Wan Ying’s interest in human capital leadership research flourished when she was conducting her doctoral studies on online-based professional groups. Drawing on literature on learning theories, leadership and management studies, she applied the concept of paradoxical tension to study how individuals and groups manage conflicts, and by doing so, learn, unlearn and relearn. Subsequently, she applied the concept to enhance instructional design and curriculum development for classroom settings and learning management systems. More recently, Wan Ying has drawn on data analytics to gain insights on job hiring trends in Asia and corporate social responsibility in companies in Singapore. 

Beginning her career as a public servant, Wan Ying initiated and led a number of technology-facilitated initiatives to enhance learning to various groups of stakeholders. Her various postings allowed her to gain experience in policy work and strategic planning. Trained in both qualitative and quantitative methods, Wan Ying believes in adopting a data-driven approach towards research and programme evaluation. 

Graduated from the University of Oxford with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Education, Wan Ying is passionate about nurturing young leaders and contributing to research on human capital and management studies.