Loretta Chen

Loretta Chen (born 2 December 1976) is a Singaporean technopreneur, entrepreneur, and founder of Smobler, a leading metaverse architect and gaming studio headquartered in Singapore. She is also an author, a professor, and an advocate for minority- and women-led businesses.

Loretta Chen
Chen interviewed in 2019
Born	(1976-12-02) 2 December 1976 Singapore
Alma mater	Anglo-Chinese Junior College National University of Singapore Royal Holloway, University of London University of California, Los Angeles
Occupation(s)	director, presenter, executive, author
Spouse	Lee Eungsuk ​ (m. 2015)​
Relatives	Edmund Chen (brother) Eric Chen (brother) Xiang Yun (sister-in-law)
Website	www.drlorettachen.com

Prior to her role as an entrepreneur, Chen was a multifaceted and influential figure in the media, education, publishing, performing arts & cultural scene for over two decades, known for her work as an actor, emcee, radio presenter, and theatre director.

She was the People's Choice for Nominated Member of Parliament and has been the International Consultant to the Kingdom of Bhutan since 2011.

She is a passionate advocate for social equity - challenging the status quo through artistic, literary and entrepreneurial avenues.

When the Metaverse came into play, Chen envisioned a unique opportunity to shape social narratives with technology.

She founded Smobler, a turnkey metaverse architect that takes brands, IPs and communities to the forefront of Web3, where diversity and accessibility is built right into the infrastructure.

Today, Smobler is backed by The Sandbox and Brinc; supported by Enterprise Singapore, Info Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA), and Plug and Play.

Through her latest venture, Chen aims to create a Metaverse for Good to drive positive change, promote inclusivity and leverage emerging technologies to empower and inspire audiences across the globe.

Chen was named a finalist for the UBS Female Founder Award in 2023, a Top 100 Women of the Future, Forbes and Asia’s Most Inspiring, and Unstoppable WOW3’s Most Inspirational Women in Web3 & AI.

Education

Chen was born and raised in Singapore. She studied at Anglo-Chinese Junior College and graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) with a degree in English Literature and Theatre Studies. She completed her master's degree at Royal Holloway, University of London. She began doctoral studies at the University of California, Los Angeles but transferred to NUS, graduating with a PhD in Theatre (Critical Theory).

Business Class

Certificate, Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies

Wharton Executive Education Jan 2023 - Jan 2023

Certificate, Business In The Metaverse

Section4 Jan 2021 - Jan 2021

Brand strategy, Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services

Singapore Management University Jan 2021 - Jan 2021

Certificate in value investing, Investments And Securities

Nanyang Technological University Jan 2021 - Jan 2022

Certificate in digital entrepreneurship, Digital Entrepreneurship

The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania Jan 2020 - Jan 2020

Entrepreneur accelerator program, Entrepreneurship/entrepreneurial Studies

Singapore Management University Jan 2019 - Jan 2020

Advanced diploma in service excellence, Organizational Leadership

Singapore Management University Jan 2019 - Jan 2020

Executive certificate in service leadership, Strategy And Leadership

Harvard University Jan 2016 - Jan 2017

Certificate in leadership, Leadership Studies

National University of Singapore Jan 2005 - Jan 2010

PhD, Cultural Studies/critical Theory And Analysis

University of California, Los Angeles Jan 2000 - Jan 2002

PhD, Performance Studies

Royal Holloway, U. of London Jan 1998 - Jan 1999

Master of arts, Masters In Theatre

National University of Singapore Jan 1995 - Jan 1998

Bachelor’s degree, Drama And Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General

Career

Entertainment Industry

Before her entrepreneurial journey, Chen had a successful career in the entertainment sector, where she built a reputation as a theatre director and performer. She co-founded an integrated creative agency and was a leading personality in Singapore’s entertainment scene, known for hosting radio shows, emceeing events, and producing theatrical performances.

Consulting Role in Bhutan

In the mid-2000s, Chen was invited to become a consultant for Druk Holding and Investments (DHI) in Bhutan, where she trained senior executives in marketing, leadership, and presentation skills. Her experiences in Bhutan deeply influenced her worldview, particularly the nation's emphasis on Gross National Happiness (GNH), which she described as a holistic approach to compassion and empathy.

