About

Hello! Believe it or not, I’m Joy. I design spaces that bring out the best in people.

I live in Singapore, and my day job involves exploring how the government can build a more collaborative relationship with its citizens.

Twice a year, I run Teck Whye Convention, a micro-conference where attendees share their knowledge with each other. Past presentations have touched on natural dyes, quantum mechanics, worldbuilding and dance (that’s me!). I have sneakily been using these opportunities to impose my world views; the 4th edition banned digital visual aids because I was tired of us using Powerpoint as a crutch, and the 5th edition asked people to consider ways of living and being human outside of our office jobs.

I also run a weekly beginners-only, young adult women/NB football club called Feetball Football Club. We are primarily in it for fun and games, and to review Lau Pa Sat’s many stalls (so far: not great). Running a weekly hobby group like Feetball has helped me to understand what it means for rituals to stabilise life.

I’ve been lucky enough to inhabit inspiring spaces myself. Spending six years in an arts-focused school and doing graphic design at an indie cinema gave me lots of space to play and experiment. Working at one of Singapore’s best cocktail bars helped me to see UX design decisions tested everyday with hundreds of guests (it continues to be one of the most treasured periods of my life).

In my free time I like enjoying beautiful things. This is what I’m up to these days.

> FAQ

Does your name being Joy put any pressure on you?

No doubt it had some impact on my life. My dad would ask me everyday, when sending me to kindergarten, “are you happy? Are you joyful?”. That kind of nudging is obviously going to shape a kid’s self-narrative. It’s a relief for everyone that I am happy! I am joyful! In fact I’m one of the happiest people I know. Unless you catch me stuck in a conversation with someone who insists that the Big Five is the best personality test around. Then I am not happy or joyful. 

Why the seagull logo?

I like seagulls.

What’s your favourite drink to make?

I… I have never understood this question. Most drinks have exactly the same kinds of technique. None are more pleasurable than the other. But my favourite drink to make is the drink that you want to have.