Lester Lee

Psychologist with 20 years of working experience. Formerly Deputy Director with the Defence Psychology Department in the Ministry of Defence Singapore. Passionate about applied psychology and research in a wide range of specialisation, from child development to clinical psychology to industrial and organisational psychology to performance psychology.

From Farms With Love Pte Ltd

Director, 2021 – 2022

Responsible for the business development of From Farms With Love Pte Ltd. Aided the company to expand from a retail e-commerce FMCG business to include import, export and distribution as part of the company’s activities. Provided directions to focus on high quality as well as organic products whilst working directly with farmers. Achieved a loyal following of infant/toddler formula milk imported by From Farms With Love. In a span of 1 year, achieved sole distributorship for some brands that we sell on our e-commerce platform. Expanded e-commerce business to supplying to major inflight catering organisation in Singapore, food and beverage distributors, telehealth platform and major hotels.

Defence Psychology Department, Ministry of Defence, Singapore

Deputy Director (double portfolio / Development & Governance | Air Force) / Principal Psychologist, 2019 – 2021

Modernized organizational procedures and practices by transforming mandates into actionable operational strategies. Provided training trajectory guidance by interviewing and onboarding new psychologists. Drove collaboration and engagement by building and strengthening productive and valuable partnerships with the Foreign Defense Ministries. Recruited and trained Ministry of Defence Singapore psychologists by leading staff workflow, ongoing staff development, and continuing education initiatives.

• Redesigned internal human resources process for psychologists that gave the best person-job match based on interest and competencies resulted in satisfied and engaged psychologists. 
• Provided decision-making leadership for the Singapore government psychology practice and related psychology entities for professional upgrading amongst associate psychologists/psychologists in Singapore.
• Advised on the mental health policy formulation within MINDEF.
• Lecturer on military psychology, industrial & organisational psychology and mental health system in the military at the Air Force Advance School and Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College.
• Supported the National COVID-19 taskforce.
• Facilitated engagement efforts with local universities on internship opportunities for students at DPD.
• Supervised interns in their research projects during their internship with DPD.

Provide consultancy to Senior leadership of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) (C-Suite level) on organizational psychology related matters including organizational level qualitative and quantitative surveys on operational and psychological readiness, and organizational climate. Provide personality assessment and feedback for leadership selection for Commanding Officer. Designed and provided coaching and mentoring workshops for junior and middle level leaders in the RSAF.

• Provided decision-making leadership and consultancy to the RSAF Senior leadership (C-Suite) on psychological readiness of the organisation and sensing of personnel perceptions of COVID-19 measures and policies.
• Collaborated with RSAF Human Resource (HR) entity to use big data and data mining to inform on HR decisions and policies.
• Facilitated RSAF innovation projects by provision of psychology research in mindfulness and attention interventions.

Air Defence and Operations Command, Republic of Singapore Air Force, Singapore

Command Psychologist (Senior Assistant Director) / Senior Psychologist, 2015 – 2020

Provided observations, surveys, and semi-structured interviews focusing on team/individual performance, personality, operational and psychological readiness, and organizational climate surveys. Presented research findings at conferences, forums, and meetings by analyzing and interpreting statistics into charts, graphs, and reports. Fostered client psychological performance by implementing evidence-based interventions and methodologies. Designed coaching and team management models and leadership development by clearly identifying line managers and department leaders. Conducted psychological training for specialists and officers.

• Developed the operating procedures and business continuity plan for the Command Psychology Office in support of the Air Defence and Operations Command.
• Conduct yearly contingency planning TTX with RSAF’s Air Operations Centre for critical incidents, some involving external stakeholders.
• Incorporated effective psychological interviews for high-risk jobs during the human resources (HR) recruitment process leading to higher quality shortlist for recruitment.
• Integrated officer performance coaching with cognitive behaviour therapy leading to improved performance amongst officers attended to.
• Formulated and conducted service member psychological training leading to better understanding of mental health and behavioural science principles in context.
• Developed and instituted psychological education programs for uniformed personnel and Defence Executive Officers in-charge of uniformed personnel with psychological conditions.
• Developed top-up counselling programs for para-counsellers to enhance their skills and confidence in managing cases to strengthen the psychological support network within the RSAF.
• Lecturer on military psychology, industrial & organisational psychology and mental health system in the military at the Air Force Advance School and Air Force School.
• Supervised interns during their internship with the Command Psychology Office.

Defence Psychology Department, Ministry of Defence, Singapore

Defence Psychologist (Assistant Director)/ Psychologist, 2011 – 2014

Provided the Republic of Singapore Air Force with organizational climate and operational readiness surveys. Prioritized new organizational concept development and implementation in collaboration with senior and line management. Conducted psychological training for specialists and officers.

• Ensured Air Force requirements by restructuring psychological support.
• Improved Command psychology operational utility by establishing Command Psychologist positions.
• Extended psychological support to overseas RSAF units in Australia, CONUS and France.

Air Defence and Operations Command, Republic of Singapore Air Force, Singapore

Air Warfare Officer/Chief Training Officer (Senior Manager), 2000 – 2011

Performed Air Traffic Control operations within the Singapore Flight Information Region. 

• Trained and qualified in radar and aerodrome control, ground control and TACAN approach.
• Conversant with ICAO air navigation rules and regulations and took part in air accident investigation.
• Ensured safe air traffic operations within the Singapore Flight Information Region.
• Improved training efficiency and effectiveness for Military Air Traffic Controllers.
• Conducted air traffic control training for all radar military air traffic controllers in various positions from terminal to area within the Singapore Flight Information Region, including both VFR and IFR flights.
• Oversaw unit occupational health and safety.

Master of Science in Psychology of Sports and Exercise with Distinction (BPS accredited)

Loughborough University – Loughborough, United Kingdom

Recipient, Singapore Armed Forces Postgraduate Award

Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Honours 2nd Upper)

University of Western Australia – Perth, Western Australia

Recipient, Singapore Armed Forces Local Study Award