Communication Honours
Murdoch University, Western Australia
• Professional Publishing Course
Stanford University, United States Of America
• Graduate Diploma in Marketing
The Charter Institute of Marketing, United Kingdom
• Diploma in Sales & Marketing
Marketing Institute Of Singapore, Singapore
Singapore’s leading gender equality advocacy group
Designation: Fundraiser LEAD
Period: MAY 2024 (Current)
Digital Campaign Leadership
• Lead all digital campaigns by developing comprehensive strategies to enhance AWARE's online presence
• Execute the main online campaigns to maximise engagement and reach, ensuring impactful digital outreach.
Donor Stewardship Management
• Oversee donor stewardship, creating and implementing strategies to nurture and grow donor relationships.
• Ensure effective engagement and retention of donors through personalized communication and targeted initiatives.
Donor Management System Improvement
• Identify and recommend new donor management systems that better suit AWARE's needs, considering advancements in local platforms.
• Focus on replacing the current US-centric system with one that aligns more closely with Singaporean requirements
Team Support and Collaboration
• Provide strategic support to the Ball team, ensuring seamless coordination and successful event execution.
• Offer digital marketing advice to the Communications team as needed, enhancing the overall effectiveness of their campaigns.
On Saturday, April 27, AWARE held its 39th Annual General Meeting, the first in-person Board election since 2018. AWARE representatives gave updates on each department’s key work during 2023 and saw the election of the new Board President, Aarathi Arumugam, and members for the 2024-2026 term.
Over 80 members were present at the AGM.
It made a significant milestone as the first board election since the pandemic. With 80 members in attendance, the election saw Ms. Aarathi Arumugam, former Board Treasurer and COO of EveryChild.SG, elected as President. The new board, comprising diverse and experienced leaders such as Lihui Zeng, Anju Patwardhan, Filzah Sumartono, Ijin Tan, Joanne Theseira, Kanak Muchhal, Penelope Shone, and Stacey Choe, promises to drive AWARE's mission forward as it celebrates its 40th anniversary Under the strategic guidance of Executive Director Corinna Lim, the board's combined expertise in finance, law, advertising, philanthropy, and corporate environments will enhance AWARE's advocacy efforts. Immediate Past President Ms. Ong Soh Chin expressed confidence in the new board's ability to foster inclusivity and dynamism within the organization, continuing AWARE's unwavering commitment to gender equality.
On Friday, June 1, AWARE members and supporters gathered to celebrate a significant moment in Singapore’s civil society history: the 2009 AWARE saga.
It was a night of storytelling, laughter, and a powerful sense of shared purpose with people who stood up and spoke up on that fateful day 15 years ago and people who were not but have been touched by those events in some way.
On 10 May, AWARE staff made a trip to Jalan Kukoh, located in an area near Chinatown. Known as one of the poorest estates in Singapore, it comprises mostly rental flats. It's a stark contrast from the lush condos and eateries lying just across the Singapore River, along the glitzy Robertson Quay. The visit aimed to enhance staff understanding of the socio-economic challenges faced by residents in underprivileged communities. The learning objectives included developing empathy, increasing awareness of the disparities within Singapore, and identifying potential areas where AWARE can provide support and advocacy to improve the living conditions in such communities.
Empowering Environmental Excellence
Designation: Executive Director
Period: May 2023 – Apr 2024 (1 year)
Strategic Leadership and Administration:
• Oversee day-to-day administrative duties and manage personnel reporting to the Executive Director, ensuring a well-functioning and efficient organisational structure
• Act as a liaison officer with tripartite partners and government agencies, showcasing a talent for navigating complex relationships and regulatory landscapes
Financial Management and Government Funding:
• Demonstrate expertise in financial budgetary control, effectively managing resources to optimise operations and investments.
• Successfully secure relevant government funding to defray operations costs and support strategic initiatives, highlighting financial acumen and resource mobilisation skills.
Stakeholder Engagement and Service Enhancement:
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with EMAS members, tripartite partners, and government agencies, serving as a bridge for effective communication.
• Drive initiatives to enhance EMAS branding and improve service delivery, ensuring a deep understanding of members' needs and wants, thereby contributing to overall satisfaction and organisational success.
