Shangri-La Singapore: Where Architecture Meets Inspiration

Located along Orange Grove Road, Shangri-La Singapore provided a refined and welcoming setting for our retreat.

Its expansive lobby features soaring columns, carefully layered spaces, warm lighting and a delicate suspended sculptural installation.

The architectural composition balances grandeur with understated elegance. It creates an atmosphere that encourages visitors to slow down and appreciate the surrounding details.

One of the details that caught my attention was the hotel’s striking floral arrangement.

The orange bird-of-paradise flowers created a dramatic contrast against purple orchids, colourful pincushion proteas and textured green foliage.

It was a beautiful visual introduction to a day focused on new perspectives, personal growth and leadership.

Moose, Mouse and Elephant: Learning Through Participation

Our leadership retreat began with an energetic interactive activity.

Instead of immediately sitting through presentations, we were challenged through memory, reaction and coordination games.

Moose, mouse and elephant became part of a sequence of movements and responses that required us to listen, remember, react and adapt quickly.

There was plenty of laughter, particularly when our reactions did not match the instructions.

As someone involved in early childhood education, I found this particularly meaningful.

Children learn through participation, movement, discovery and interaction. Adults are no different.

The opening activity also created an immediate sense of connection among the business leaders.

David Chiem: Leadership Begins with How We Think

David Chiem led the main leadership programme with energy, conviction and an engaging style of delivery.

His sharing challenged us to examine assumptions, question established thinking patterns and consider how leaders can approach problems from different perspectives.

One important idea was that people may believe they are thinking objectively when they are actually reinforcing existing beliefs.

In business, this can become a barrier to innovation.

Mind Judo: Challenging Conventional Thinking

David introduced the concept of Mind Judo as part of the broader MindChamps approach to developing flexible and creative thinking.

One fascinating discussion involved Professor Allan Snyder and the study of insect vision.

Research involving insect compound eyes contributed to new ways of thinking about optical systems and communication technologies.

The leadership lesson was not simply about scientific innovation.

It was about the willingness to connect ideas across disciplines and challenge conventional assumptions.

For preschool operators, this encourages us to look beyond routine operations and continually improve the experience we provide to children, families and educators.

Trinity Leadership: Thinking, Self and Strategy

Three interconnected themes stood out to me during the retreat: Thinking, Self and Strategy.

I see these as a practical framework for strengthening leadership and organisational effectiveness.

Another important discussion concerned the relationship between emotion and sound judgement.

Leaders frequently make decisions under pressure. Emotional discipline therefore becomes an essential leadership capability.

My interpretation is that leadership requires both ownership and stewardship.

We are responsible for the organisations we lead, but our responsibility extends beyond personal recognition.

We should develop people, systems and values that can continue to succeed beyond us.

Reconnecting with the MindChamps Business Leadership Community

One of the most enjoyable parts of the retreat was reconnecting with fellow MindChamps business leaders.

Each centre operates within its own neighbourhood and serves a different community of families.

Yet we share a common commitment to early childhood education and the development of children.

A Meaningful Reunion with a MindChamps Pioneer

It was especially meaningful to catch up with a fellow business leader from MindChamps PreSchool at Mapletree.

She was part of the pioneering group during the early years of the MindChamps journey.

Reconnecting after so many years reminded me that organisations are ultimately built through people, relationships and shared commitment.

A Memorable Moment with David Chiem

I appreciated David’s energy, clarity of vision and commitment to challenging how we think.

The opportunity to learn directly from him and reconnect with fellow leaders made the retreat especially memorable.

Lunch at Shangri-La: Conversations Beyond the Training Room

Following the morning programme, we enjoyed a buffet lunch at Shangri-La Singapore.

The meal offered an opportunity to relax, exchange ideas and reconnect with colleagues in a less formal setting.

These conversations are valuable. Leadership relationships are not built exclusively in meeting rooms.

They also develop through shared experiences and genuine human connection.

Dr Home and MindKindness: The Power of Self-Reflection

After lunch, we attended a meditation and self-reflection session with Dr Home from the MindKind Institute, invited by David Chiem.

I had previously encountered Dr Home at a teacher-training convention held at the Singapore University of Technology and Design.

It was meaningful to experience another session with him.

One of his reflections particularly resonated with me.

He spoke candidly about how human beings can possess both kindness and self-interest.

Yet he also shared his belief that the more we contribute to others, the more meaningful our own lives can become.

I interpreted this as an invitation to examine our motivations with honesty and compassion.

David’s leadership session challenged how we think. Dr Home’s reflection encouraged us to consider how we live.

Both perspectives have relevance to leadership.

Learn more about the MindKind Institute .

What Preschool Leaders Can Learn from Ritz-Carlton and Dr Joseph Michelli

Another important leadership theme was the value of human connection and service excellence.

Dr Joseph Michelli has written extensively about customer experience and the leadership principles associated with organisations such as The Ritz-Carlton.

His book The New Gold Standard explores the service culture and customer-experience principles associated with the luxury hospitality brand.

His work on human connection is especially relevant in an increasingly digital world.

Technology can improve efficiency, but meaningful relationships still depend on empathy, attentiveness and trust.

For preschool leaders, this is particularly important.

Parents are not simply purchasing a place in a classroom.

They are entrusting us with their children during some of the most formative years of their development.

Every interaction matters: the first enquiry, school tour, classroom experience, parent update and follow-up.

Read more about Dr Joseph Michelli’s books .

The Infinite Within: The Story Behind My JOURNEY Bomber Jacket

There was also a personal story behind the colourful bomber jacket I wore during the retreat.

The jacket comes from JOURNEY, an inclusive Singapore brand under TOUCH Community Services.

JOURNEY showcases the creative talents of artists with intellectual disabilities.

Through its products and collaborations, the brand provides opportunities for artists to share their work with a wider audience.

The Infinite Within Collection

My jacket features artwork from The Infinite Within collection.

The collection celebrates individuality, imagination, resilience and the creative potential within every person.

I purchased the jacket because I wanted to support the people and purpose behind the artwork.

It also connects naturally with my personal Project 61 initiative: a commitment to creating meaningful impact through conscious choices, volunteering and acts of giving.

As someone involved in early childhood education, I believe that every child should have opportunities to discover their strengths and develop confidence.

That belief should extend beyond childhood to people of different abilities and circumstances.

Supporting inclusive creative enterprises is one small way to turn that belief into action.

Explore the artists and their work through JOURNEY by TOUCH Community Services .

What the Retreat Means for Our MindChamps Preschools

The true value of leadership development is not measured by the number of ideas we hear in a training room.

It is measured by what we do differently afterward.

For our teams at MindChamps PreSchool @ JTC Summit and MindChamps Chinese PreSchool @ Thomson, I see five practical leadership priorities.

At JTC Summit, our experienced educators and long-serving team members provide a strong foundation for developing future leaders.

At Thomson, our established Chinese preschool community offers opportunities to deepen family relationships and strengthen bilingual educational experiences.

Both centres have their own strengths, but their long-term success depends on the same principle: people make the difference.

Explore the leadership journey of Stephanie Soh at MindChamps JTC Summit and the story of the MindChamps Chinese PreSchool Thomson community .