Sometimes, the most powerful way to help students reach their full potential is simply to believe in them. This is Director of Student Affairs and Senior Lecturer Dr Lim Fui Ping’s secret to nurturing competent and confident Nursing professionals across clinical, educational and research settings.
Celestine Wee—who joined Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies (NUS Nursing), National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine in 2022 as a lecturer— attributes her professional growth and development to Dr Lim’s support.
“I met Fui Ping in Year 1, Semester 1—and my first impression of her was that she seemed a little stern. But that quickly changed when I realised how friendly and approachable she really was. I especially remember how she generously offered to have an extra class with us on a weekend to help us prepare for our very first assessment, even though her weekends were probably very hectic, being a mother of two young daughters,” Celestine said.
As far as Dr Lim is concerned, she was just doing her part to help and didn’t consider it extra work. “It’s normal for new students to face challenges when adjusting to school life. If I can offer some of my time to ease their transition, I’m more than willing to do so. I truly believe that our NUS Nursing students are capable, and their potential is beyond our imagination. Celestine is a perfect illustration of this; quiet and modest in demeanour. Yet beneath that quiet exterior was a mind full of depth and determination. Her transformation into a top-performing student was both inspiring and a testament to the hidden potential in many of our learners.”
Dr Lim (left) and Celestine (right).
Belief that Sparks Potential
After completing her Bachelor’s degree, Celestine worked at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, where she gained extensive experience in geriatric care and the intensive care unit. She said, “I enjoyed my clinical work and was offered various opportunities, including guiding and teaching new staff nurses and Nursing students. I was on track to realising my dream of becoming an Advanced Practice Nurse—until my first child came along and I decided to reprioritise my focus.”
At a pivotal moment in her life, Celestine reached out to Dr Lim, with whom she had maintained contact. Dr Lim shared, “Celestine found herself at a crossroads, where family responsibilities took precedence—as they rightfully must. But I had witnessed her quiet passion and deep calling for Nursing. I told her, ‘ Your contribution to Nursing doesn’t depend solely on clinicals. Education is another way to touch lives and your presence there could inspire others just as deeply. It is one where you can still make a profound difference.’”
Celestine smiled, “Fui Ping probably didn’t know it then, but her advice really resonated with me—and gave me the redirection I needed. If not for that timely piece of advice, I might not have come into education or be at NUS Nursing today. I may have left Nursing altogether.”
She added, “It is so important to have a mentor figure who not only offers you different perspectives and their wisdom, but also doesn’t judge you for your decisions or actions. Fui Ping was that person for me—she gave me the confidence to explore and grow.”
Guidance that Shapes Journeys
Reflecting on her own NUS Nursing journey, Dr Lim was also grateful for the opportunity to work with leaders of distinctive styles, who shaped her outlook on Nursing education—and, more importantly, the educator she is today, “Since the day I joined NUS Nursing nearly 20 years ago, I’ve always believed that our role was never just to produce more nurses—it was to shape the future of Nursing itself. We were, and still are, nurturing visionary leaders who will redefine care, challenge boundaries, and elevate the profession. What we teach today doesn’t just influence individual practice; it has the power to transform Nursing and leave a lasting imprint on Singapore’s entire healthcare landscape.”
“That’s why our teaching philosophy goes beyond traditional methods—we inspire our students to think deeply, own their journey, and lead with confidence and compassion. Our mission is to ignite their fullest potential, knowing that true education transforms lives. As educators, we cannot be content with just sharing knowledge; we must boldly innovate and rise to the challenge of shaping not only skilled nurses but courageous, well-rounded leaders who will drive the future of Nursing and healthcare forward,” she said.
Applying this mindset to her role as Director of Student Affairs, Dr Lim has expanded her focus from supporting students facing emotional and personal challenges to also developing their strengths and potential, “Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to build a strong foundation of Nursing skills and knowledge. But because we are shaping the future leaders of Nursing; individuals who will influence healthcare far beyond the bedside; immersive experiential learning beyond the classroom becomes not just important, but vital. It is through these real-world experiences that our students grow into visionary, confident professionals ready to transform the field.”
