A recipient of the Public Service Commission Overseas Merit Scholarship, Patsy Ong read for her B.A. (Hons.) in English Language and Literature at the University of Leeds, and her M.A. in English Language (Modern) at University College London, UK.
Patsy taught General Paper and English Literature at Victoria Junior College. Subsequently, she joined the Organisation Development Division in the Ministry of Education where she was later appointed Head of Systems Review (Org Sys). There, she was involved in change management and innovation projects, and organisation excellence initiatives. Prior to joining SOTA, Patsy was Head of English in Bendemeer Secondary School. She also undertook a 9-month work attachment focusing on literacy and extended inquiry programmes at The University High School in Melbourne, Australia.
As part of in-service professional development, Patsy obtained a Graduate Certificate in Management Consultancy from the Institute of Management Consultants (Singapore) and completed the Teaching for Understanding (1) Course conducted by the Harvard University Graduate School of Education.
Patsy’s formative years were largely shaped by music. Though formally trained in music, what she enjoyed most was being part of various musical groups such as school bands, orchestras, instrumental ensemble groups and choirs. She sees the quest for excellence in the Arts as vital for developing positive attributes like discipline, collaboration, perseverance and creativity.