Highlights

ECTA Alumni Dr. Catherine Toh Shares Her Academic Journey on Obtaining Her PhD

Tuesday 22 October,  2024

I graduated with a Master of Counselling (Advanced) from SUT-ECTA in 2020, which laid the foundation for my academic journey. Building on this, I pursued my PhD at James Cook University, Singapore (JCUS), where my research focused on “A Mixed Methods Study Exploring Trainee Counsellors’ Hindering Self-Focused Attention and the Influence on Counselling Self-Efficacy.” This study allowed me to delve deeper into my research interests in how self-awareness affects counsellor development and performance.

I was fortunate to receive a scholarship from JCU that allowed me to focus fully on my research. During my three years of doctoral study, I presented at conferences in the United Kingdom and Ireland and had numerous opportunities to engage in other research events. Currently, I serve as a panel judge for the Undergraduate Award, a peer reviewer for Frontiers and the British Journal of Guidance and Counselling, and a member of the SAC Research and Publication Sub-Committee. Throughout this transition, Dr. Jessica Leong and Dr. Augustine Tan played pivotal roles in my learning journey. Dr. Leong provided invaluable support through her insightful reference letter and assisted me in various research endeavours, ensuring I had the resources and guidance needed to succeed in my doctoral studies. Similarly, Dr. Augustine Tan offered crucial mentorship and expertise, further fostering my growth as a scholar. Their encouragement and trust in my abilities have been instrumental in shaping my academic path.


Dr. Catherine Toh
Doctor of Philosophy (Health), James Cook University
Master of Counselling (Advanced), SUT-ECTA
Registered Counsellor


ECTA Bids a Fond Farewell to Our General Manager, Mr Michael Pillai

Monday 7 October,  2024

ECTA is deeply grateful for the dedication and leadership that of our General Manager, Mr Michael Pillai, over the past year.

Dr Jessica Leong, CEO and CAD of ECTA reflects on this moment, “I had the pleasure of welcoming Michael as our General Manager a year ago. As I bid him farewell with mixed emotions, I am happy for the neurodivergent community, knowing he will bring a significant contribution to their support and well-being.”

Mr Michael Pillai shares his thoughts on his time at ECTA, “It’s been an incredible journey being part of the ECTA family, where I’ve seen dedication, passion, and care from all in the team. The commitment to quality and excellence from the Board and leadership team have been truly inspiring. I am grateful for all the learning, and I wish ECTA all continued success.”


Upcoming Flinders University-ECTA Graduation Ceremony 2024

Monday 09 September,  2024

ECTA is looking forward to celebrating the inaugural Flinders University-ECTA Graduation Ceremony on 16 November 2024. We are honoured to have Professor Colin Stirling, President and Vice-Chancellor of Flinders University, as our esteemed Guest of Honour. With great pride, we recognise the achievements of our 306 graduands of the Graduate Certificate in Counselling, Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Master of Counselling as they embark on their journey as professional counsellors.


ECTA Congratulates Dot Connections Growth Centre on its 10th Anniversary!

Sunday 25 August,  2024

CEO’s Message:
Over the past decade, Dot Connections has made an extraordinary impact through its commitment to Buddhist studies, counselling courses, meditation fellowship, and comprehensive support services. Each of these initiatives has contributed greatly to both individual growth and communal mental health. You have touched countless lives along the way. Your dedication to promoting psychological well-being and spiritual development has been transformative for those you have supported and assisted.

The journey of the past ten years reflects a remarkable blend of purpose and commitment to making a difference. From the enlightened Buddhist studies to the compassionate counselling courses, your commendable efforts have created a safe space for learning and healing.

Once again, congratulations to Dot Connections for your meaningful contributions. We look forward with enthusiasm to many more years of inspiration and creativity. On behalf of the Executive Counselling and Training Academy, we wish you continued success and fulfilment in all your future aspirations and ambitions.


ECTA at the Buddhism and Mental Health Symposium 2024

Saturday 13 July,  2024

ECTA’s Chairman, Dr Tan Chue Tin with Dr Jessica Leong, and the management team


Venerable Ding Rong, Mentor Dot Connections with Dr Jessica Leong

ECTA’s CEO and Clinical & Academic Director, Dr Jessica Leong with senior staffs


Supporters and organisers of the symposium

On 13 July 2024, ECTA proudly participated in the Buddhism and Mental Health Symposium, organised by our industry partner Dot Connection Growth Centre in collaboration with Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery. This bilingual (English/Mandarin) event offered a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of Buddhism and mental health, featuring insightful talks, interactive sessions, and practical workshops.
ECTA Chairman, Dr Tan Chue Tin, and CEO and Clinical & Academic Director, Dr Jessica Leong, took part as VIP symposium guests. ECTA participated in the exhibition with an informational booth showcasing our counselling education programmes.
We are grateful for the opportunity to learn, share, and support this meaningful existential engagement on mental health and well-being.


MS 40.3 Tree of Life

Saturday 6 July,  2024



ECTA MS40.3 students participated in the “Tree of Life” activity, a reflective exercise where participants create a visual representation of various aspects of their lives. The Roots symbolise their family history, while the Ground represents their current lives and activities. The Trunk represents their skills and abilities, the Branches depict their hopes and wishes, and the Leaves represent important people in their lives. The Fruits symbolise gifts the students receive, and the Birds represent their contributions to family and community.
The Tree of Life is a tool from Michael White’s Narrative Therapy. It is used to create storytelling with clients and to focus on building hope, resilience and strengths in relationships and connections to family and the environment. The Tree of Life concept was developed by Ncazelo Ncube and David Denborough.

