Bryan Kwa
Storyteller. Political Scientist. Engaged Citizen.
(he/him)
- ABOUT MEHello! I'm Bryan Kwa - a storyteller, political scientist, and engaged citizen. My pronouns are he/him.I seek to make sense of the world we live in by asking questions, promoting discourse, and crafting compelling stories that resonate.STORYTELLER
As a journalist, I listen, discern, and contextualise. I was a current affairs producer at leading regional broadcaster CNA from June 2021 to Feb 2022. As a freelance writer, my stories have been published in SIX-SIX News, Yahoo! and Popspoken - as well as various publications on Medium.
I cut my teeth as a communication strategist by interning at leading global public relations agencies: first at Weber Shandwick (where I supported the corporate financial communications & healthcare practice teams), then at Ruder Finn (where I supported the integrated marketing & digital team).
I also did content writing for a marine engineering firm in Singapore.
In 2013, my inaugural entry into the Commonwealth Essay Competition clinched the Silver Award (Senior Category). In that same year, I was also awarded the Third Prize (Tertiary Category) with my team in the “Being Together…Again” Photo Essay Competition organized by the National Museum of Singapore.
I attained a Diploma in Media & Communication from Singapore Polytechnic in 2015.POLITICAL SCIENTIST
I graduated with a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours with Distinction) in Political Science from the National University of Singapore (NUS) in June 2021.
I have been published in the print editions of the Oxford Political Review (Issue 4, June 2021) and the Yale Review of International Studies (Volume 11, Issue 1, Global Issue 2020).
I studied at the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po) as an exchange student in Fall/Winter 2019.
At NUS, I also graduated from the University Town College Programme (UTCP), a two-year residency at Tembusu College to read multidisciplinary studies. Upon completion of the UTCP, I was selected to stay in the College for a third year and fourth year to continue to pursue interests, contribute to the College, be mentored and mentor others. During my four-year residency at Tembusu College, I edited and wrote for the student journal, organized and moderated panel discussions and dialogue sessions with distinguished guests, facilitated civil discourse, and produced and acted in a theatre production.ENGAGED CITIZENI served as an elected student leader during my time at NUS. In Academic Year 2018/2019, I was elected to the 40th NUS Students' Union (NUSSU) Council as the Executive Committee Representative for NUS Students' Arts & Social Sciences Club and NUS Students' Political Association. I also served in the 40th NUSSU Executive Committee as the Deputy Welfare Secretary in charge of advocating for students' academic interests. In Academic Year 2017/2018, I was elected Honorary General Secretary of the NUS Political Science Society.I participated in the Singapore Model Parliament 2015, 2014, and 2013. I also attended the Youth Model ASEAN Conference 2012 where I clinched the Best Delegate in Committee (Economics) Award.
I contributed to The Straits Times Forum and TODAY Voices pages. One of my letters published in April 2015 was cited in a joint report by Oogachaga and Pink Dot SG on LGBT rights in Singapore to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the Universal Periodic Review on Singapore in 2016.
I value reason over dogma; strive to be an intriguing, intrepid, and inquiring individual; and work towards becoming a thought leader with conviction, courage, and confidence. I keep myself updated on happenings around the world. I am an avid follower of news, analyses and commentaries. I love challenges, inquiries, and explorations.I enjoy the arts - especially theatre.
If you would like to discuss opportunities with me, invite me to your event or simply meet for tea, drop me an email at bryankwa8594@gmail.comCheers! - Experience
CNA
Producer, Current Affairs June 2021 - February 2022What are the big stories of the day? How do these issues impact Asia? Who can best provide insights into these issues? These questions drove my work as a current affairs producer at Singapore's national media network and leading regional news channel CNA.
I produced 'In Conversation', CNA’s flagship one-on-one interview TV programme with people who matter, when it matters. I oversaw end-to-end production: I identified the story and profile, secured the interview, scripted the episode, directed the shoot, selected visuals and audio tracks for post-production, managed the video edit, and get the episode cleared for transmission. Through this process, I worked with cross-functional teams from news and current affairs editors to camera and sound crew as well as video editors.
