Meet Elsie
If you ask people at CTPCLC about their Centre Manager, Ms Elsie Lim, you'll hear remarkably similar descriptions.
Colleagues often describe Elsie as the person "who keeps the engines running" or simply as the most patient person they know. Perhaps one story captures her best.
Some years ago, the Centre kept a plant in the office. When colleagues realised that no one would be around to water it over the weekend, they joked that it was probably best not to have plants at all. After all, who would look after them?
As the story goes, Elsie quietly came into the office on a Sunday to water it because she couldn't bear the thought of it dying. The story has since become something of an office legend, with Centre Director Professor Chng Huang Hoon joking that no plants should be kept in the office because Elsie would inevitably end up taking responsibility for them.
Whether it's a plant, a project, or a person, that instinct to care seems to shape the way she approaches her work.
Elsie's journey to CTPCLC has taken her across several corners of NUS. She joined the University in 1999 as an Administrative Officer at the then School of Building and Real Estate before moving to the Department of Building, where her responsibilities grew to include administration, finance and student matters. In 2008, she joined the Centre for Development of Teaching and Learning (CDTL), working with colleagues across the University and broadening her experience beyond a single department.
By 2021, after more than a decade at CDTL, Elsie felt ready for a new challenge. The decision also coincided with a deeply personal chapter in her life. Over several years, she had balanced work with caring for close family members through serious illnesses. When that difficult period came to an end, she was looking for a fresh start. An opportunity at CTPCLC arose at just the right moment, and she has been part of the Centre ever since.
Having spent more than two decades at NUS, Elsie has witnessed enormous changes across the institution. Among the most significant, she points to the introduction of NUS's Shared Services and Business Partnering model and, more recently, the University's rapid digital transformation, including AI-powered platforms that are reshaping everyday administrative work.
"These changes mean we must embrace lifelong learning," she says. "Since joining CTPCLC, I've continually learned new systems, workflows and digital tools. More recently, I've also started learning AI tools to improve productivity."
For many people outside the Centre, administration can seem almost invisible. Yet Elsie's work spans almost every aspect of the Centre's operations.
"My role covers a wide range of behind-the-scenes responsibilities that help ensure the Centre operates smoothly and remains compliant with university policies and regulations," she explains. "This includes preparing proposals, managing finances and budgets, allocating resources efficiently, and overseeing the maintenance of the Centre's physical infrastructure."
No two days are ever quite the same. Her mornings usually begin by reviewing her schedule, checking emails and organising the day's priorities before the unexpected inevitably arrives.
"A recent example was when our water boiler broke down," she says with a laugh. "Suddenly, I had to shift gears and troubleshoot the problem while arranging for repairs. I try to stick to my plans, but flexibility is essential because every day brings its surprises."
That adaptability extends to the way she works with people.
Although colleagues naturally see her as a leader, Elsie describes herself first as a manager who believes in trusting those around her.
"My current administrative colleagues are highly experienced and responsible professionals," she says. "I trust them to excel in their roles and give them the space they deserve. But if they encounter challenges, I'll always step in to support them."
Asked how she has remained so dedicated after more than twenty years at NUS, Elsie's answer reveals the quiet philosophy that underpins everything she does.
"My faith has given me perspective and purpose," she says. "It encourages me to serve wholeheartedly and to wish the best for everyone around me."
"When your job aligns with what you're good at, it's much easier to stay motivated. You naturally want to do your best—not only for yourself, but for your colleagues and for the University."
Before we end our conversation, Elsie offers one piece of advice for the next generation.
To students, she says: "Don't just focus on your studies. Make time to explore other aspects of life. Good grades are important, but personal growth, friendships, hobbies and self-care matter just as much."
For younger colleagues, her advice is equally simple: "Stay humble and always be open to learning. No matter how much you already know, there's always something new to discover. Every experience—whether good or challenging—has something to teach you."