Our Story
The TCE Academy was born from a simple, stubborn conviction — the one that has driven The Caffeine Experience since 2017: marginality is not destiny. Everyone deserves a real chance to write a new chapter.
“I connect with them because I am one of them.”
Matthew Poh conceived The Caffeine Experience while in prison, watching fellow inmates struggle to find acceptance after release. He opened the first café in 2017 — a one-time bankrupt, three-time addict, four-times incarcerated — and built a social enterprise where roughly 90% of the team are ex-offenders.
Matthew Poh · Founder & Chief Operating Officer
Singapore's rehabilitation system is well-funded and effective at placement. The gap opens after the first paycheck.
of referred ex-offenders find a job before release.
are still in that job six months later.
of new drug abusers in 2024 were under 30. The youngest arrested in 2025 was 12.
The decisive variables in that drop-off are behavioural, relational, and spiritual — the very terrain a barista course alone can't reach. That's the gap we're built to close.
To transform lives through the art and craft of coffee — equipping people on the margins with vocational excellence, life skills, and the hope of Christ. Brewing the aroma of second chances.
To become Singapore's leading faith-anchored academy for reintegration — where every graduate leaves with a certified skill, a transformed character, and a community that walks with them.
Each value is rooted in Scripture and lived out in the everyday craft of the café and classroom.
Every person carries the image of God and can be renewed.
Romans 12:2
Work honours God and restores the dignity of the worker.
Colossians 3:23–24
Healing happens in authentic relationships, not in isolation.
1 Peter 1:22
A future and a hope are promised to those who seek God.
Jeremiah 29:11
Whatever we do, we do it with all our heart, as unto the Lord.
1 Corinthians 10:31
We don't see problems to be managed — we see people God is remaking. The Academy is His; we are simply stewards, walking with every willing person from one word to the next.
MessMinistry
2 Corinthians 1:4
ESV · KJV · NASB
who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction.
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble.
who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction.
ChainsChange
John 8:32
ESV · KJV · NASB
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
PrisonPassion
Psalm 18:19
ESV · KJV · NASB
He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me.
He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
He brought me out into an open place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me.
GuiltyGrace
Romans 5:20
ESV · KJV · NASB
Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.
The Law came in so that the offense would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.
FearFreedom
2 Corinthians 3:17
ESV · KJV · NASB
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
AddictionAspiration
Philippians 3:14
ESV · KJV · NASB
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Refer someone, partner with us, or simply be first to know when the doors open.
With heartfelt thanks to the storytellers, partners, and friends who have recognised our work and stood with our people — your platform has helped tell their stories of restoration. Soli Deo Gloria.