Writing Career

Chen published her first book in 2014 with an autobiography, Woman on Top, about her family life and business career.

In 2016, Chen wrote The Elim Chew Story: Driven by Purpose, Destined for Change, a biography about Elim Chew, a female entrepreneur who started the streetwear retail chain 77th Street.

In 2017, Chen published a book, Madonnas and Mavericks: Power Women in Singapore, about 17 Singaporean women who have reached the peaks in various fields such as business, politics, advocacy, sports, lifestyle and the arts. The book includes Jennie Chua, Olivia Lum, Ivy Singh-Lim, Halimah Yacob and Sylvia Lim.

Chen published her fourth book, Mana Wahine: Power Women in Hawaii in 2019.

In December 2022, Chen published M/OTHER, a book inspired by her mother who survived a brain tumor, which explores the concept of motherhood and features interviews with parents who have faced challenges or have themselves challenged the norms. The book is a winner in the Singapore Book Awards.

Transition to Technopreneurship

In 2020, Chen co-founded Smobler, a Web3 and metaverse startup that designs interactive community environments in the digital world. As CEO, Chen has helped establish the company’s global presence, creating a suite of world firsts such as a metaverse wedding, Tools of Rock concert venue and a disability park with SG Enable. Working with legacy brands and renowned IPs, Smobler creates innovative projects such as Metaverse for Good and has been featured by Forbes, Vogue, Channel News Asia and more.

The Sandbox DAO - Advisor May 2024 - Present

Coralus - Activator Mar 2023 - Present

Coralus (formerly SheEO) co-creates new economic and social models by distributing crowdsourced support to our members, ventures, and the world. Learn more and Activate: https://www.coralus.world

Peacebuilding Initiatives - Teaching Faculty Jan 2022 - Present

The Matsunaga Institute is a multi-disciplinary community of scholars, students, and practitioners who, through academic programs and outreach, promote cross-cultural understanding and collaborative problem-solving. Residing within the Public Policy Center, the Matsunaga Institute emphasizes critical thinking and collaboration to groom leaders to address contemporary and complex issues in Hawaiʻi, the Asia-Pacific region, and the world.

Smobler - Founder / CEO Mar 2020 - Present

Leeward Community College - Lecturer & Co-ordinator of Performing Arts Program Jul 2017 - Present

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University - Visiting Professor Feb 2017 - Present

Annual Intensive Special Lecture program over the Winter in APU, one of Western Japan's four leading private universities and the leading International Relations degree program in the country.

University of Southern Maine - Visiting Professor Jan 2015 - Present

Loretta is Visiting Professor at various US universities including University of Southern Maine and the federally-run East West Center based out of University of Hawaii. She specialises in Leadership & Entrepreneurship, Theater (Theory and Praxis) and Women and Gender Studies.

Druk Holding & Investments - International Consultant Jul 2012 - Present

Carnegie Mellon University - Tepper School of Business - Visiting Professor Jun 2022 - Present

When you look ahead to the future of business, some things are certain. Data will rule, powered by today’s emerging technologies. But human intelligence — analytical, creative, emotional — will unleash data’s potential. The Tepper School prepares you for that future and for the uncertainties ahead.

Matsunaga Institute For Peace - Teaching Faculty Jan 2022 - Present

The Matsunaga Institute is a multi-disciplinary community of scholars, students, and practitioners who, through academic programs and outreach, promote cross-cultural understanding and collaborative problem-solving. Residing within the Public Policy Center, the Matsunaga Institute emphasizes critical thinking and collaboration to groom leaders to address contemporary and complex issues in Hawaiʻi, the Asia-Pacific region, and the world.