We are thrilled to recap the remarkable success of the EMAS Members' Event 2023, which took place on the 13th of September at the enchanting Yan Palace Restaurant, nestled within the picturesque Warren Golf & Country Club. This event brought together 220 esteemed guests from the environmental management industry, showcasing the strength and unity of our community.
This year's gathering featured an impressive turnout, with representation from 17 golf flights and 10 bowling lanes, creating a diverse and engaging environment for networking and collaboration Our heartfelt thanks go out to all attendees who made this evening unforgettable.
The event received exceptionally positive feedback, with 52% of participants stating they were "extremely satisfied" and an additional 45% reporting that they were "very satisfied." This overwhelming satisfaction underscores the event's success in meeting attendees' expectations and providing a highly engaging experience. It is clear that the event organizer succeeded in delivering a top-notch experience for participants, and this feedback will be valuable for future event planning. An impressive 97% of participants expressed their satisfaction, highlighting the event's resounding success
EMAS proudly celebrated the exceptional achievements of individuals within the Cleaning sector through the ES Achievement Award 2023 This prestigious award recognized the outstanding dedication and contributions of individuals who have surpassed expectations in serving the Environmental Services industry
Representatives from 28 companies gathered to honor over 240 recipients, reflecting the collective success and commitment within the industry. This event was well supported by esteemed partners such as the National Environment Agency (NEA), National Health Promotion Board (HPB), e2i, Workforce Singapore (WSG), and Singapore Business Federation (SBF), for their unwavering support. As we celebrate these accomplishments, let us continue our collaborative efforts towards a brighter and more resilient future for the industry
In conclusion, the EMAS ES Achievement Award 2023 was a testament to the dedication, talent, and hard work of individuals within the Cleaning sector By recognizing and celebrating their achievements, the event reinforced the importance of excellence and innovation in driving industry progress As we reflect on the outcomes of this event, we are inspired to continue our collective efforts towards building a brighter and more resilient future for the Environmental Services industry
The EMAS CNY Lo Hei 2024 held on February 21, 2024, at the Park Royal Beach Road Hotel was a resounding success, bringing together over 250 distinguished guests from the cleaning industry The event, graced by Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, and Mr Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment, marked a significant celebration of industry achievements and collaboration.
Attendees were treated to a range of engaging activities, including the traditional Lion Dance Performance and Lucky Draw, adding a festive touch to the evening. The highlight of the event was the entertaining performance by Happy Fei Fei, who captivated the audience with her humorous jokes, lively dances, and melodious songs. The atmosphere was filled with joy and camaraderie as guests enjoyed the delightful entertainment
The EMAS CNY Lo Hei 2024 was a vibrant celebration of the Lunar New Year and a testament to the resilience of Singapore's cleaning industry. With esteemed guests like Amy Kor and Mr. Baey Yam Keng, the event highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in uplifting the industry. Impressively, 78% of participants expressed extreme satisfaction, with 80% intending to return next year This overwhelming response underscores the event's success and the strong support for initiatives driving industry advancement and environmental sustainability
The Association held its 37th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Temasek Polytechnic on November 27, 2023. The event proved to be a remarkable success, owing to the dedicated participation of over sixty members. This report aims to provide an overview of the AGM, highlighting its key features and outcomes.
The AGM proceeded seamlessly, adhering to the planned schedule. This punctuality allowed for a well-organized event, ensuring all critical agenda items were covered efficiently The meeting was characterized by a sense of purpose and commitment from the attendees, reflecting their strong dedication to the association
The 37th Annual General Meeting (AGM) marked a significant milestone for the Association, as we successfully appointed the 20th Term Auditor and two other Observers Moreover, the AGM saw the approval of three proposed constitutional amendments by a majority vote, officially paving the way for necessary changes The election process for our eleven Exco council members was executed smoothly, and the newly elected office bearers were announced. Furthermore, the overwhelmingly positive survey feedback, with 20% finding the topics "extremely useful" and 60% deeming them "very useful," reinforces the value and relevance of the AGM's agenda to our members. This AGM has not only strengthened our organisation's leadership but also underscored its commitment to providing valuable insights and experiences for our membership.
