Kopi with LHUBBERS – Beyond Digital: Why People Still Matter Most
A cup with Joe Loy, Assistant Chief Executive & Managing Director, Digital Business & Corporate Solutions, NTUC LearningHub
By Steven Lee, Brand & Communications, NTUC LearningHub
As I sat down with Joe over kopi, one thing became clear. His passion for technology was never just about a job. It was a quiet, persistent curiosity—one that began long before digital transformation even became a buzzword.
Joe is part of the NTUC LearningHub senior management team, where he leads the organisation’s digital business and corporate sales teams. His career stretches across decades and industries from telecommunications, banking, insurance and the wider financial sector. Today, his work unfolds at the crossroads of technology, partnerships and workforce transformation, where progress and evolution are continuous.
“There has always been one constant for me,” he says. “Digital.”
His journey into the digital world began at a time when the landscape looked very different. “I started before smartphones existed. Before the iPhone. Before Facebook. Back then, when we talked about digital, it meant websites, system integration, and forums.”
He chuckles softly. “People used to ask, ‘What’s a forum?’”
Back then, what counted as “digital innovation” was far simpler. Yet even in those early days, Joe was fascinated by how technology could reshape the way people worked and communicated. What began as an interest soon became the thread that would run through every stage of his career.
Growing Up Digital
Starting out in the late 80s and early 90s, Joe entered the workforce just as the internet was beginning to emerge and digital systems were rapidly gaining momentum. Over the years, each career transition brought new challenges. His interest grew as he learnt more about how digital tools and platforms can reshape the way organisations operate.
His early years in the startup space taught him important lessons about adaptability and problem-solving.
“In a startup, you learn very quickly that things rarely go exactly as planned,” Joe reflects. “You often have to figure things out as you go along.”
The experience required resilience and a willingness to experiment—skills that would later prove invaluable as digital technologies continued to evolve.
Later, when Joe moved into the financial sector, he found himself navigating yet another new environment. The pace, processes and expectations were different, but the role that digital technology played in shaping business outcomes remained just as, if not more important.
Looking back, Joe sees these transitions not as detours, but as valuable experiences that helped him understand how technology evolves and how organisations and people adapt with it.
Learning Across Borders
Yet for all the technological changes he witnessed across industries over the years, one realisation stayed constant for Joe.
“Technology moves very quickly,” he says. “But at the end of the day, it’s still about people working together to solve problems.”
That lesson became especially clear during one of the most enriching phases of his career—when he found himself working on a global programme alongside colleagues from more than 20 nationalities.
The pace was demanding, but the experience proved rewarding. Working alongside colleagues from Europe, Asia, and other regions exposed Joe to a wide range of perspectives.
Beyond technical knowledge, Joe learned how to collaborate across cultures and navigate complex team dynamics.
Each team member approached things differently, shaped by their cultural norms and professional experiences.
“In some cultures, people are very direct when they communicate. In others, they are more diplomatic or consensus-driven,” he explains. “You learn quickly that there isn’t only one way to solve a problem.”
“It was an eye-opening experience,” he says. “Technology connects people, but the work still depends on human relationships.”
The Mentor Who Made a Lasting Impact
When I ask Joe about defining influences, he doesn’t mention accolades. For Joe, the most important lessons in his career did not come from titles or achievements, but from people who took the time to share their experiences and guide him along the way.
In the early 2000s, shortly after joining Hewlett Packard, Joe met someone who would quietly shape his professional approach—an Italian colleague based in the Netherlands.
“There wasn’t any formal mentorship programme,” Joe explains. “We just happened to work on similar projects and travelled frequently together.”
But the senior colleague noticed that Joe was new and navigating a large organisation for the first time.
“He had already been in the company for more than ten years,” Joe says. “He understood the culture, the processes, and how things worked.”
Gradually, he began offering guidance. Sometimes it was practical advice about how to navigate projects and internal systems. At other times, it was simply a perspective on how to approach challenges. Those conversations helped Joe acclimatise to a new corporate environment that might otherwise have felt overwhelming.
Early in his career, Joe’s mentor played a key role in guiding him through moments of uncertainty, encouraging him to step back and reflect on the motivations and priorities of different stakeholders.
“That changed how I approached challenges,” Joe says.
Those small shifts in perspective gradually helped him grow more confident in navigating large organisations and complex projects.
“When you’re new, you sometimes second-guess yourself,” Joe says. “Having someone more experienced to talk to makes a big difference.”
Over time, the professional relationship evolved into a genuine friendship.
“When you travel together frequently, you naturally get to know each other beyond work,” Joe says.
