Our Governors

Mr. Suryopratomo, widely known as Tommy, serves as Pembina Yayasan Wellington College Independent School Jakarta, bringing decades of leadership experience across journalism, institutional governance and public service. Coming from a family of educators, education has long been a personal and enduring interest for him, shaping his commitment to stewardship, integrity and long-term institutional development.

Widely recognised for his value-driven leadership, Mr. Suryopratomo is known for his emphasis on accountability, credibility and disciplined governance. These principles align closely with Wellington College’s educational philosophy. In his role as Pembina, he provides strategic guidance to support the establishment of WCIJ as a trustworthy, joyful and high-quality international school with strong local relevance.

Previously, Mr. Suryopratomo built a distinguished career in Indonesian media and public service. He served as Editor-in-Chief of Kompas, held senior leadership roles at Media Indonesia and Metro TV and later represented Indonesia as Ambassador to Singapore. Across journalism, media leadership and diplomacy, his work has consistently reflected a commitment to integrity, public responsibility and institutional excellence.

Dr. Lim Lai Cheng is an independent education adviser with extensive leadership experience in the Singapore education system and international education networks. She served as principal of three schools, including Raffles Institution, Singapore’s oldest and most prestigious school and held senior positions at the Ministry of Education in corporate communications, curriculum planning and policy development.

Internationally, Dr. Lim plays a prominent role in advancing positive education and sustainability in schools. She is a Board Member of the International Positive Education Network, Chair of the Singapore Positive Education Network and Co-founder of the Global Alliance of Leading-Edge Schools for Sustainability, a network of more than 30 schools worldwide. She also contributes as an adviser to several education foundations in Johannesburg, Bratislava, Moscow, Cyprus, Stockholm and Indonesia and chairs the Advisory Board of Principals Academy Inc. Singapore.

In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques by the French Ministry of Education in 2012. As a member of the Board of Governors for WCESG, she brings deep expertise in school leadership, policy and international collaboration to guide the group’s educational vision and governance.

Mr. Tan Wee Han is the Chief Executive Officer of Wellington College Education Singapore Group (WCESG), where he provides overall leadership, strategic direction and governance for the group’s operations across Southeast Asia. He is responsible for guiding WCESG’s mission to establish world-class Wellington College International schools in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, ensuring that each school reflects the distinctive heritage and ethos of Wellington College.

Educated in Electronics and Electrical Engineering at Singapore Polytechnic, Mr. Tan went on to earn a Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK) and an MBA from the University of Dubuque (USA). His career spans leadership across start-ups and listed companies on the Singapore Exchange, with broad experience in the food and beverage, wholesale and distribution, media, event management and security industries.

An entrepreneur at heart, Mr. Tan has built and led businesses that balance growth with innovation. At WCESG, he combines this entrepreneurial acumen with his passion for children’s growth and education, driving the group’s ambition to deliver schools that nurture future-ready, well-rounded learners.

A committed Christian, Mr. Tan’s leadership is grounded in faith, values and a dedication to purpose-driven education and service.

Mr. Paul Vanni is International Director at Wellington College International, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience across some of the United Kingdom’s leading independent schools. He has held senior positions at both St Paul’s School and St Paul’s Girls’ School in London, where he served as Director of School (Senior Deputy), playing a key role in academic leadership, strategic planning and whole-school development.

Mr. Paul has extensive experience in founding and developing schools. In 2018, he became Founding Head of Kensington Park School, a co-educational day and boarding school in central London. He has also supported a range of international education initiatives, including collaboration with St Paul’s Girls’ School International in China, contributing to the development of high-quality educational provision across diverse contexts.

Alongside his school leadership roles, Mr. Paul has significant experience in governance, inspection and assessment. He has served as an Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspector and as a Principal Examiner for Cambridge International Examinations, supporting educational quality and standards across both preparatory and secondary sectors.

Mr. Paul holds a First-Class degree in Modern European Studies from University College London, a Master’s degree in French Literature and a PGCE from the University of Cambridge. His commitment to academic excellence, strong pastoral care and holistic education continues to support Wellington College International’s mission of developing confident, capable and future-ready young people.

Mr. Phil Mann first joined Wellington College UK in 2008 as a teacher of Physical Education and Sports Science, before moving to Reigate Grammar School as Director of Sport.

Returning to Wellington College in 2018, Mr. Mann served as Housemaster of The Hill, a boys’ boarding house, while also coaching 1st XI cricket and leading the College’s US Universities programme. In 2023, he was appointed Director of Admissions and continues to teach and tutor across the College, maintaining a strong connection with student life.

Mr. Mann holds a degree in Sports Science from Loughborough University and is an ECB Level 4 accredited cricket coach. His career reflects a deep commitment to education, mentorship and developing opportunities for young people both on and off the field.

Ms. Lesley Wong brings extensive international experience in operations and project management, having held senior roles at Ford Motor Company, American Express and PwC Consulting. Her career has been defined by driving business growth, implementing large-scale projects and optimising performance across complex organisations. As Director of Operations for Wellington College Education Singapore Group (WCESG), she leads regional operations and oversees planning and development initiatives across Southeast Asia.

Fluent in English, Chinese and Cantonese, Ms. Wong is adept at navigating diverse cultural and business contexts, enabling her to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

She holds an MBA from Cranfield University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University, providing her with a strong academic foundation in finance, strategy and international business that underpins her leadership in the education sector.