Vivian has her hands full - from helping businesses adopt new technologies to developing talent pipelines and fostering strategic relationships with clients. Yet, she is charging through each day with passion, connecting with the industry players and showcasing NUS-ISS' capabilities.
Read on to find out what fuel her enthusiasm and how she unwind after work:
1. Hi Vivian! Please tell us about your professional background.
Over the past 24 years of my career, I’ve managed client acquisition efforts, dived into different industries, and transformed their businesses to adapt to the digital world. My focus has always been on driving meaningful changes—helping businesses adopt new technologies, grow, and optimise their processes.
I'm passionate about building talent pipelines and helping people build their skills and confidence through training programmes. I've had the pleasure of working with fantastic companies such as Google Asia Pacific, Salesforce, and NTT, where I've supported the teams in embracing new technology and developing their skills through partnerships and training programmes. My expertise lies in guiding change, managing programmes, engaging with stakeholders, and creating effective learning and development solutions to keep companies competitive in today's fast-changing tech world.
2. Can you share more about your role and how it impacts our organisational/staff development?
As the Deputy Director for Client Acquisition and Industry Engagement at NUS-ISS, I get to build and foster strategic relationships with clients and industry partners. Through conversations with clients, I identify skills and knowledge gaps that are in demand, making sure that our programmes are tailored to meet current and future skills needs in the workforce. By bridging academia and industry, we enable staff across different organisations to boost their capabilities, preparing them for the digital economy and helping them achieve business objectives. I also play an active role in showcasing NUS-ISS' capabilities and value proposition to potential clients and attracting new projects and funding, which opens up more opportunities for staff development and cutting-edge projects. My engagement with industry experts allows me to gather valuable insights into future trends and challenges. By sharing these knowledge with our team, we can develop programmes that provide practical skills and contribute to the growth of individuals and organisations, helping them become more adaptable and future-ready.
3. What is the most satisfying aspect of your role?
The most satisfying aspect of my role is seeing NUS-ISS' positive impact on our clients and the industry as a whole. By connecting them with the right training and development solutions, we empower them to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. It’s very rewarding to see individuals acquire new skills, especially in this fast-paced digital world, and witness their success and contribution to the organisation's growth. It gives me a sense of fulfilment knowing that these skilled professionals are driving changes and innovation within their companies. The success stories of our learners and industry partners inspire me every single day.
4. How do you keep up with the industry?
I keep up with the latest industry trends by having regular conversations with industry leaders to get firsthand insights on emerging trends, opportunities and to understand their pain points. I also actively engage with our partners and stakeholders through platforms such as key industry events to connect with peers and learn from their experiences. In addition, I read up on industry reports, publications, and online resources to stay abreast of the latest industry developments. I'm committed to continuously learning, so I make a point to attend workshops and conferences on new technologies and solutions, as well as other professional development opportunities. Working on various projects and programmes at NUS-ISS also gives me valuable insights into emerging skills and trends. Moreover, maintaining strong relationships with thought leaders and innovators across different industries helps me stay informed and relevant in this dynamic field. It ensures that NUS-ISS remains at the forefront of providing relevant and impactful training and development solutions.
5. What are your favourite activities outside of work?
I've always felt a strong sense of responsibility to give back and make a positive impact on the community. One of my favourite ways to do this is through volunteer work. I'm particularly passionate about causes that focus on education and helping those in need.
I've volunteered to teach human values to children and young adults. I believe that instilling positive values from a young age can have a profound impact on individuals and society as a whole. By teaching children about empathy, compassion, and integrity, we can help them develop into responsible and caring citizens. Aside from teaching children and young adults, I'm also involved in voluntary activities focused on caring for the elderly and underprivileged, such as tidying, organising and cleaning their homes. I've also participated in food distribution programmes that provide essential food to the needy families. I hope to spread joy through these acts of kindness and encourage more to join the volunteering communities.
Vivian all geared up for cleaning
I have a strong interest in culinary arts. I love to spend my free time experimenting with different cuisines in the kitchen. It's a creative outlet for me, and I love hosting friends and family to share the dishes I make. I also enjoy making accessories like earrings, bracelets, and necklaces and present them as very personalised gifts to friends and family.
The beautiful trinket handmade by Vivian.
6. Share with us something about yourself that very few people know.
I’m a huge fan of puzzles, especially complex ones like jigsaw puzzles and Sudoku. Working on them really sharpens my problem-solving skills and gives me a sense of accomplishment when I complete a particularly challenging one.
I’m also a history buff. I enjoy visiting historical landmarks and museums and learning about different eras and how they shaped the world we live in today.