On October 12, a highly productive brainstorming session was held with representatives from the National Environment Agency (NEA) to address a critical concern within the cleaning industry. During this session, the Executive Committee (Exco) expressed their unwavering support for the diversification of manpower sources within the industry, recogniSing its potential to address the pressing workforce challenges
Notably, NEA shares our enthusiasm for this initiative and is committed to presenting the proposal to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). We anticipate a favourable response by early January 2024, demonstrating a promising collaboration between our organisation and NEA to effect positive changes within the cleaning industry.
The outcome of the meeting was highly successful, as we effectively organized and facilitated a productive and collaborative session The partnership between our organization and the National Environment Agency (NEA) proved to be a constructive platform for addressing critical concerns within the cleaning industry. The Exco's enthusiastic endorsement of diversifying manpower sources garnered strong support from NEA. As a result, NEA has committed to presenting our initiative to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), with expectations of a favorable response by early January 2024. This outcome reflects our ability to orchestrate a successful meeting, fostering a promising collaboration that holds the potential to bring about positive changes in the industry.
Designation: Executive Director
Period: Jan - Apr 2023
Responsible for crafting and implementing robust fundraising strategies, overseeing solicitation procedures, and managing comprehensive fundraising activities. Direct efforts to identify and engage new donor bases, while coordinating online and offline marketing programs. Cultivate a robust organisational culture and spearhead impactful public awareness campaigns to enhance visibility and support.
Total raised: $21,253 | Period: 4 months
Sponsorship Programme with ST Temple
Represents the interests of Singapore publishers.
Designation: Executive Director
Period: 2018 till 2022 (5 years)
• Develop the vision, strategy, and objectives of the Association in collaboration with the 11 Executive Committee members.
• Determine strategic prospects, essential projects, and programs that are important to publishers' stakeholders.
• Managing and implementing such projects and programs in conjunction with the publishers will progress and enhance their market research, competence, and knowledge.
• To establish the project teams, construct the project development strategy, and maintain a long-term partnership relationship and promote engagement with stakeholders This includes resource planning, timeline development, delivery standards, and KPIs.
• The project management team will be put up to fulfill KPIs for qualifying funds while supervising, directing, and creating proposals for fundraising projects and grant applications.
• Secured grant financing from stakeholders, managed projects to ensure they met budgeted KPIs, conducted audits, and filed claims. Established close working relationships with government agencies, stakeholders, and international partners will aid the organization in providing members with enhanced services
The Singapore Book Awards is an annual industry award for books published in Singapore. The awards shine a spotlight on the quality of published works and celebrate the achievements of the local publishing industry.
The 2022 Singapore Book Awards concluded with a ceremony at the Fullerton Hotel on 22 September 2022. We had more than 150 distinctive guests with us to unveil the winners, chosen from 42 titles nominated for 13 award categories.
Supported by the National Arts Council, the Singapore Book Publishers Association organised three Book Bazaars as part of the ‘SING LIT: READ OUR WORLD’ movement. These events took place between September 2021 and March 2022 and the activities included book premieres, book sharings, author meetings, panel discussions, and publishers' talk programs.
The Frankfurt Book Fair is the world's largest trade fair for books, based on the number of publishing companies represented. It is considered to be the most important book fair in the world for international deals and trading. With the support from Enterprise Singapore, SBPA will organise the business trip by inviting our members to participate as an exhibitor at the Singapore Pavilion.
Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF) was founded in 1986. It is sponsored by the State Press and Publication Administration and other ministries and commissions and undertaken by China Book Import & Export (Group) Co., Ltd. It has become the second largest book fair in the world and the most influential book fair in my country It is also the most international book fair in Asia
As a prelude to the Beijing International Book Fair 2021, the Singapore Book Publishers Association and the Beijing International Book Fair organised a webinar on 28 July 2021 for Chinese and Singapore publishers to network and get to know one another better.12 members of the Singapore Book Publishers Association met with representatives from 13 Chinese publishing companies.
