Anthony Sum

PhD-qualified organic chemist with over 10 years of combined industry, research and teaching experience spanning pharmaceutical process and analytical chemistry, academic research, and secondary science education. Currently a full-time Chemistry Teacher with the Ministry of Education, designing curriculum-aligned lesson plans and delivering structured, exam-oriented instruction to learners of varying abilities. Brings deep, current Science & Technology industry expertise — including API development, GMP manufacturing, process optimisation and analytical method development — together with a genuine track record of teaching, mentoring and supervising learners from secondary school to postgraduate level.

Well-placed to design and deliver CET curricula that connect classroom learning to real industry practice for adult learners.

Chemistry Teacher (Full-Time Teaching Track) at Ministry of Education (MOE), Singapore (2025-12 – Present)

• Teach Lower and Upper Secondary Chemistry under the MOE syllabus (O-Level aligned), under MOE's Untrained Teacher Scheme with progression to full NIE training.
• Design structured, curriculum-aligned lesson plans and translate complex chemical concepts into clear, exam-oriented explanations for students with weak foundations.
• Conduct small-group remediation and one-to-one support, applying diagnostic questioning to identify misconceptions and close learning gaps.
• Prepare students for weighted assessments, practicals and written examinations; responsible for instructional delivery and student learning outcomes.
• Collaborate with senior teachers and school leaders to develop teaching practice, and contribute to school-wide activities, CCAs and assessments.

Senior Process Chemist at Kaneka Singapore Co. (Pte) Ltd (2024-07 – Present)

• Design and lead experimental work for commercial-scale manufacturing of pharmaceutical intermediates and APIs, including technology transfer from lab to kilo-lab/pilot plant.
• Spearheaded root cause investigations during production deviations, implementing CAPAs that reduced recurring deviations by 30%.
• Reduced batch cycle time by 20% and improved product yield by 15% through bottleneck identification and process parameter optimisation.
• Led continuous-improvement automation projects with plant engineers that reduced production manhours by 60%.
• Mentor laboratory technicians and junior chemists; prepare SOPs, technical documentation and training materials for production teams.

Analytical Chemist at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) — Beecham Pharmaceuticals Pte Ltd (2023-02 – 2024-07)

• Performed method development and validation (ICH Q2(R1)) and pharmacopeial testing (USP/EP/JP) under cGMP and Data Integrity (21 CFR Part 11) requirements.
• Supported regulatory audits, deviation/OOS investigations, and stability studies for a penicillin-class antibiotic manufacturing site.

Laboratory Operations Lead at Forte Biotech Pte Ltd (in partnership with NUS / NUS Enterprise) (2022-11 – 2023-02)

• Led laboratory operations and product development for rapid PCR diagnostic test kits used by prawn farmers in Vietnam to detect livestock disease.

Senior Chemist, Raw Water System at Public Utilities Board (PUB), Singapore (2020-08 – 2021-08)

• Led risk assessment and monitoring of raw water quality for the Johor River catchment, and designed a mobile laboratory for on-site water testing during pollution incidents.

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow / Associate at National University of Singapore / Loughborough University (UK) (2017 – 2019)

• Designed and developed novel ligands, metal complexes and precatalysts, applying NMR, LC-MS, GC-MS and HPLC for compound analysis and characterisation.

Teaching Laboratory Demonstrator & Student Supervisor at University of Cambridge (UK) / Loughborough University (UK) / NUS (2012 – 2019)

• Supervised undergraduate organic chemistry practicals for 1st- and 2nd-year students at Cambridge University (2012–2014) and Loughborough University (2017).
• Supervised final-year Honours (FYP), Master's and PhD students in independent research projects at NUS and Loughborough University, with responsibility for laboratory safety.
• Volunteered at the Cambridge University Science Festival Chemistry Open Day, engaging public audiences with hands-on science demonstrations.

Temporary Teacher – Mathematics & Science at Primary & Secondary Schools, Singapore (2006 – 2012)

• Delivered Mathematics and Science lessons to primary and secondary school students prior to postgraduate study.

PhD in Organic Chemistry – University of Cambridge (Fitzwilliam College) (2012 – 2016)

MSc in Organic Chemistry – University of Sydney, Australia (2008 – 2010)

BSc (Honours) in Chemistry – University of Sydney, Australia (2007 – 2008)

BSc in Chemistry – University of Sydney, Australia (2003 – 2006)