I have over a decade of experience in the Singapore public service, chiefly in policy development and strategic planning functions across the healthcare, strategic communications and international relations domains.
My work has given me a front row seat to the complexity and inherent trade-offs that come with making tough decisions, as well as the positive impact that effective policies can have on this home we call Singapore. I am thankful for the meaningful work, and the numerous opportunities to develop as a purpose-driven and people-centric leader.
I am no stranger to career transitions. I started out as a sports physiotherapist, working for ten years with clients towards their personal rehabilitation goals, before I made the transition within the Public Service so that I can make a difference at the policy and systems level.
The career transition and moving across different functional domains taught me to be humble and agile as I explored how to bring my strengths and experience into seemingly diverse areas of work. I have also learnt to embrace my unique career path.
Interestingly, along the way, there have been occasions where I’ve asked, what is the meaning of work? This is a question I don’t shy away from – it keeps me honest and sharpens my desire to stay true to my conviction – I have to believe in what I do so that I can bring the best of me to my work.
I am now training to be a coach because I recognize the value that a coach can bring to this quest for personal purpose and self-development. I know there are many like me, who want to know our why and who desire to be a better and more authentic version of ourselves, and I want to be able to facilitate such discovery and growth.
I have a deep passion for travelling and exploring cross-cultural connections – my curiosity has taken me to more than 50 countries, to stately capitals, bustling market towns, sleepy villages; down back alleys, into old bookstores, small local school rooms, strangers’ homes…
I have led and participated in community development projects in Timor Leste, the Philippines, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Pakistan, Tanzania, and raised funds for charities and causes in different countries.
And everywhere I have been, the hopes and sighs of humanity are the same; there is the same search for meaning and purpose in every pair of eyes I’ve met. I cherish both the deep, meaningful conversations and the nuanced gestures that often speak louder than any language.
My desire to explore has also been turned inward to my own ability. I have run marathons and ultramarathons in every continent (less Antarctica! though that’s on the list), across mountain trails and deserts, and I have hiked the tallest peaks in many countries.
Not one to shy away from challenges, I found that pushing such physical and mental boundaries have developed in me a quiet strength that I return to when things get rough even in the day-to-day.
My travels and adventures have taken me around the world. They have also centred me on what matters most to me: that life is a journey, and I want to live it courageously.
I hope to bring this awareness into my coaching practice. There are no issues too trivial or too daunting, it requires only that we are willing to take the first step forward. Always forward.
Open and authentic. Empathetic and supportive.
I provide a safe space for honest explorations, and will support you through the journey to reach your goals.
I believe that our successes can be defined only by ourselves – based on what matters most to us.
I want to live life courageously, and embrace all that it has to offer – all of the joys and all of the lows!