As Mother’s Day approaches, we are shining a spotlight on the incredible women who drive innovation in the manufacturing sector.
Eileen Lim: 15 Years of Dedication
Q: How long have you been with SMF, and what is your current role?
Eileen Lim: “I’ve been with the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) for 15 years and currently serve as the HR Director. I initially joined on a six-month contract to cover the HR Director during maternity leave. At that point in my career, I was simply looking to slow down and take a short break. What started as temporary gradually became a long-term journey as I continued to contribute and grow with the organisation.” Q: What has your experience in HR been like over the years? Eileen Lim: “Every day is different, which makes the role interesting. Department heads often come to discuss staff-related challenges and seek advice on next steps. These conversations require careful listening, balance, and sound judgment.
For me, the greatest satisfaction comes from helping our people grow and supporting them through different stages of their careers.”
Q: How have you seen the manufacturing industry evolve during your time at SMF?
Eileen Lim: “There was a time when manufacturing was seen as ‘sunsetting’, with companies moving operations overseas due to costs. Today, with automation, robotics, and AI, the industry has become more sustainable and strategic. Despite all these changes, people remain at the heart of organisational success.”
Q: What principles guide your approach to HR and people management?
Eileen Lim: “I believe in leading with humanity. Discipline may be necessary, but it should always be carried out with respect. Recognition, stable leadership, and openness to feedback are key to keeping employees engaged. HR is about balancing empathy with firmness and learning to listen to meaningful voices rather than noise.”
Q: What advice would you give to those starting in their careers?
Eileen Lim: “Come with a learning mindset and be willing to start from zero. Perseverance, commitment, and focus matter. Challenges are part of growth—embrace them and learn from each experience.”
Q: If you could describe your job in three words, what would they be?
Eileen Lim: “Challenging. Transformative. Learning.”
In May 2026, Christie Chua marks 30 years with SMF—a milestone that reflects consistency, resilience, and the importance of behind-the-scenes roles in keeping trade moving smoothly.
As part of the Certificate of Origin Office (COO), Christie supports exporters who depend on accurate documentation to move goods across borders. While her role has remained largely consistent over the years, the demands of compliance and customer service have intensified.
One of her biggest challenges is managing difficult or frustrated customers, especially when Certificate of Origin documents are incomplete or non-compliant.
Certificates of Origin play a critical role in customs clearance, banking processes, and tariff treatment. Christie’s work ensures that exporters meet regulatory requirements—protecting both businesses and Singapore’s trade credibility.
She has also witnessed the transformation brought about by digitalisation, from manual applications to online eCO systems and AI-enabled checks that improve efficiency while maintaining accuracy.
Christie describes SMF as a workplace that values diversity, teamwork, and innovation. Her three decades of service highlight the essential, often unseen contributions that keep the manufacturing and trade ecosystem functioning day after day.
Ng Wee Kok: 20 Years of Dedication
Q: How long have you been with SMF, and what is your current role?
Wee Kok: “I’ve been with SMF for about 20 years. I’m currently a Senior Manager under Membership & Industry Groups, supporting engagements across SMF’s industry groups and contributing to Council Affairs.”
Q: What made you join SMF initially?
Wee Kok: “I wanted to do work that had meaning and was connected to Singapore’s manufacturing sector. SMF allowed me to work closely with companies and industry leaders, which really appealed to me.”
Q: How has your role evolved over the years?
Wee Kok: “I started in membership, handling recruitment, organising events, and supporting members. Over time, I moved into Industry Groups, where the work involved more coordination and planning. Later, I took on Council Affairs, supporting council activities and meetings. While the responsibilities changed, the purpose remained the same—supporting members.”
Q: What has kept you at SMF for two decades?
Wee Kok: “It’s the people and the purpose. You get to see how the work directly helps members, especially during challenging times. I’ve also worked with many supportive colleagues over the years, and that makes a big difference.”
Q: What is the most meaningful part of your work?
Wee Kok: “Seeing the impact on members. Whether it’s helping companies raise concerns, supporting industry initiatives, or knowing that something we worked on made things easier—that’s always rewarding.”
Q: How would you describe SMF as a workplace?
Wee Kok: “SMF is quite close-knit. It’s not a huge organisation, so people work together and help where needed. You’re trusted with real responsibilities and given good exposure.”
Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
Wee Kok: “No two days are the same. There are discussions, emails, onboarding and offboarding of members, and preparations for meetings. Some days are busier than others, but that’s part of the job.”
Q: What challenges have you seen over the years?
Wee Kok: “Manpower issues, rising costs, and keeping up with digitalisation have been ongoing challenges. During COVID-19, things were especially intense, but it also showed how important SMF’s role is in supporting members.”
Though their roles differ, Eileen Lim, Christie Chua, and Ng Wee Kok share a common thread—long-term commitment, adaptability, and a quiet dedication to serving people, businesses, and industry.
Their journeys reflect the many ways impact is made at SMF: through leadership, operational excellence, and consistent member support. Together, they embody the values that continue to strengthen SMF’s role in Singapore’s manufacturing ecosystem—today and into the future.