CIS Abroad - Center for International Studies - Site Director Feb 2019 - Jan 2023

Futureskills101 - Co-Founder Jan 2019 - Jan 2023

Connecting Global Educators to Communities of Need

Common Purpose - Co-Founder Jan 2018 - Jun 2022

A Common Purpose is a social enterprise for women and young entrepreneurs that provides creative opportunities, media awareness , training and entrepreneurship development in developing communities in Bhutan, Nepal, Philippines and Myanmar etc. It creates links between media & creative professionals who wish to “volun-tour” their expertise to select beneficiaries in these communities. Original creative content generated will be shared on on-line platforms, press and live events such as town-halls and round tables to increase awareness in issues revolving but not restricted to youths, elderly, civil and women's rights, LGBTQIA awareness , education and other pressing advocacy issues.

Argosy University - Professor Adjunct Jul 2017 - Mar 2019

Tesla - Business Development Advisor Jan 2017 - Aug 2017

Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba - Visiting Professor Jun 2016 - Jul 2016

Led seminars in the Doctor of Business Administration program

East-West Center - Guest Professor Aug 2015 - Oct 2016

Lead and facilitate seminars and workshops in Authentic Leadership and Women in Business programs for the annual Asian Pacific Leadership Program (APLP)

Marshall Cavendish Education - Book Author Jun 2014 - Nov 2017

She has written two best-sellers with Marshall Cavendish - Woman on Top: The Art of Smashing Stereotypes and Breaking all the Rules as well as Driven by Purpose, Destined for Change : The Elim Chew Story. Her third book Madonnas and Mavericks: Power Women in Singapore features President Halimah Yacob, Professor Chan Heng Chee, Ambassador Jennie Chua, Workers' Party Chairman Sylvia Lim, CEOs Olivia Lum (Hyflux), Cynthia Chua (Spa Esprit), Chef Janice Wong, 4x Paralympian and Gold Medalist Theresa Goh, top actress Xiang Yun and many other illustrious women. The book is sold now in all good bookstores and available on Amazon.

Marshall Cavendish Education - Best-Selling Author of Woman on Top: The Art of Smashing Stereotypes and Breaking all the Rules Jan 2014 - Nov 2017

Researched and wrote the books Woman on Top, Driven by Purpose and the upcoming Madonnas and Mavericks and also helped on PR and promotional campaigns relating to the publications.

360° PRODUCTIONS - Creative Director Jan 2002 - Jan 2012

Provide leadership, media communications & sales/service training and consultancy to various organisations including Druk Holdings and Investments, Bhutan Telecoms, State Trading Corporation of Bhutan, IBM, UBS, J P Morgan, Barclays, Singex, NTUC Learning Hub amongst others Helmed branding, marketing and activation campaigns for x Blackberry, Xbox, Sony, Pfizer, Phillips, Draeger as well as Asian based clients Far East Organisation, NETS Singapore, Capitaland, government bodies and statutory boards.

The Activation Group - Executive Creative & Business Development Director Jan 2002 - Dec 2015

VMSD, Oomph and Luminart are part of The Activation Group. Founded over 20 years ago, it fully integrates brand activation strategies, marketing promotions from its inception to end production. Its core expertise is in Conceptual Development and Design, Production and Installation, Logistics Management, Manpower Support to Event Evaluation. It is one of the market leaders in Global Travel Retail and Original Retail Design. It also has an Arts and Entertainment, PR, Training and Consultancy arm, making the agency Activation 360. Worked on major global accounts such as Pernod Ricard, LVMH, Louis Vuitton, WWF, DFS and Nikon amongst others. Main responsibilities include organisational management and excellence, regional business strategy execution, sales and negotiation, public relations, team building, training and development, creative direction and operations.

MediaCorp Pte Ltd - Producer-Presenter Jan 1995 - Jul 2015

Loretta was Producer Presenter at Gold 90 FM at Mediacorp Radio whilst an undergraduate at National University of Singapore back in 1995. She was back at Lush 99.5 as Curator-Presenter hosting her eponymous show, The Art of Lush with Loretta Chen till July 2015.

Personal Life

Chen is known for her deep connection to both Hawaii and Bhutan, two places that have shaped her life and work. She moved to Hawaii in 2014, where she currently resides. She has described Hawaii as a place of peace, with its nature and culture providing a sense of balance and tranquility. Chen is also a passionate advocate for animal welfare and has a large family of over 20 cats, many of which were rescued.

