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At The Positive Arena, we are committed to empowering individuals to lead flourishing lives through evidence-based Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology.
We help individuals, schools, and organisations thrive, not merely survive, by providing them with effective tools to cultivate resilience, positivity, and meaning in life.
“Using evidence-based positive psychology and coaching to create impactful transformations in individuals, schools and organisations.”
• MSc. Applied Positive Psychology & Coaching Psychology (Distinction)
• Professional Certified Coach (PCC) from International Coaching Federation (ICF)
• Certified Behavioural Consultant (DISC)
• Certified Strengths Profile Practitioner
• Certified SPARK Resilience Trainer
• Certified Meditation & Mindfulness Teacher
• Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA)
Matthew Koh is the Managing Director at The Positive Arena, where he uses evidence-based positive psychology and coaching psychology to enhance the well-being of individuals, schools, and organizations. Inspired by the growing mental health challenges faced by younger generations, particularly among Gen Zs and Millennials in the workforce, Matthew is a strong advocate for a proactive and sustainable approach to mental health. He emphasizes the importance of learning and applying positive psychology skills to thrive in life, not just survive.
As an award-winning educator with more than a decade of rich experience in education and adult training, Matthew is well-versed in curriculum development, pedagogy, and facilitation. His training and coaching sessions are marked by authenticity and compassion. With over 500 hours of coaching experience, Matthew is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
Matthew has worked with corporate and school clients including Citibank, Guocoland, DIGI, FlexOS, Indigo & Co, Decor & Dwell, Ministry of Education, National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, SUTD and others. He is also a motivational speaker who delivers talks to students ranging from primary to tertiary levels.
As a Positive Psychology lecturer with an MSc. in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology, he has trained numerous students to become well-being specialists and positive psychology practitioners, contributing to systemic positive change in individuals, schools, and organizations.
With a significant online presence, Matthew has garnered more than 8,000 followers on LinkedIn and was recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice in 2024. He is also featured as one of the Top 25 Life Coaches to Hire in Singapore by Smart Singapore. Matthew is the author of the book “Teach Less, Coach More: A Practical Guide for Educators to Unleash Youth Potential through Coaching Conversations,” which captures his lived experiences in using coaching to nurture the next generation.
• Graduate Diploma in Applied Positive Psychology
• Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology (Ongoing)
Bernice is an advocate of positive psychology, bringing with her a Postgraduate Diploma in Positive Psychology. Positive Psychology, to her, is the study of what brings true fulfilment in life—how we can cultivate happiness, resilience, and personal strengths.
With a deep passion for nurturing growth, she is invited to lead Positive Psychology training workshops for both students and parents. These sessions delve into a variety of transformative topics, such as developing a growth mindset, honing active constructive responding skills, mastering non-violent communication techniques, and cultivating gratitude and kindness. Each workshop is a journey toward personal growth and positive change, aimed at empowering individuals to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
She has conducted various workshops for students and parents with various schools such as Lakeside Primary, Tao Nan Primary, Piaget Academy (catering to international students), Yu Neng Primary, West Spring Secondary, Yishun Secondary, Ru Lang Primary, and many more.
As a parent herself, Bernice understands the demands of our modern world—balancing work, family, and personal well-being. This understanding has led her to strongly believe that change begins at home. She is dedicated to empowering families to create safe and nurturing environments to thrive. She believes that helping students and youths instil a growth mindset early on lays the foundation for a lifetime of resilience, curiosity, and success.
She is also dedicated to creating a space where parents can explore the power of self-kindness and compassion. By fostering these qualities within themselves, parents not only enhance their own lives but also create a nurturing environment for their children to flourish. Driven by the belief that self-kindness and compassion are essential ingredients in effective parenting, she is also passionate to support parents in prioritising their own well-being, so they can show up as the best versions of themselves for their families.
• Certified Solution Focused Practitioner
• Advanced Certificate in Career Development Facilitation
• Certificate in Counselling for Education and Career Guidance (DISC)
• Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA)
• Certificate in Teaching and Learning for Polytechnic Educators
Dawn is a strong advocate of enhancing effective workplace communication skills for all. Through her 25-year career in the media, healthcare, legal, education and social service
sectors, she has focused on coaching and developing the strengths of individuals to help
them achieve career and personal success through effective interpersonal relationships.
Her portfolio includes corporate communications and organisational development,
training design, delivery, and development. She started her career as a Public Prosecutor
with the Ministry of Manpower and joined MediaCorp as part of the corporate
communications team overseeing internal and external communications for the network
of 13 radio stations. As a former lecturer, Internship Academic Supervisor, and Career
Guidance Counsellor - she has personally guided more than 100 students in a Professional Preparation module transiting them into successful internship placements in various companies.
Over the past 12 years, she has designed and delivered training for close to 3000 students
and adult learners - on topics relating to language and communication skills (effective
writing, presentation, interpersonal communication, teamwork) and self-leadership skills
(emotional intelligence and resilience). She is also a Certified Career Counsellor coaching
individuals on effective job search skills. She coaches clients and speaks on the topic of
Workplace Emotional Intelligence, advocating for ADHD professionals, as well as hiring and
developing neurodiverse talent in companies.
Some of the clients she has worked with include Crescent Girls Secondary, Inland Revenue
Authority of Singapore, Nanyang Polytechnic, Nanyang Technological University, National
Environment Agency, Parkway Health, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Armed Forces,
Singapore Police Force and Red Alpha Cybersecurity.
Dawn believes that to effectively relate to others, we first need to be excellent
intrapersonal communicators and build decision confidence. She thrives on conversations
about expressing emotions healthily for personal and professional success.