Even today, they remain in touch.
Looking back, Joe believes the mentorship played an important role in shaping how he views leadership today.
“It showed me how valuable it is to share experiences with others,” he says.
Paying the Lessons Forward
Those early experiences are one reason Joe believes strongly in mentoring younger professionals today.
“I was fortunate to have someone guide me when I started out,” he says. “So naturally, I feel it’s important to do the same for others.”
At NTUC LearningHub, this philosophy aligns closely with initiatives like the Career Mentorship Programme (CMP), which connects experienced professionals with individuals seeking guidance in their careers.
Joe sees mentorship not as a formal obligation, but as a meaningful exchange.
“When people first start working, they often have many questions,” he says. “They’re figuring out what direction they want to take.”
“Sometimes all it takes is a conversation with someone who has walked a similar path.”
Joe believes mentorship can shorten the learning curve for younger professionals.
“If someone can avoid a few mistakes and reach their goals sooner because of guidance, that’s valuable.”
Just as his own mentor once helped him navigate unfamiliar environments, Joe now hopes to offer that same support to the next generation.
“Mentors will appear at different stages of your career,” he says. “The important thing is to stay open-minded and learn from them.”
Learning Beyond the Office
Outside of work, Joe’s approach to life mirrors the same philosophy that has guided his career—learning never really stops.
“I read quite a bit,” he says, though he is quick to clarify that he does not mean reading thick books cover to cover.
Instead, Joe prefers absorbing information in small, consistent ways. He regularly reads articles across business, finance and technology through platforms that curate news based on his interests.
“These small pieces of information help me keep up with what’s happening,” he explains. “You pick up something new here and there.”
For Joe, learning does not have to come from formal training programmes or structured courses.
“People sometimes think learning means attending a three-day course,” he says. “But what happens in between?”
His belief is simple—small efforts add up over time.
“Learn one or two things this week. Next week, learn another one or two. Over time, it accumulates.”
Consistency, he believes, is the key.
This mindset extends naturally into how Joe spends his time outside work. He enjoys wine and dining with family and friends, not for the prestige of fine restaurants, but for the experience of spending meaningful time together.
“The best dining experiences are really about the company,” he says.
Joe makes a conscious effort to keep those moments free from distractions.
“If you take the time to meet someone, you should make the time count.”
For him, shared meals are opportunities to reconnect, to talk, exchange ideas and learn from one another’s experiences.
Travel is another way Joe enjoys learning outside the office. He values taking trips with his children whenever possible, seeing it as a chance to both explore new places and spend time together.
One particularly memorable trip brought the family to Abu Dhabi, where they visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
“My kids enjoyed it a lot,” he recalls. “Travel is also a chance to learn more about each other.”
Even activities like running, something Joe used to do regularly in the early mornings, reflect the same philosophy of consistency.
Whether it is staying active, reading widely or sharing conversations over meals, Joe believes these everyday habits help keep the mind open and engaged.
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Kopi with LHUBBERS – From Barracks to Boardrooms: Leading with Purpose, People and Perspective
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It gave me a much wider lens on how the world operates.” Purpose in Action at NTUC LearningHub At NTUC LearningHub, Ee Learn has found not just a platform, but a purpose to weave together his wealth of experience in service of workforce transformation. Today, Ee Learn brings together all the threads of his experience to drive sector-based upskilling strategies across industries like healthcare, sustainability, retail, and more. But he sees his role as more than strategic. “My real role is to find the social motivation behind learning,” he explains. “It’s not just about skills. It’s about helping workers move forward in life.” His core belief? That business transformation must precede workforce transformation. “We can train all we want, but if the business isn’t changing, then it’s just transactional. We must design learning to move with the business. That’s when it sticks.” This perspective has guided how NTUC LearningHub engages with employers, regulators and unions to ensure training solutions are relevant, practical, and future-focused. It also reflects a deeply human view of upskilling—not as a checkbox, but as a lever for social mobility. Embodying the spirit of lifelong learning, Ee Learn chooses to remain a student of the world. Despite his position, he doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. In fact, he considers himself “a jack of all trades, master of none,” and says so without apology. “That’s the challenge at the top. You have to stay curious,” he says. “Especially here at NTUC LearningHub, where every sector we serve teaches you something new. That’s why you need to stay hungry. Because once you stop learning, you stop growing.” For Ee Learn, being a generalist isn’t about knowing less, but about being curious enough to know more. It’s about connecting the dots across disciplines, industries, and people. And it’s also about encouraging others not to get stuck in their silos. “Many people get so caught up in their own domain or specialisation that they forget to look up and see the bigger picture,” he observes. “Lifelong learning keeps you adaptable, and adaptability is what makes you valuable.” As leaders we must evolve too. “We can’t fall into the trap of thinking we’ve arrived. We need to adapt not just for the job, but for ourselves.” The Man Off-Duty Beyond the boardroom, Ee Learn remains anchored by simple joys—chief among them, football. Ee Learn finds balance on the football pitch—or these days, in front of the screen as a lifelong Liverpool fan. “It keeps me grounded. Football reminds me that you don’t win alone,” he shares. It’s a sentiment of teamwork that echoes through his story. Finally, his life philosophy? “YOLO,” he says, smiling. “You Only Live Once! Life’s tough. But it’s a series of choices. You just have to live it—with no regrets.” As our conversation drew to a close, I asked him what lies ahead—and as always, his focus remained outward, not inward. “It’s always about the people,” he says. “About helping others discover what they’re capable of. That’s what drives me.” Just like his teachers once did for him. One thought stayed with me: in a world that’s always racing toward the next milestone, perhaps the most powerful thing a leader can do is to slow down, listen, and help others move forward. Reach out to our Skills Consultants to find out more about how you can transform your life through learning today!
