{"id":54997,"date":"2026-03-03T09:00:41","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T01:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tum-asia.edu.sg\/?p=54997"},"modified":"2026-03-19T17:35:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T09:35:52","slug":"the-courage-to-stay-the-courage-to-grow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tum-asia.edu.sg\/cn\/stories\/the-courage-to-stay-the-courage-to-grow\/","title":{"rendered":"The Courage to Stay, The Courage to Grow"},"content":{"rendered":"
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From a timid part-time administrator\u00a0to a culture-shaping leader, Grace\u2019s 16-year journey at TUM\u00a0in Singapore\u00a0is a testament to courage, empathy, and purposeful growth.\u00a0<\/i><\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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In celebration of International Women\u2019s Day, we spotlight the people who shape TUM Asia from within \u2014 those who nurture its culture, develop its talent, and carry its mission\u00a0forward\u00a0each day. Grace, now Head of Corporate Services, is one of those voices.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

On paper, her career looks like a steady ascent: part-time administrator to HR, HR to management. But the real transformation was internal.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u201cI was very shy. I\u00a0couldn\u2019t\u00a0even go to the counter to order food,\u201d she recalls of her\u00a0teenage years.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

The interviewer \u2014 now Vice President and Executive Director of TUM Asia \u2014 felt intimidating. Still, she said yes.\u00a0Yes\u00a0to discomfort.\u00a0Yes\u00a0to growth.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

That first yes changed everything.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Walking Through the Door<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

TUM Asia gave her room to move across departments and grow beyond her starting point. With no HR background, she stepped into the role anyway. She learned on the job, built the team, and grew with it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

When she felt stagnant, she asked for more. When the organisation expanded, she stepped into management.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

She credits her growth to \u201cmy team and my superior \u2014 and at home, my support system.\u201d Her boss modelled empathy and compassion. Her colleagues gave honest feedback. Her family steadied her through demanding seasons.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\"\u201cLeadership isn\u2019t about knowing everything,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s\u00a0about progress. You may not win it all. But if you learn, you move forward.\u201d\u00a0<\/i><\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Over time, she adopted the same philosophy: create safe spaces, empower people, trust potential.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\"\"<\/span><\/p>

Leading Through Uncertainty<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

During COVID-19, uncertainty was real. Grace helped roll out people-first initiatives, including bonus payouts at a time when many organisations were pulling back.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u201cWe go through good times and bad times together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

At home, she was juggling two children, a household, and constant calls with students and stakeholders. There were days of doubt and exhaustion.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

What helped was a culture that valued both professional development and personal life. Flexible policies and understanding leadership allowed her to navigate major life milestones without feeling forced to choose between career and family.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Motherhood strengthened her resilience.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u201cIf I expect my children to persevere, I must show them how.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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She held onto one rule: \u201cDon\u2019t\u00a0quit on\u00a0a bad day. Quit on a good day so you\u00a0won\u2019t\u00a0regret it.\u201d\u00a0<\/i><\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Leader She Strives to Be<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

The greatest growth was not her title \u2014 it was her confidence. The once-shy young woman now navigates difficult conversations and shapes organisational culture. Not because fear disappeared, but because courage grew louder.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u201cWith experience,\u00a0I\u2019ve\u00a0learned to empower others and step back when needed.\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0more comfortable navigating uncertainty and change.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

She describes her leadership style as approachable, supportive, and fair. Psychological safety matters deeply to her \u2014 she wants her team to feel safe sharing ideas and raising concerns.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

She leads by example: staying accountable, grounded, and respectful.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

What fulfils her most?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u201cSeeing people grow \u2014 watching someone gain confidence and take on challenges they once thought were too big.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

She describes TUM Asia\u2019s culture for women as supportive and empowering. Women are trusted with stretch roles and leadership opportunities. Equal opportunity is not just spoken about \u2014 it is practiced.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Growing With a Legacy<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Over 16 years, she has\u00a0witnessed\u00a0significant change.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhen I joined, we\u00a0operated\u00a0with a lean team. Now we have close to 40 staff.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

TUM Asia has grown in\u00a0manpower, student numbers, and reputation. Its resilience, she believes, comes from not standing still \u2014 continuously updating programmes, strengthening industry partnerships, and preparing students for real-world demands.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\"\"\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Being part of a 20+ year legacy in Singapore makes her proud. It began with\u00a0a clear vision: to bring German engineering excellence to Asia while embracing the region\u2019s opportunities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u201cThat legacy also comes with responsibility,\u201d she says. \u201cWe must keep evolving to stay relevant for the next generation.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

What Drives Her Now<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Early in her career, progression and\u00a0remuneration\u00a0were strong motivators.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Today, it is purpose.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhat fulfils me now is building the right culture.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

She focuses on hiring well, strengthening systems, and closing gaps as the organisation expands. Culture, she believes, must be intentionally designed and protected.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Each year, she asks herself one question:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u201cAm I too comfortable?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

If the answer is yes, it is time to stretch.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Her Message This International Women\u2019s Day<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

To women aspiring to leadership, her advice is simple:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u201cBelieve in your potential, even before you feel ready. You\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0need all the answers. Growth comes from trying, learning, and sometimes being uncomfortable.\u201d\u00a0<\/em><\/p>

If she could speak to her younger self on her first day at work, she would say:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u201cHave courage. Trust yourself. Ask questions without fear. Every challenge teaches you something you will need later.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

When asked what she is most proud of, she does not name a title or achievement.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u201cIt\u2019s the people I\u2019ve had the privilege to support and see grow.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

In one sentence, what does TUM Asia\u00a0represent\u00a0to her?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u201cA safe space where I can grow, make an impact, and be part of a community that truly values learning and collaboration.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Her story is not about climbing fast.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

It is about staying long enough to build something meaningful \u2014 and having the courage to grow into the leader you once needed.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In honour of International Women\u2019s Day, discover how Grace grew into a confident, people\u2011first leader shaping culture and community at TUM Asia.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":55105,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-54997","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stories"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nTUM Asia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In honour of International Women\u2019s Day, discover how Grace grew into a confident, people\u2011first leader shaping culture and community at TUM Asia.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/tum-asia.edu.sg\/cn\/stories\/the-courage-to-stay-the-courage-to-grow\/\" 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