Post-production, I contributed written stories stemming from the exclusive interviews on 'In Conversation' to CNA Digital: channelnewsasia.com/author/bryan-kwaRuder Finn, SingaporeIntegrated Marketing & Digital Intern August 2020 - January 2021I supported the Integrated Marketing & Digital team in crafting compelling marketing communications strategies for clients across social media, content marketing, creative production, crisis management, media planning, web development, and analytics – all integrated to produce a seamless experience for audiences.This entailed my participation in brainstorm sessions to help develop new concepts, ideas, and solutions; my support in the development of social and digital media content related projects; my monitoring of clients’ social channels including social listening; my research, creation, and vetting of influencer lists; my support in putting togethering weekly, monthly and milestone social and digital reports, including pulling data and offering insights; my assistance with analytical reporting, and with paid media planning and reporting; and my engagement in research work and any other ad-hoc duties.GIANTECH Engineering Pte LtdTechnology and Engineering Writer (Intern) May 2020 - August 2020Drove the company’s content marketing efforts through content writing that elevates the company’s value proposition by positioning it as the authoritative voice in the marine equipment industry
Conceptualized the editorial direction of the company’s blog GIANTECH Review, and developed a blog strategy informed by SEO and keyword research with HubSpot Marketing
Copy edited the technical writings of engineers into marketable copies
Drafted a book with the company's Managing Director to establish the company as a thought leader in the life cycle management of marine equipmentRead a reflective summary of my experience here: igiantech.com/riding-through-the-waves-sailing-through-the-storm-a-reflection-on-my-internship-at-giantech/Freelance Writer2015 - 2021News & Features:Published on SIX-SIX News, Yahoo! News Singapore and PopspokenCovered SG50, GE2015, and ASEAN Para GamesNotably, my journalism has had an impact with two of my news stories published on Yahoo! being cited in academic publications:- First, my story << ‘100 per cent creative control’ on new SG50 film: Royston Tan (17 Jun 2015) >> has been cited in page 164 of a book titled "Governing Global-City Singapore : Legacies and Futures After Lee Kuan Yew" published by Routledge, and in a journal article titled "Choosing what to Remember in Neoliberal Singapore: The Singapore Story, State Censorship and State-Sponsored Nostalgia." published in the Asian Studies Review.
- Second, my story << Trust in Singapore government rises after 3-year decline: survey (25 Jan 2016) >> has been cited in page 6 of a book titled "Singapore: Identity, Brand, Power." published by Cambridge University Press, and in footnote 101 of a case study titled “Our Singapore Conversation: Bridging the Great Affective Divide” by the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.
Opinions:
Contributed to The Straits Times Forum and TODAY Voices pagesOne of my letters published in April 2015 was cited in a joint report by Oogachaga and Pink Dot SG on LGBT rights in Singapore to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the Universal Periodic Review on Singapore in 2016.
Essays:
Published on Medium (@BryanKwa) under the Medium Partner Program with my stories (a blend of academic and journalistic writings) selected by Medium curators to be recommended to readers, and/or featured in publications on Medium.My byline has appeared in various publications on Medium including An Injustice!, Equality Includes You, Politics: Fast and Slow, Exploring History, The Outtake.One of my essays has also been syndicated to The Good Men Project.---View my stories: bryankwawrites.tumblr.comWeber Shandwick, SingaporePublic Relations Intern October 2014 - February 2015I did an 18 weeks internship at Weber Shandwick - an award-winning global public relations and communications agency.I was part of two practices: Financial Communications and Healthcare. My clients ranged from investment firms to pharmaceutical companies.My responsibilities included scouring the Internet and trawling the news to compile and summarize news / analysts reports on clients, their competitors and any relevant industry news / analysis for bulletins and reports. I also managed media / analysts lists, liaised with third-party vendors and participated in brainstorms. Additionally, I conducted research for new business pitches, crafted media story ideas and supported the team in developing press materials.