Kopi with LHUBBERS - A Journey of Grit and Growth
A cup with Lai Yoke Lian, Head of Urban Systems and Connectivity, NTUC LearningHub By Steven Lee, Brand & Communications, NTUC LearningHub When I first met Yoke Lian, I didn’t know what to expect. We sat down for kopi and at first, she seemed almost reserved. I expected an engaging conversation—but what I didn’t expect was how different she came across in a one-on-one setting. Known in the office for her upbeat personality and cheerful presence, she was surprisingly introspective as we chatted. It wasn’t that she was quieter, but there was a reflective depth in her tone, as if opening up a seldom-seen side of her. Beneath her composed exterior lies the heart of someone who has forged her own way forward—an ex-auxiliary police officer, APO Instructor, Aviation Security Trainer, and now, the Head of Urban Systems and Connectivity at NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHUB). As we chatted, I began to piece together the layers of her life—each more extraordinary than the last. 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But I focused on doing the work well and earning the respect of my peers.” Her hard work and determination paid off, ultimately earning her the respect and position she had worked so hard for. One of her most unique assignments? Serving as part of the security detail at high-profile events such as Chingay and the IMF conference—where high-net-worth individuals and dignitaries were in attendance. These roles demanded vigilance, precision, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Eventually, she transitioned into training roles, where she was responsible for planning basic recruit training, liaising with internal and external parties, and managing schedules. Yoke Lian didn't just participate in the action—she helped run the show. It was during this time as an instructor that her passion for people development started to emerge. Training new recruits sparked something deeper: the joy of helping others succeed. This experience ignited her desire to transition from front-line duties to a more people-centric path in adult education. “Seeing someone grow in confidence, knowing you played a part in that—it’s powerful,” she said. She recalled one recruit who was painfully shy during their first few days, barely making eye contact. "I remember encouraging him to speak up during aviation security training, and by the end of the course, he performed well and was certified as Aviation Screening Officer. That transformation—it stays with you." As she spoke about her transition from front-line roles to becoming a trainer, it was clear she was driven by something deeper than just professional growth. There was a palpable passion for developing others, for sharing her knowledge, and for contributing to a larger purpose. Her tenure was filled with multi-faceted roles. I found myself intrigued by the diversity of her experiences. Yet, despite her impressive career, she didn’t come across as boastful. There was no air of arrogance, just a quiet pride in the work she’d done and the people she’d helped along the way. From Security to Skills Training In 2008, she made a significant leap, joining NTUC LHUB initially to support training in the manufacturing sector before pivoting to the security training portfolio. The shift from tactical ground duties to backend administration was daunting. While the setting was different, she found some familiar ground in the skills she had honed in her previous role—managing rosters, coordinating deployments, and handling operational logistics. “In some ways, the work wasn’t entirely foreign. I was used to coordinating moving parts and ensuring things ran smoothly. But at LHUB, the context was completely new—training programmes, client requirements, curriculum—it was a different kind of complexity.” “I had to start from scratch,” she admitted. “But I realised my prior experience managing operations helped me juggle logistics and stakeholder needs effectively.” The work was challenging and unfamiliar—business development, client management, curriculum planning. Yet, Yoke Lian remained undeterred. “I told myself, if others can do it, I can too,” she says with quiet conviction. Facing steep learning curves, Yoke Lian chose not to stay stagnant. She upskilled relentlessly—earning ACTA certification, then a diploma and degree in Business Management, which helped her in managing prospective clients and stakeholders. Coming from a non-tertiary background, this academic pursuit marked a personal milestone. “I didn’t want to feel limited. I wanted to grow,” she enthused. Yoke Lian’s efforts paid off. Her ability to balance technical know-how with business acumen began to take shape. She built relationships with stakeholders, unions, and learners alike. She listened to feedback from the ground and responded with practical, learner-centred solutions. One example of how her upskilling paid off was her ability to push the boundaries of what security training could look like. Drawing