Leonard Yip

Leonard Yip straddles two unlikely arenas: he is Course Chair and Senior Lecturer of the Film, Sound & Video (FSV) programme at Ngee Ann Polytechnic by day, and a Masters‑class podium finisher and organiser on Singapore’s emerging arm‑wrestling scene by night.

Over more than two decades behind the camera he has written and directed award‑winning shorts such as Eve of Adha and L’envie, both of which travelled the festival circuit and garnered early‑career prizes. His feature debut, the tropical‑noir Malam (2021), premiered at the Jaffna International Cinema Festival before screening theatrically in Singapore, the UK Asian Film Festival and at the British Film Institute, staking his claim as one of the few local Singapore directors working in bold genre cinema.

In the classroom, Leonard expounds a “Virtuosity, Values & Vision” ethos that has enabled his students to attain significant recognition and accolades through the FSV diploma and in their professional careers. He also co-founded and steers initiatives such as the Honour Film Initiative, guiding students through the creation of their short film that spotlight Singapore’s social fabric.

The same organisational drive fuels his sporting life. In April 2025 he was elected President of Singapore Armwrestling (SGAW). He now drives the newly WAF‑aligned body to possibly give local pullers IOC‑recognised pathways and, ultimately, National Sport Association status. On the table he still grips up, taking silver in the Masters +78 kg class at the 2023 Singapore National Championships with a measured top‑roll and calm match tempo.

Whether mentoring filmmakers or recruiting athletes for the Asian Cup, Leonard’s purpose centres on amplifying Singaporean voices—through the camera lens or across a 50‑millimetre elbow pad alike.