Department of Corporate Communications, Singapore Polytechnic
Student Assistant July 2014 - December 2014
I was a student writer for SPirit magazine - the essential campus read.I wrote the cover story for the Vol. 3 2014 issue. - WHAT I BELIEVE IN"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." - Aristotle
- ExpertiseCrafting compelling stories that resonateWriting
- Writing news and feature articles, op-eds and commentaries, press releases and materials
- Writing for print, broadcast and online media
Marketing Communications- Developing 360-degrees Integrated Marketing Communication campaigns
- Applying Design Thinking to develop campaigns enriched with deep user insights and strong concept visualisation
- EducationNational University of SingaporePolitical Science, Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours with Distinction) 2017 - 2021Published in the Oxford Political Review: My essay << The Metrosexual Superpower Reconsidered: Is ‘Bend It Like Brussels’ Still in Vogue? >> was selected to be published in the Print Edition of the Fourth Issue themed 'New Order' (pp. 19 - 22)Published in the Yale Review of International Studies:
- My paper << The 2003 Phnom Penh Riots: How Thailand Employed A ‘Diplomacy of Anger’ Toward Cambodia >> was one of five essays selected to be published in the Print Edition of the 2020 Global Issue
- My article << Performing Diplomacy: How a Newly Independent ‘Little Red Dot’ Managed Power, Impressions and Feelings on World Stage >> was published online
Studied at the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po) in the Fall/Winter 2019 semester on a student exchange programmeElected to the 40th National University of Singapore Students' Union (NUSSU) Council as the Executive Committee Representative for (1) NUS Students' Arts & Social Sciences Club, and (2) NUS Students' Political Association in AY18/19Served as Deputy Welfare Secretary for Academics in the 40th NUSSU Executive Committee; Advocated for students' interests at the NUS Board of Undergraduate Studies meetings chaired by Associate Provost (Undergraduate Education)Elected as Honorary General Secretary, 49th Executive Committee, NUS Political Science Society in AY17/18- Convened all meetings of the Society; Managed all correspondence, records, and meeting minutes
- Moderated a dialogue session with Senior Minister of State Dr Janil Puthucheary titled "The Challenges Facing Singapore" on 20 February 2018
- Emceed the Book Launch of "Critical Issues in Asset Building in Singapore's Development", edited by Dr S Vasoo and A/P Bilveer Singh, on 24 August 2018 with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as the Guest-of-Honour and four generations of Singapore's political leaders in attendance
Served as a Facilitator at NUS Centre for English Language Communication (CELC) Oral Communication Camp 2018 and 2019Graduated from the University Town College Programme, a two-year residency (AY17/18 - AY18/19) at Tembusu College to read multidisciplinary studiesSelected for senior stay twice; Enrolled in the Senior Learning Experience (AY19/20 & AY20/21) at Tembusu College- Engaged in Module Mentoring with Dr Celine Coderey (Jan 21 – Apr 21): Served as a Teaching Assistant for the Senior Seminar ‘Time & Life’; Organised & Moderated a dialogue on “Calling Time on Life & Death” with invited guest speaker Bernard Chen
- Completed a News Writing workshop (Feb/Mar 20), and a Public Relations workshop (Sep/Oct 20) conducted by ex-Bloomberg journalist Weiyi Lim
Awarded University Town Residential College Scholarship (The Ngee Ann Kongsi Scholarship) twice at Tembusu College for AY18/19 and AY20/21; the scholarship is valued at SGD 10,000 annually and is bond-freeManaged Treehouse, Tembusu College Student's Journal, as co-Editor-in-Chief in AY18/19: View my articles @ tembusu.nus.edu.sg/treehouse/author/bryankwa/Served as Projects Coordinator for Slate, Tembusu College's Theatre interest group: Produced and Acted in a full production of Tan Tarn How's "The Lady of Soul & Her Ultimate 'S' Machine" at University Town Auditorium 2 in April 2018Facilitated civil discourse as a core team member of Polity - Tembusu College's Public Policy & Current Affairs interest group that aims to engage, enlighten and empower the study body - by inviting distinguished guests from various backgrounds to discuss pertinent civic issues with students in an intimate manner- Moderated a dialogue with Minister Desmond Lee on 16 January 2018
- Moderated a dialogue with Nominated Member of Parliament Kok Heng Leun on 26 March 2018
- Co-moderated a dialogue with Minister Ong Ye Kung and Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat on 18 October 2018
- Received a letter from Minister Grace Fu dated 6 June 2018 in response to a letter from Tembusu College students addressed to the next Prime Minister, and arranged a dialogue with Minister Grace Fu on 7 November 2018.