On 8th December 2021, 11 Singapore publishers met 12 Canada publishers via Zoom for this virtual trade mission There were informative presentations on the publishing industries in Canada and Singapore, as well as discussions on the possibilities for potential business collaborations between both countries
SBPA Created a business meeting to enable our publishers to explore new business collaborations between Singapore book publishers and Edtech companies through a series of networking sessions which would allow both stakeholders to share their business opportunities This exchange session will provide greater understanding among participants of the local educational contents available which uses technological software to enhance and facilitate learning
The Singapore Book Publishers Association (SBPA) launched the Singapore BookData Platform on 28 May 2022 (Saturday) at the National Library Building. Mr. Max Phua, the president of SBPA, Mr. Ng Cher Pong, CEO of the National Library Board and Ms. Kit Ker, the Deputy Director of Enterprise Singapore, were invited on stage to unveil the portal supported by our guests and media friends
Hosted by the Singapore Book Publishers Association on May 28, 2022, this two-hour workshop engaged various figures in the book industry from publishers to distributors on the significance of metadata in searching, transmitting and cataloguing book information
Total participants: 31
COPYRIGHT SCHOOL CHALLENGE 2021
In conjunction with the World Copyright Day 2021, Copyright Licensing & Administration Society of Singapore (CLASS) is launching an inaugural video competition. We are now inviting entries from students across Singapore to submit a 1-minute video based on the theme “Why Copyright Matters”. This video competition aims to provide a platform for the appreciation of Copyright and why it is important to all of us.
Total of 31 schools and 77 students participated this competition.
The internship programme comprises of a centralised training programme for interns working for SBPA member companies. We aim to attract and develop young talents to join the publishing industry.
Every year, SBPA hosts this networking event for its members, and this time around, we want to update some of the ongoing initiatives and present some of the new ones that are just getting started. This event will improve business relationships with the publishing sector and provide an opportunity to share industry information, discover fresh business strategies, and keep up with the most recent changes in the sector.
Regent Media is the Publisher of several award winning and International renowned titles
Designation: General Manager
Period: 2007 till 2015 (8 years)
• Holding a key management position responsible for the Profit & Loss
• Developed and implemented the new initiatives for print and digital media
Regent Media is the Publisher of several award winning and International renowned titles
Designation: General Manager
Period: 2007 till 2015 (8 years)
• Overseeing the operation of 3 companies across Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia with 60 staff strengths
A monthly publication packed with fascinating images, thought provoking and entertaining articles about the world around us, the natural life that populates it, the history that has shaped our existence upon it, and the science that has driven it and continues to propel us into the future.
School Roadshow at Crescent Girls’ School
Presentation Talk @ Anglo-Chinese School Sec
MPAS Best New Magazine of the Year 2010 (Bronze)
MPAS Magazine of the Year 2011 (Silver)
MPAS Consumer Magazine of the Year 2013
The Magazine Publishers Association of Singapore (MPAS), hosted the MPAS Magazine Awards to honour Regent Media as the best local publishing house in Singapore
An inspiring food magazine for modern foodies who love to cook, dine and travel. In every issue there are easy, seasonal recipes plus features on the best restaurants in town and travel guides to the world’s most exciting foodie destinations
Food Magazine of the Year 2012 was awarded by Marketing Magazine.
Food & Travel was awarded the prestigious title of Food Magazine of the Year by Marketing Magazine.
As understood from Marketing, the Magazine of the Year rankings were derived from questions in Lighthouse Research’s annual Media Spend Benchmarking Survey Lighthouse Research employed an online questionnaire and surveyed its database of client advertisers and marketing services agency professionals. All answers given by respondents were considered by Marketing when finalising the rankings.”
Food Magazine of the Year 2014 was awarded by Marketing Magazine.
Established in June 2002, it is Asia’s leading source of advertising, marketing and media intelligence reaching out to CMOs across Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand Credible, fiercely independent, and always first with industry-breaking news, our magazines and daily enews reach out to more advertising and marketing professionals across Asia than any other publication.
Wheels Asia is Singapore’s top-selling automotive magazine and one of the longest-established publications in its segment.
Spark Charity Drive – Comfort Delgro Engineering Pte Ltd
Official Magazine for Kah Motor Honda
Launch Event
Golf Asia is Asia’s premier golfing lifestyle Monthly magazine. It is the choice read among discerning golfers for the complete guide to equipment, golf courses, news on the latest tournaments, personalities stories and highlife features
Venue: NEO Tamarind in KL
Date: 15th April 2014, Time: 7.00pm – 10.00pm
No. of Guests: 200 pax
A bi-monthly travel and lifestyle magazine, ESCAPE explores the world of holidays and takes independent regional travellers to new and favourite destinations with great travel stories and inspiring ideas for a great getaway.
