Meet Ms. Sim Hwee Hoon, the newly elected President of YWCA of Singapore for the new term of office for 2023/2024. With an extensive career in banking and finance, Hwee Hoon brings a wealth of corporate experience, having previously held C-suite positions at various private banks.  She currently sits on the Boards of the Singapore Labour Foundation, NTUC Income and is Independent Director for Stashaway, and a Senior Advisor at Singapore Consultancy Pte Ltd.

Hwee Hoon’s dedication to community work is a testament to her commitment to serving in YWCA.  Since joining YWCA in 2016, she has been serving on various YWCA Committees and on the Board.  Hwee Hoon often rolls up her sleeves to serve on the ground as a coach and mentor to our Empowering Mums, volunteers her time at our English Club and has also been seen serving our guests at our YWCA Fort Canning social enterprise.  Hwee Hoon truly embodies the YWCA motto of “by love, serve one another” and has been empowering and uplifting the lives of others.

 

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Q: Congratulations on your election as the President of the YWCA of Singapore. How do you feel being elected as the President?

A: I’m excited and humbled at the opportunity to serve the YWCA in the capacity of President. At the same time, there is also some apprehension, given the increase in responsibility and expectations. But I know I have our Lord to teach me to do His will, and let His good Spirit lead me on level ground. (Psalm 143:10)

 

Q: Now that you are the President, what are your hopes and plans for the YWCA?

A: YWCA Singapore has a long and illustrious history of serving the community in Singapore. My hope is for YWCA to continue to stay relevant and be future-oriented, but still remain steadfast to our mission and vision. As a charity, it is not just about doing good, but we must do well and be effective. We need to constantly scan the horizon for both challenges and opportunities and build capabilities to meet the needs of the future so that the work we do impacts not only the lives of our beneficiaries but creates a ripple effect that positively influences the lives of the community as a whole.

As we serve the community, my hope is also that YWCA will be an organisation that supports the growth and development of not only the staff but also the volunteers who commit their time to us.

 

Q: How did you end up at the YWCA, and what made you stay for the last 7+ years?

A: (My husband and I) came back to Singapore after spending almost 20 years in Hong Kong. I wanted to reconnect and serve the community here, so I reached out to Centre for Non-profit Leadership (CNPL) for matching to suitable non-profit organisations. Once they heard that I was in the private banking industry, they were keen to match me with organisations that needed expertise in finance or fundraising, which I wasn’t keen on! In the end, they passed me a list of organisations to review myself. YWCA caught my attention because it is about women of the Christian faith coming together to serve, and I’m passionate about women’s causes.

I’m grateful that Mavis (the President then) and Yee Ping (Executive Director) gave me the space to explore where I would like to volunteer in. They knew I didn’t want to focus on finance and allowed me to contribute to the YWCA Fort Canning and Community Services committees, even though I had no subject matter expertise in those areas! I also enjoyed the volunteering opportunities on the ground (e.g. Empowering Mums, English Club, coaching for staff). These sessions gave me the opportunity to interact with the beneficiaries and staff, to listen and understand the challenges on the ground, so that I can better help shape the strategic direction at the committee and board level.

That’s a key reason why I’ve stayed on with YWCA. At the YWCA, I was given the space to learn and grow, and it has been a meaningful journey for me. I also greatly treasure the camaraderie among the board and committee members, most of whom are women of Christian faith, committed to serving together. Over the years, I’ve seen so many incidents of unwarranted grace from God at the YWCA. He has provided and guided us time and time again through challenges.

 

Q: Can you share with us some of the causes you are most passionate about?

A: I mentioned earlier that I’m passionate about empowering women. If we can help women lift themselves to live safe, fulfilled and productive lives, they can in turn improve the lives of their children and family. I believe that those who are in a position to make a difference should step up to do so. Be the voice for those who don’t have, and support those who fall through the cracks.

Ms Sim (left), together with our English Club graduate 

 

Q: How do you hope to make a difference in the YWCA community?

A: This is not about me making a difference individually as a YWCA President. I trust that God will grant me wisdom and discernment to bring together everyone (board/committee members, staff and volunteers), to be aligned in our values to work towards a shared purpose for the YWCA. As God’s steward, it is our responsibility to ensure accountability and transparency at all levels. We need to communicate clearly the steps needed to execute our vision and mission effectively and measure our impact on the community. I hope that as a Board, we will all lead by example and embody values in our actions and decisions to create a positive environment that promotes trust, respect, collaboration, and innovation.

 

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your family? What are your hobbies or favourite past-time?

A: My family is just me and hubby, and I treasure spending family time with my parents, nieces and nephew. I love to seek refuge and “forest bath” in our nature parks. During Covid, I have hiked the perimeters of the Singapore island twice over. My passion also includes photography, and admiring God’s incredible handiwork in nature when travelling overseas.

Ms Sim basking in nature’s glory while on her holiday 

 

Q: What is your favourite food at the YWCA Café Lodge that you will recommend for our readers to try?

A: The laksa is an all-time favourite for my family. My comfort food is fish noodle soup and I always go for their oriental breakfast set when I have a breakfast meeting. I miss their curry fish head and hope they will bring it back in the near future.

 

Q: Finally, what message do you have for the young women who are reading this article?

A: Be open to new experiences and have the courage to pursue your passions. Identify what truly excites and motivates you. When you find joy in what you do, it becomes easier to overcome challenges and see them as opportunities.

Lift and empower other women around you. Support them, celebrate their milestones and be a champion for their success. We all can be in a position to make an impact, no matter how small. The more we support one another, the larger the ripple effect.

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Thank you, Ms Sim, for your inspiring words!

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