Led SpeQtrum, a wing under tFreedom - Tembusu College's diversity and inclusion community - that aims to spark conversations on gender and sexuality issues by organizing panel discussions and dialogue sessions- Moderated a panel discussion “LGBT Community: Where is its place in Singapore” on 23 Feb 2018; panellists included a lawyer, a sociologist, and a co-founder of an LGBTQ+ affirming community group
- Moderated a dialogue on Faith & Sexuality with Azfar Anwar on 25 Feb 2021
- Moderated a dialogue on “Speaking up for the LGBTQ+ community in Parliament” with ex-NMP Assoc Prof Walter Theseira on 18 Mar 2021
- Moderated a panel discussion “Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace: Towards an Intersectional Approach” on 25 Mar 2021; panellists included queer business leaders, a social entrepreneur advocating for PWDs, and an academic who researches diversity, inclusion, stigma and discrimination
- Moderated a dialogue on Public Morality and Moral Panic with Professor Kenneth Paul Tan on 29 Apr 2021
Singapore Polytechnic
Media and Communication, Diploma 2012 - 2015Awarded Director's Honour Roll for having achieved outstanding academic performance in Academic Year 2012/2013Completed a master class on Digital Marketing in September 2014, conducted by Co-founder of Lensy and Partner at innovation design studio Cllique, digital consultant Vincent TeoCompleted SMG Social Connect, a Community Management certification programme, conducted by Starcom MediaVest Group and Facebook in April 2014
Completed a master class on Storytelling through Film and Television, conducted by Assistant Professor Ross G. Brown from Chapman University in June 2013Achieved Silver Award (Senior Category) in the Commonwealth Essay Competition 2013
Attained Third Prize (Tertiary Category), together with my team, in the “Being Together…Again” Photo Essay Competition 2013, organised by the National Museum of Singapore
Participated in Singapore Model Parliament 2013, 2014, 2015Featured in The Straits Times (Never too young to discuss public policies; 1 April 2013)
Awarded Best Delegate in Economics Committee at Youth Model ASEAN Conference 2012
Performed the leading role of Alfred Ill in a public ticketed performance of an adaptation of “The Visit” by Friedrich Dürrenmatt at the Drama Centre directed by Rodney Oliveiro in October 2012;Serangoon Junior College
Project Work, GCE A Level 2011 - 2011
Obtained Grade A in H1 Project Work GCE ‘A’ Level
Acted in a ticketed theatre production of an adaptation of Jean Tay’s “Everything but the Brain”Victoria SchoolGCE O Level 2007 - 2010
Graduated with a General Certificate in Education Ordinary Level
Served as Secretary of the school's English Literary Drama and Debating Society (ELDDS)
Awarded the Victoria School Meritorious Service Award twice in 2009 and 2010 in recognition of leadership and services to the school through ELDDS
Served as a Peer Support Leader
Organised the 1st Victoria School – Raffles Girls School Peer Support Convention 2009 and the school’s Peer Support Leadership Training Camp 2009
Awarded the Victoria School Meritorious Service Award in 2010 and Commendatory Service Award in 2009 in recognition of leadership and services to the school through Peer Support
Served as a Student Ambassador - WHAT INSPIRES ME"I'm very determined. If I decide that something is worth doing, then I'll put my heart and soul to it. The whole ground can be against me, but if I know it is right, I'll do it. That's the business of a leader."- Lee Kuan Yew
- National ServiceHeadquarters, Transport Formation,Singapore Armed ForcesAdministrative Support Assistant /Organisation Excellence CoordinatorSep 2015 - Aug 2017
- Drove Organisational Excellence (OE) throughout Transport Formation (TPT FMN), which includes 5 units and over 2000 employees
