Every HR leader has a story, but for Jennie Lim, it’s a story rooted in people and purpose. Her career has taken her through education, media, and hospitality, but it was international education that gave her the strongest sense of alignment.
“My HR journey has spanned education, media, and hospitality, but the defining moment came when I witnessed the transformative impact of education on young people,” Jennie reflects. “Joining international education allowed me to blend my HR expertise with a sector that directly shapes future generations. The mission-driven nature of schools—building not just skills but character—resonated deeply with me, and that’s where I chose to anchor my career.”
Principles that Shape Leadership
Across more than two decades in HR, Jennie has stayed true to three guiding principles: “Across more than two decades in HR leadership, I’ve been guided by three consistent principles: integrity, empathy, and empowerment.”
It’s a philosophy that runs through her work—whether in designing HR strategies, adapting to different cultural contexts, or leading during moments of crisis. “Working across different countries has taught me that consistency and flexibility must go hand in hand,” she explains. “I anchor HR frameworks on universal values such as fairness, respect, and transparency, but adapt policies to reflect local labor laws, cultural norms, and employee expectations.”
For her, HR is never just about policies—it’s about people. That’s why she builds well-being initiatives into fast-paced school environments, supports career growth for both faculty and non-academic staff, and invests deeply in mentoring. “I don’t easily give up on staff so I coach, support and work with them to build them for success. The journey to success is never easy but if they trust me, I will work through every obstacle together,” she says.
A Vision for the Future—and for HR Excellence
Looking ahead, Jennie sees both challenges and opportunities in the years to come. “Looking ahead, the challenges that excite me most are future-proofing the workforce, embedding AI responsibly, and designing meaningful employee experiences,” she says. Her hope is to leave behind HR practices that are not only efficient but also “deeply human—where staff feel valued, supported, and proud to shape the next generation.”
It’s a perspective that also shapes her role outside her own school community. As a judge at the 2025 HR Stars Awards Singapore, Jennie’s eye is on authenticity and impact. “When reviewing award entries, I look beyond the numbers. Innovation matters, but so does authenticity. I ask: Does this initiative genuinely improve people’s lives? Is it sustainable? Does it show courage in rethinking the role of HR? The most compelling entries are those that blend creativity with measurable, lasting impact.”
