For EDB Healthcare Account Manager Clarissa Lim, the path to shaping Singapore’s healthcare ecosystem wasn’t straightforward. From wanting to be a doctor to studying at Oxford and Stanford, she found her sweet spot at the intersection of biomedical sciences and economic policy. Today, as an Account Manager at EDB, she works with global healthcare companies and government agencies to build an innovative ecosystem that creates meaningful jobs while advancing patient care.

We caught up with Clarissa to learn about her journey and what it really takes to drive healthcare transformation on a national scale.

What first drew you to biomedical sciences?

Biology has always been one of my favourite subjects. I was fascinated by how the human body works, which naturally led me to pursue biomedical sciences. When I joined EDB, I was glad to have the opportunity to be at the intersection of my passion for biomed while creating lasting economic impact for Singapore.

You wanted to be a doctor for the longest time. What changed?

Honestly, yes — I wanted to be a doctor for years. But after interning at various clinics, I realised it wasn’t the right path for me. I was looking for a career that was more dynamic and offered global exposure. The EDB Scholarship presented the perfect opportunity — it offered a unique blend of public sector work with the chance to engage with leading global companies, plus international experience through overseas offices.

The opportunity to gain international experience through an internship at one of EDB’s overseas offices was especially enticing. It gave me valuable firsthand insight into how EDB works with different industries and what we do to attract businesses to invest in Singapore. After completing the EDB Associate Programme, I chose to join the Healthcare division because that’s where my passion lies.

You’ve studied at prestigious universities like Oxford and Stanford. What key lessons have stayed with you?

What I admired most was how my peers weren’t afraid to take risks; they were driven by passion rather than just pragmatism. At Oxford, one of my friends studying medicine left after three years to pursue law instead. At Stanford, being in the heart of Silicon Valley, most students were focused on starting their own companies.

That mindset is very different from Singapore’s culture, which tends to be more risk-averse and practical. I try to apply these principles to my own life — to not be afraid to try new things, even if they don’t have immediate practical benefits. I’m glad that at EDB, we’re constantly pushing boundaries to turn possibilities into reality for Singapore.

Living abroad also taught me independence and resourcefulness. You learn to solve problems on your own first before asking for help and that’s carried over into my work, especially when engaging key stakeholders to uncover new project opportunities for Singapore.

Tell us something fun or surprising about your work that most people wouldn’t expect.

The access we get to the frontlines of innovation! Before joining EDB, I never imagined I’d get to visit manufacturing plants and step onto shop floors. It’s one of the most exciting parts of my job — you get firsthand insights into how companies operate and what challenges they face. It’s truly the best way to understand what they do.

How do you work with industry partners and government agencies to build Singapore’s healthcare ecosystem?

At EDB, we don’t just work with companies to set up operations in Singapore — we collaborate closely with industry leaders, government agencies like A*STAR and EnterpriseSG, and research institutions to build a world-class healthcare ecosystem.

A key part of my portfolio is strengthening Singapore’s MedTech R&D ecosystem. This involves identifying prioritised growth areas for investment and developing strategies to position Singapore to seize these opportunities.

Can you share a memorable project where you saw your work make a tangible difference?

Biotronik opened its Asia Pacific Manufacturing and Research Hub in Singapore in December 2023. Since then, we’ve been working closely with their team to expand activities here, including setting up a software development team in 2024.

We even profiled one of the software developers at Biotronik to showcase his experience in advancing healthcare technology and encourage more Singaporeans to join this sector. It was really heartening to see how our efforts created high-quality jobs for Singaporeans. Being in the Healthcare division means shaping the future of patient care, where products make a real difference. These jobs aren’t just high-quality — they’re meaningful too.

What do you enjoy most about working at EDB?

The balance between private and public sector perspectives. We work closely with industry to attract investments, but always with the long-term goal of creating quality jobs and fostering sustainable economic growth for Singapore.

The culture here is incredibly collaborative and supportive. When I first joined, I was encouraged to reach out to colleagues — even from other teams — if I needed advice. Coffee chats are actually a common thing at EDB for this reason! Everyone is generous with their time and open to sharing their experiences.

How do you see Singapore’s healthcare industry evolving?

Singapore has been investing heavily in precision medicine. We expect closer collaboration between life science tools companies providing sequencing technologies and pharmaceutical companies developing therapeutics targeted to the Asian population. EDB plays a critical role in bringing these partners on board and driving this initiative forward.

Another emerging area is AI integration in medical devices. AI algorithms can predict clinical events before they occur, which could revolutionise patient care. EDB facilitates research collaborations between medical device companies and local institutions to develop AI algorithms tailored to the Asian population.

Any advice for students considering the EDB Scholarship?

First, you don’t need an economics background! EDB values diversity and accepts students from all sorts of backgrounds — you’ll be learning on the job anyway.

Second, don’t be afraid to share your opinions during the interview, as long as you can substantiate them. EDB encourages all employees, regardless of seniority, to speak up, and your views will be valued. That said, keep an open mind and be willing to listen to different perspectives.

Lastly, just be yourself. Think of the application process as a two-way street— it’s not just about EDB evaluating if you’re a good fit, but also about you figuring out if EDB is right for you.

If you’re passionate about making a positive difference for Singapore and Singaporeans, EDB is the place for you!