Hi, I am Denise Lim and I graduated from SMU in 2009 with a double degree in Business and Social Science.
Since then, I have worked and lived in three continents, with my adventures in Guatemala previously featured on The Straits Times and Channel NewsAsia. Even the circuit breaker measures could not curb my enthusiasm for making an impact. In 10 weeks, my housemate Yasmine Khater and I created Bye Bye Virus, a hilarious card game designed to bring some laughter into the current situation and more importantly, to teach players how to stay safe and sane. Read more about our journey on The Straits Times.
Bye Bye Virus (www.byebyevirusgame.com) launched on Kickstarter on May 4 and was fully funded in one day! The first print will include 3,000 decks, of which 1,000 will be donated to at-risk communities with the support of SG Strong Fund and Our Singapore Fund. The remaining decks will be retailed at an early-bird special of S$30 each. I will be sharing my experience on launching a project in 10 weeks online; those interested should definitely keep a look out for it!
SMU has a special place in my heart. It exposed me to the world via various international programmes and helped me form a tight-knitted community of alumni.
While studying in SMU, I climbed Mt Kilimanjaro and built a free school in India as part of my overseas community service project. I also interned in three companies in Singapore, India and Spain, and graduated in my last semester in Barcelona. Coming back to Singapore after a decade in Latin America, I am appreciative of all my SMU alumni connections that have helped me get reconnected to the Singapore ecosystem. I am currently heading SMU’s incubation programme, so please reach out if you want to connect!
I have always been inspired by strong women leaders who have blazed their own paths.
Emulating their example, I have similarly tried to live my life as boldly as possible, and hope that my choices will inspire a generation of unapologetic young women.
May I conclude by sharing a quote, “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. Decide that for yourself.”