- Managed Balanced Scorecard, ISO 9001 Quality Management System and Business Excellence (Singapore Quality Class & People Developer) implementation
- Monitored KPIs & Analysed results
- Reviewed & Edited Quality Manual & Procedures
- Conducted Internal Audits and ensured follow-up actions to findings
- Achieved a positive assessment finding during ISO 9001:2008 surveillance audit by TUV SUD PSB
- Managed the transition to the new ISO 9001:2015 standard
- Attained successful ISO 9001:2015 certification by TUV SUD PSB
- Propelled TPT FMN to achieve Singapore Quality Class STAR certification and successful People Developer recertification
- Attained MINDEF-wide publicity of TPT FMN's OE achievement
- Completed training in ISO 9001 implementation & internal auditing by Neville Clarke & GT Consultancy
- Completed training in Business Excellence (Singapore Quality Class & People Developer) implementation by Ernst & Young Advisory
- Attended “Excel in Customer Service” course by MINDEF Centre for Management Development
- Provided administrative support to ensure timely and orderly requisition of civil resources during mobilisation
- Managed the operation of Civil Resource Information and Planning System (CRIPS) during a Mobilisation Exercise of over 300 civil resource assets in 2016
- Drafted staff notes, conference papers, presentation materials and meeting minutes
- Consolidated fortnightly and monthly management meeting slides
- Provided administrative support to Branch Head: Managed schedule, Supported ad hoc tasking
- Organised unit cohesion
- Awarded Singapore Armed Forces Letter of Commendation from Chief Transport Officer for excellent contributions to Transport Formation’s Organisational Excellence journey (2016)
- Awarded Headquarters Transport Best Soldier (Q1 WY17/18)
- Achieved the pinnacle enlistee rank of Corporal First Class, conferred only to top-performing enlistees
- WHAT I LIVE BY"We aim above the mark to hit the mark."- Ralph Waldo Emerson
- AwardsNational University of SingaporeResidential College ScholarshipThe Ngee Ann Kongsi ScholarshipAcademic Years 2018/2019 & 2020/2021Singapore Armed ForcesHQ TransportBest Soldier AwardQ1 WY17/18Singapore Armed ForcesLetter of Commendation2016from Chief Transport Officer for excellent contributions to Transport Formation’s Organisational Excellence journeyThe Royal Commonwealth SocietySilver AwardSenior CategoryCommonwealth Essay Competition 2013National Museum of SingaporeThird PrizeTertiary CategoryBeing Together...Again Photo Essay Competition 2013Youth Model ASEAN Conference 2012Best Delegatein Economics CommitteeSingapore Polytechnic,School of Communication, Arts and Social SciencesDirector's Honour RollAcademic Year 2012/2013Victoria SchoolMeritorious Service Award2010English Literary Drama and Debating SocietyVictoria SchoolMeritorious Service Award2010Peer Support BoardVictoria SchoolMeritorious Service Award2009English Literary Drama and Debating SocietyVictoria SchoolCertificate of Excellence(SYF Drama Central Judging - Bronze Award)2009English DramaVictoria SchoolCommendatory Service Award2009Peer Support BoardHong Kong Schools Music andSpeech AssociationCertificate of Merit(Solo Verse Speaking: Open)200557th Hong Kong Schools Speech FestivalHong Kong Schools Music andSpeech AssociationCertificate of Merit(Solo Verse Speaking: Open)200456th Hong Kong Schools Speech Festival
- TestimonialsClick here to read the testimonials in full. Extracts from the testimonials are presented below.Singapore Armed ForcesColonel Liew Yoon Sing,Chief Transport Officer