Chen frequently divides her time between Hawaii, Singapore, and Bhutan, balancing her work as a global entrepreneur with a deep personal connection to the places she loves.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

As a vocal advocate for women in technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development, Loretta Chen is committed to mentoring and supporting female entrepreneurs. She was initiated into the Coralus network as a UBS Female Founder Award finalist and has participated in the Project Female Founder program, where she mentors other women in the Web3 space.

Hawaii Technology Academy - Member Board Of Directors Apr 2021 - Aug 2022

Hawaii Technology Academy (HTA) is a tuition-free, WASC-accredited, public charter school that aims to transform education to meet the demands of an ever-changing world. HTA’s educational approach is founded on the belief that learners learn best by doing and by engaging in relevant learning experiences that help them make connections between themselves and the world. HTA believes in a transformative education that utilizes innovative approaches, fosters strong interpersonal relationships, empowers students to create their unique paths, and focuses on the whole child.

Girl Scouts of Hawaii - Troop Leader Jul 2020 - Jan 2021

As the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Ceeds of Peace - Mentor Jun 2020 - Present

Girls Talk Back, a program for teen girls, is focused on developing leadership, peacebuilding, social justice skills.

Leeward Community College - Founding Member Mar 2020 - Present

Part of the core team that created Hawaii Careers and Resiliency Education Support (HICARES), a response to the massive unemployment created by the pandemic.

Alzheimer's Association® - Community Co-Chair Jan 2020 - Sep 2020

Manoa Valley Theatre - Board of Directors Sep 2019 - Aug 2022

As “Honolulu’s Off-Broadway Playhouse,” MVT leads with a clear vision of artistry and community service that enhances Hawaii’s cultural community, entertains its residents, and develops its artists.

Sacred Hearts Academy - Program Director Jan 2017 - Oct 2019

Part of the inaugural leadership mentoring program Girls Got Grit (GGG) that pairs students with leading businesswomen in Hawaii to provide leadership, business, presentation, fundraising as well as industry experience to enable them to become the next generation of future leaders.

Popspoken - Consultant Mar 2017 - Oct 2019

Tourism Council of Bhutan - Fundraising Co-Chair Jan 2012 - Present

Euta Goemba in Paro, Bhutan a 17th century monastery that was devastated by an earthquake in 2011. With the help of the local community, we helped to restore the monastery as well as help provide food, shelter and cultural education to the orphan monks that are housed there. This is an on-going passion and project of mine and anyone interested to visit or contribute is most welcomed!

Habitat for Humanity International - Volunteer Jan 2006 - Dec 2009

Tan Tock Seng Hospital - Creative Consultant Jan 2005 - Dec 2010

Recognition and Awards

• Unstoppable WOW3’s Most Inspirational Women in Web3 & AI (2024)
• SelectUSA Investment Summit Panelist and Mentor (2024)
• Project Female Founder (2023-2024)
• UBS Female Founder Award Finalist (2023)
• Top 100 Women of the Future (2022)
• Social Entrepreneurs with Integrity (SEIA Asia) Ambassador and Mentor (Dec 2013)
• Druk Holdings and Investments (DHI) International Trainer, Consultant and Mentor (Jan 2012)
• Amnesty Freedom of Expression Award Nominee (Aug 2011)
• Forbes and Asia’s Most Inspiring (Jan 2011)
• Evian Live Young & The Body Shop Stop Sex Trafficking Campaign Ambassador (Jan 2011)
• Habitat for Humanity Ambassador (2010)

Bibliography

• Woman On Top: The Art of Smashing Stereotypes & Breaking All the Rules. Marshall Cavendish. 2014. ISBN 9789814516310.
• The Elim Chew Story: Driven By Purpose, Destined for Change. Marshall Cavendish. 2016. ISBN 9789814771085.
• Madonnas and Mavericks: Power Women in Singapore. Marshall Cavendish. 2017. ISBN 978-981-4751-22-3.
• M/OTHER. Straits Times. 2022. ISBN 978-981-5081-03-9.

External links

• Personal Website
• Archived Website
• [1] Archived 25 November 2017 at the Wayback Machine
• [2]