on her industry experience and new understanding of workforce trends, she helped expand the scope of NTUC LHUB's offerings to include areas like technology-enabled security and digital surveillance. "Security isn't just about boots on the ground anymore, she said. We now train officers to understand data, use tech platforms, and work alongside automation." With her newly acquired business acumen and qualifications, she was able to bridge operational insights with strategic thinking, particularly in workforce transformation efforts. "Having walked the ground myself, I understood the challenges learners faced. That helped me shape training that was practical, grounded, and relevant, she shared. She brought with her a unique lens: operational experience, empathy for learners, and a solutions-first mindset. A Leader Still Learning Yoke Lian’s career has been one of constant reinvention. Transitioning from security to leading other sectors at NTUC LHUB, she’s faced a new set of challenges requiring a completely different skillset. Initially, her work in security required a sharp focus on coordination, logistics, and operational management. But as her career expanded, so did her responsibilities—and with that, the need for entirely new capabilities. When she took on the role of leading sectors beyond security, including urban systems and connectivity, she found herself in uncharted territory. "I was moving from a well-established industry with a clear operational framework to areas where the challenges were more dynamic, she said. The skills required to lead were no longer just about managing people and resources. I had to think more strategically, address complex problems, and guide my team through uncertainty." The transition wasn’t without its challenges. However, Yoke Lian approached this head-on, upskilling herself in areas like data analytics, AI, and business management to help her navigate the fast-evolving landscape. A memorable moment that stands out was during a crucial project, where her team was tasked with supporting the launch of SGUnited Skills programmes during the pandemic. The complexities were immense, but with her newly developed strategic mindset, she navigated the situation by ensuring that her team stayed aligned with NTUC LHUB’s mission while being adaptable in the face of unpredictable circumstances. "I remember the urgency of the situation, she said. We didn’t have all the answers, but we worked together to find solutions and deliver results for the workers who depended on us." That experience demonstrated just how much she had grown into her role and how crucial her ongoing learning journey was. Even though Yoke Lian has been with NTUC LHUB for more than a decade, her drive to stay is rooted in the constant opportunities for growth and learning. “The learning never stops here,” she shared. "I’ve been fortunate to evolve with the company, but it’s the learning that keeps me engaged. Every day presents new challenges, and that’s what keeps me coming back.” For Yoke Lian, staying at NTUC LHUB isn’t about comfort; it’s about the opportunity to keep evolving, both personally and professionally. The diverse sectors she now oversees demand fresh perspectives and creative problem-solving skills, and she thrives on this. Her ability to adapt and remain engaged, despite the years spent at the same organisation, speaks volumes about the impact of continuous learning. At NTUC LHUB, she's not just climbing the corporate ladder—she’s constantly reinventing herself and, by extension, her role. This willingness to grow and learn reflects her belief that no matter how far one has come, there is always more to learn. In essence, it’s the growth that keeps Yoke Lian at NTUC LHUB, not just the role itself. Finding Solace and Strength in Nature Outside of work, Yoke Lian’s sanctuary is the natural world. A nature enthusiast at heart, she finds rejuvenation through hiking and travel. “Nature teaches you patience and endurance,” she shares. “Whether it’s trekking up Mt. Fuji or walking through Hort Park, it reminds me to pace myself.” For her, hiking is more than a hobby—it’s a metaphor for life: knowing when to push forward, when to pause, and how to navigate the steep climbs and quiet moments. Her solo travels have taken her across Asia, and each journey brings back new perspectives on resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of embracing the unknown. Her advice for aspiring professionals? “Adopt a growth mindset. Don’t be afraid to ask, to learn, or to fall.” I remember thinking to myself, “This is a person who has truly lived.” Yoke Lian wasn’t just speaking about achievements in the abstract; she spoke from lived experiences, of trials and triumphs, of persistence in the face of adversity. Her story wasn’t one of a typical career progression; it was a dynamic journey shaped by resilience, adaptability, and a constant drive to learn and grow. Reach out to our Skills Consultants to find out more about how you can transform your life through learning today!