Travel Fairs - Singapore
Travel Fairs – Malaysia, KL
Travel Fairs – Indonesia, Jakarta
With regular contributions from worldfamous writer, stunning photography and recommendations and advice from Lonely Planet’s guidebooks, Lonely Planet Magazine inspires its readers to explore new places and see familiar destinations through fresh eyes
Bookstore Promotion; Borders @ Parkway Parade
Bookstore Promotion; Borders @ Wheelock Place
Specially commissioned projects from public or private entities to their target audience. Leveraging on the strengths in editorial and design, Regent Media has worked with many organisations as their outsourced partner to meet their publishing needs and business goals
B3-21, Blk B, 8 Avenue Section 8, PJ, Selangor, Malaysia
Staff Training Course to develop skills and knowledge that will help them perform their jobs better.
An excursion to Universal Studios Singapore to facilitate team bonding and reduce workplace stress.
Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa and Regent Media hosted a Cookie Making Workshop for the children from the ARC Children Centre – a charity for children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. They also received a Christmas sock filled with goodies with Le Creuset apron.
Organised by
Supported by
It is an exclusive collaboration with Samsung to launch the Escape Travel Guide. This mobile application will be pre-loaded into the latest Samsung Smart Phone Galaxy S4 reaching at least 50,000 consumers in Singapore
About This App:
Wherever you go, whenever you desire, making that decision to travel is just a touch away. Discover the best cities to visit at a glance and plan your itinerary easily with a list of options to eat, sleep, see and play. Organising that perfect holiday just got that much easier with the best recommendations for shopping, dining, sports activities or cultural discoveries
About This App:
Never go hungry again when you can locate the nearest restaurants around you! From American to Indian and Chinese to Eurasian, be sure to find what you are looking for with Food & Travel Restaurants are segmented according to cuisine types to make your searching experience more convenient. Don't forget to check out our latest promotions and events and also get first-hand updates on Food & Travel’s happenings!
This phone application is a comprehensive guide on leisure activities and attractions in Asia. It provides convenient information on nightlife and dining venues, attractions, festivals & events and shopping locales Getting around places are made easier with navigational tools such as maps and directions on finding public transportation Searches made by users are also enhanced by interactive pop-up messages that highlight vendor promotions and discounts, which provides more value-add in terms of checking out hot deals.
Commissioned by
Mediacorp is a media conglomerate based in Singapore.
Designation: Sales & Marketing Vice President
Period: 2002 till 2007 (5 years)
• Successfully launched a total of 12 titles and the Bridal Fair, along with a number of new publications and events that brought in fresh revenue.
• A rise in ADEX performance during the past three years
• Increase the number of readers and market share for the different publications.
• Achieved annual sales revenue growth of 40% on average.
• Successfully built a wedding portal that increased revenue and gave marketers a non-traditional platform for advertising.
• Became a New Business SVP and opened an office in Malaysia in 2006
A famous household name establish since 1906 for his Magazines, Bookstores and Distribution Services
Designation: Sales & Marketing Director
Period: 1998 till 2002 (4 years)
• Female magazine: market position, moving up from fourth to second (Ad spends). Ad revenue increased by 20% in the fiscal years 1998–1999 and 30% in the fiscal years 1999–2000.
• Despite the economic crisis that occurred from 1997 to 2000, overall sales income increased during the course of the three years I worked there. I also successfully revamped Nuyou, turning it around from a losing newspaper to one that was profitable and garnering notice in the region.
• By offering efficient sales training sessions, we have improved departmental teamwork and developed a group of dedicated and enthusiastic employees who are well-liked by advertisers.
A refreshing new publishing player in the industry that is dynamically revolving media and technologies
Designation: Sales Director
Period: 1996 (1 year)
• In charge of the sales staff and the advertising budget
• Increased sales revenue and accomplishment of marketing goals
• Launched E-Cat, the first Chinese Music Entertainment magazine, and FHM, the first international Man title in Singapore.
The publishing arm of Television Corporation of Singapore
Designation: Assistance Sales Manager
Period: 1986 (10 years)
• Top Salesperson at Caldecott Publishing Pte Ltd for ten years running (now known as MediaCorp Publishing Pte Ltd)
• Cultivated a solid network of helpful advertisers and agency contacts. a non-fashion publication infiltrating the watch and fashion industries
• Reputable and well-known in the advertising sector for their cheerful outlook and top-notch customer service.