Back
Singapore, 25 February 2026 – The Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) announced that Executive Director-Designate Associate Professor (Practice) Terence Ho will assume the role of Executive Director with effect from 13 March 2026, succeeding Associate Professor (Practice) Yeo Li Pheow.
Assoc Prof Ho first joined IAL as Deputy Executive Director on 1 January 2025, bringing over two decades of experience in senior policy, research, and leadership roles across Singapore government Ministries, including Trade and Industry, Education, Finance, and Manpower. He is also an adjunct faculty member at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore.
Drawing on his deep understanding of skills development, workforce transformation and economic policy, Assoc Prof Ho will guide IAL in strengthening its role as Singapore’s National Centre of Excellence for Adult Learning. His leadership will advance IAL’s efforts to translate research into practice, enhance learning outcomes, and contribute to a resilient and future-ready workforce as Singapore moves towards a skills-first economy.
As Executive Director, Assoc Prof Ho will oversee IAL’s overall strategic direction and institutional development, including strengthening its workforce transformation capabilities to better support individuals, enterprises and the broader Training and Adult Education (TAE) ecosystem, with the continued implementation of the Training and Adult Educator Professional Pathway (TAEPP) to uplift the adult educator community.
Assoc Prof Ho said: “Amid global economic uncertainty and rapid technological change, lifelong learning is vital for individuals to stay employable and resilient. By developing the professional community of adult educators that plays a crucial role in Singapore’s lifelong learning endeavour, IAL supports the nation’s workforce transformation. I look forward to building on the strong foundations laid by Assoc Prof Yeo and the team. IAL’s focus will be on translating research into workplace practice, deepening partnerships across the ecosystem, and ensuring that adult education continues to make a meaningful difference for educators, learners and enterprises navigating change.”
He succeeds Assoc Prof Yeo, who has served as Executive Director of IAL since March 2023, leading the organisation through a period of strategic development and deepening of engagement with industry and the TAE sector.
During his tenure, Assoc Prof Yeo spearheaded key efforts to professionalise the adult education ecosystem. This includes initiating the groundwork for the TAEPP, as well as strengthening IAL’s engagement with industry and international partners. He also oversaw the establishment of two new centres under IAL – the Adult Learning Collaboratory and the Centre for Skills-First Practices – which enable the co-creation of innovative learning pathways addressing workplace learning needs and provide consultancy on workplace skills transformation to help workers better meet emerging skills demands.
Following the handover, Assoc Prof Yeo will remain with IAL as Senior Advisor (Special Projects), where he will continue to provide strategic counsel.
Reflecting on the transition, Assoc Prof Yeo said: “It has been a privilege to serve IAL during a period where adult education has become increasingly central to Singapore’s continued economic and workforce transformation. I am deeply grateful to our partners, adult educators, and colleagues for their trust and collaboration. In my role as Senior Advisor, I look forward to remaining engaged with IAL’s work, particularly in furthering TAE professionalisation and strengthening our international partnerships.”
Mr Tan Kok Yam, Chairman of the IAL Council and Chief Executive of SkillsFuture Singapore, said: “The IAL Council extends its deep appreciation to Assoc Prof Yeo for his steadfast leadership and distinguished service. Over his three years at the helm of IAL, Li Pheow has strengthened the community of adult educators, elevated professional standards of the training sector, deepened industry partnerships, and raised IAL’s standing on the international stage. We are pleased that Li Pheow will continue to lend his wisdom and experience to the Institute in his new capacity as Senior Advisor.
The Council expresses its full confidence that Assoc Prof Terence Ho will build on these successes and take IAL to even greater heights, as he assumes the role of Executive Director. Terence brings with him a wealth of experience across public sector and academia, alongside a distinguished record of scholarship and thought leadership. We look forward to his stewardship of IAL and to the further advancement of the training and adult education sector.”