(2017)"Corporal First Class (CFC) Bryan is a dedicated, responsible and resilient soldier. ...He is a charismatic individual who is able to articulate, challenge assumptions, and propose solutions that value adds to his primary and secondary task. He demonstrates leadership, by showing initiative, constantly giving feedback and improving the system while displaying good teamwork."CFC Bryan's competencies were proven when he supported Transport Formation in Organisational Excellence certifications. CFC Bryan has very good writing skill which was distinctly displayed when he crafted Transport Formation's Business Excellence application report, which eventually propelled the Formation to achieve Singapore Quality Class STAR certification."(Service Transcript, Part III, Relevant Qualities and Competencies)Singapore Armed ForcesColonel Liew Yoon Sing,Chief Transport Officer
(2017)"Corporal First Class (CFC) Bryan demonstrated impeccable professionalism while engaging the external auditors... His sharp analytical skills, disciplined work ethic and zealous attitude propelled Transport Formation to achieve the Singapore Quality Class STAR certification in 2017."His modest mannerism amplified his earnest to strive for staff-work excellence and active engagement with his peers, superiors, staffs... His forward looking attitude led him to develop contingency action plans that allowed him to keep his composure in times of exigencies."CFC Bryan's attitude and aptitude will gain him much success in his future endeavours."(Testimonial)Weber Shandwick
Sam Ran Boolsambatra, Senior Vice-President
Karen Yap, Senior Account Manager(2015)"Over the course of his 18 weeks, we found him to be highly motivated, resourceful and intelligent.
"Bryan's curious, questioning nature helped him come up with solid media story ideas for an international port operator in the UK, as part of a larger communications plan for the client to gain publicity in the Asia Pacific region."Singapore PolytechnicDavid Lee, Senior Lecturer
(2015)"Bryan Kwa was in my Personal Tutor class for one year and over that period of time, I observed him to be intelligent, articulate, and inquisitive."In all that he does, Bryan sets high standards for himself, and I have no doubt that he will make a success out of his chosen endeavour."Victoria SchoolSchool Graduation Certificate(2010)"In class, Bryan was highly respected by his peers as a confident speaker. He represented his class in the Secondary Three Inter-class Debate in 2009. A dynamic and determined student, he did not hesitate to participate in class discussions, often offering an insightful and unique perspective on issues.Bryan has the unyielding tenacity and determination to achieve success in all his future endeavours. Being the confident, resourceful and highly adaptable young man he is, Bryan will be able to overcome all challenges that come his way and shine in any organisation." - WHAT I BELIEVE IN"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality." - Desmond Tutu
- LettersLetters to the editorThe Straits Times
- 28 March 2015 - Reaffirm our founding ideals
- 22 April 2015 - Stay true to brand promise (Note: Published letter is markedly watered down from original text)
- 18 May 2015 - Stop stigmatising sexual minorities
- 17 October 2015 - Boost Republic's soft power by relaxing arts regulation
- 22 April 2015 - IKEA Singapore’s decision contradicts its global stand and code of conduct
- 29 April 2015 - LGBT youth at higher risk of suicide, more support needed (Note: Cited in joint report by Oogachaga and Pink Dot SG on LGBT rights in Singapore to United Nations Human Rights Council for Universal Periodic Review on Singapore in 2016)
- 10 June 2015 - Singapore will benefit when all citizens are treated equally
- Portfolio
- Get in touchI'd love to get to know you! Contact me at bryankwa8594@gmail.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.
- Let's Chat!You may also leave your message here and I'll respond to you as fast as I can.
Copyright 2014