She said, “We can teach communication skills and explore global Nursing practices in the classroom, but nothing compares to the invaluable experience of applying them first-hand in real-world settings. That’s why we actively encourage our students to participate in local and overseas Community Involvement Projects. These opportunities not only expand their perspectives and networks but also deepen their understanding of the meaningful impact their work can have on Singapore and the broader region. Beyond that, we hope these experiences will inspire them to extend their influence into areas such as policy development and population health advocacy—enriching their contributions far beyond traditional Nursing roles.”
Following the orientation session with students from the Career Conversion Programme.
Legacy that Inspires the Future
More of such learning experiences for students are what Dr Lim aims to introduce, starting with the integration of the NUSOne roadmap into Nursing students’ journey in Academic Year 2024/2025. Celestine is pitching in to help advance the endeavour.
“My vision is for every NUS Nursing graduate to be distinguishable as a confident, capable, and transformative leader who not only excels in their profession but can also shape the future of healthcare. I am confident we are well on this path—especially with Celestine at the helm of our outreach efforts, inspiring and attracting students who embody the passion, the calibre and mindset we seek,” Dr Lim shared. “With student recruitment and admissions under the Student Affairs division, and Celestine leading it, we collaborate closely to design recruitment strategies and outreach programmes that will cultivate the next generation of Nursing leaders—leaders who will leave a lasting legacy in Nursing and beyond.”
Sharing her take on the partnership so far, Celestine said, “Although Fui Ping was first my teacher, then my mentor, before we became colleagues, working with her has always been easy and enjoyable. She’s very supportive—whether it’s lending a listening ear when I face challenges, offering ideas and advice, or even advocating on my behalf. She is also generous with her help and time, even though she already has so many other things on her plate. Knowing that she has my back is reassuring. At the same time, it drives me to want to do better and not disappoint her. This same motivation has propelled me to refresh and revamp some of our recruitment outreach activities and communications.”
Notably, the synergistic partnership with Dr Lim is not her only motivation to want to excel in student recruitment and admissions. Celestine said, “I also have an equally supportive team of students who would not hesitate to share their ideas or lend a helping hand. I particularly enjoy listening to them share their personal NUS Nursing experiences or explain their reasons for choosing Nursing to prospective students. It’s like coming full circle—we inspire our students, and they in turn go on to inspire other students-to-be.”
Celestine and her team’s efforts paid off during the recent recruitment and open house season, when NUS Nursing’s social media post was ranked first in terms of engagement across all NUS faculties.
Dr Lim (left) with Celestine (standing, back) after a lab session.
Friendship and Gratitude that Last a Lifetime
It is success that doesn’t surprise her mentor. “I have absolute faith in Celestine. Her talent, dedication, and sound judgement inspire my complete trust. Whenever the topic of student recruitment and admissions comes up, I find myself reassuring others without hesitation that it’s truly in caring and capable hands. I know she consistently gives her utmost effort, even when things don’t turn out exactly as we hoped, that commitment alone is more than enough and it means everything to me.”
“So far, I’m truly proud of all that she has accomplished. While I hold a special place in my heart for all my students, her unwavering diligence, remarkable talent, steadfast integrity, compassionate nature, and thoughtful humility truly distinguish her. That’s why our bond has remained strong over the years, and through many different phases of life. She is more than just a student, mentee, or colleague—she is a dear friend, someone I trust deeply and feel comfortable sharing my personal life with.”
Celestine echoed Dr Lim’s sentiments. “Indeed, Fui Ping has been part of every stage of my Nursing journey—albeit in different roles—as a teacher, mentor and respected senior. She has also participated in my major life events such as my wedding and when I became a mother. I am grateful for her unwavering support and trust—but most importantly, her friendship. I am humbled by how far we’ve come and excited by the opportunity to strengthen this connection further—as a teaching member in her course and supporting her ambitions for Student Affairs.”
Marking the successful completion of a simulation session conducted during the Open House.