Submitted by
Dr. Jessica Leong
Clinical and Academic Director


Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road)Training At ECTA

Friday 21 June,  2024

Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road) had their training on “Transactional Analysis for Developing Positive Communication Competencies in Working Relationships” on the 21 June 2024 by ECTA CEO / Clinical & Academic Director Dr. Jessica Leong at the premises of ECTA at 1 Kay Siang Road #08-01/02 Singapore 248922


MS 39.2 Course Review

Friday 24 May,  2024

Congratulations to MS 39.2 on your successful completion of the Master of Counselling programme!


SUT-ECTA 2023 Graduation and Convocation Ceremony

Saturday  18 November,  2023

On 18 November 2023, we held the final of the Swinburne University of Technology-ECTA Graduation and Convocation Ceremony for 298 graduating students at Orchard Hotel.

We were honoured to have Mr Christopher de Souza, Member of Parliament for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, as our Guest of Honour.

Together with Mr Christopher de Souza (in the middle), is ECTA’s Board Chairman, Professor Tan Chue Tin (right of picture), and ECTA’s Chief Executive Officer, and Clinical and Academic Director, Dr Jessica Leong.


Memorandum of Understanding

Tues 3 May, 2022

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between ECTA Chairman, Dr Tan Chue Tin and Flinders University Vice-President and Pro Vice-Chancellor (International), Mr Sebastian Raneskold at ECTA, Singapore, on 3 May, 2022.

Click here for the video recording of the signing of the MOU and speeches made by Dr Jessica Leong, Chief Executive Officer and Clinical and Academic Director, and Mr Sebastian Raneskold.


Article: Therapeutic Conversation Through Confrontation – Reflections from a Singaporean Perspective

Fri 25 June, 2021


ECTA Graduation Ceremony 2020

Mon 5 September, 2020

This event was held on 5 September 2020 (Saturday) at 12.30pm. The venue was at Concorde Hotel, Singapore.


Associate Professor Tan Teck Koon (Master of Counselling (Advanced) 27th Intake) was appointed to NUS (National University of Singapore) Emeritus Professor

Mon 1 July, 2019

ECTA is delighted that Associate Professor Tan Teck Koon (Master of Counselling (Advanced) 27th Intake) was appointed an NUS (National University of Singapore) Emeritus Professor in July 2019. The NUS Emeritus Professorship is awarded to professors on retirement in recognition of their sustained contributions to teaching, research and service to NUS.

Prof Tan graduated from the Master of Counselling (Advanced) course accredited and awarded by Swinburne University of Technology, on 4 September 2019. He obtained his Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Singapore in 1980, and apart from teaching and research, served in several leadership positions over the course of his 37 years with NUS, including as Dean of Students (2003 – 2016) and Special Advisor for Student Life in the Office of the Provost (2017). He was also conferred the Public Administration Medal (Bronze) in 2006, and the Public Administration Medal (Silver) in 2014.  ECTA is honoured to have been part of Prof Tan’s exemplary journey of continued development, and extend to him our heartfelt congratulations!


EXECUTIVE COUNSELLING AND TRAINING ACADEMY has satisfied the EduTrust requirements for the award of 4 years EduTrust.

Valid from 30 JULY 2019 to 29 JULY 2023

Reference: C1920036909


ECTA Alumna Receives The University Medal by Swinburne University

April, 2019

ECTA is honoured to share that our alumna, Ms Cheryl Lee (Master of Social Science in Professional Counselling 24th Intake), was recently presented a University Medal (Postgraduate category) at the 2019 Swinburne Graduation Ceremony held in Melbourne, Australia on 26 March 2019. The University Medal is a prestigious award presented to the most outstanding students across all higher education levels at Swinburne University of Technology (SUT). 

Cheryl graduated in March 2018 from Swinburne University-ECTA’s Master of Social Science in Professional Counselling course, and was Valedictorian for her graduating cohort. She has prior higher education qualifications in Economics, Political Science and International Security. 

ECTA is honoured to have been involved in Cheryl’s exceptional journey of learning and development, and wish her all the very best in her endeavours!

GD28 – Written Theory Examination

GD28 Written Theory Examination results has been released on 15 Jan 2019.

Renewal of CPE Registration

The Executive Counselling and Training Academy Pte Ltd has had its registration renewed by the Committee of Private Education (CPE) for a period of 4 years. (CPE Registration Number 200209120M; Period 20 June 2018 to 19 June 2022)

Course Approved by CPE

In May 2017, CPE approved the Graduate Certificate in Specialist Forensic Assessment and Risk Management, accredited and awarded by Swinburne University of Technology. This approval adds to the other Swinburne University of Technology courses approved by CPE:

  • Master of Counselling (Advanced)
  • Graduate Diploma of Counselling
  • Graduate Certificate of Counselling
  • Graduate Diploma in Clinical Supervision
  • Graduate Certificate in Clinical Supervision
  • Graduate Certificate in Specialist Forensic Assessment & Risk Management
  • Certificate in Cognitive Behavourial Therapy
  • Certificate in Family Therapy

MOU Signed on 17th Oct 2018

Dr Jessica Leong, CEO / Clinical and Academic Director of the Executive Counselling and Training Academy (right) and Mr Yeong Wui Chiang, CEO of Parkway College of Nursing and Allied Health (left) signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 17th Oct 2018 between their respective organisations. The MOU represents the renewal of a longstanding relationship between the two organisations, and establishes Parkway College of Nursing and Allied Health as an Academic Partner of the Executive Counselling and Training Academy.