The Singapore-Industry Scholarship (SgIS) aims to groom the next generation of leaders, offering promising talents a springboard to kick-start their careers with sponsoring organisations from strategic sectors.

SgIS recipients Christopher Boey Han Yang and Callie Lim Jia Jie epitomise the scholarship’s transformative impact. Christopher is excelling in his role as a Business Development Manager at Novartis Singapore Pharmaceutical Manufacturing while Callie is making her mark as a Management Associate at CHARLES & KEITH.

We explore the pivotal role that the SgIS has played in shaping their career paths and driving their ambitions forward.

What sparked your interest in your respective careers?

Christopher: My role in commercial business development came about as part of my organisation’s site’s transformation in enabling future sustainable development of Novartis real estate and facility services, supporting both internal and external customers. My decision to pursue a career in a commercial role rather than a technical one was largely influenced by the vision of the company and my keen interest in business and finance. Additionally, with the support from my line managers, I was encouraged to apply for the role as part of my personal career development.

Callie: Many factors inspired me to pursue a career in the fashion industry, particularly within a company like CHARLES & KEITH. Firstly, I have always been passionate about fashion since young, and have a keen interest in keeping up to date on the latest trends, styles, and innovations within the industry. This passion has fuelled my desire to pursue a career in the industry where I could actively participate and contribute to the development of stylish and innovative products.

Furthermore, the prospect of working for CHARLES & KEITH presented exciting opportunities for career advancement and personal development. I was drawn to the idea of being a part of a talented and diverse team, collaborating with creative individuals, and contributing to the further success and growth of a globally recognised brand.

Tell us about your experiences with SgIS, Christopher.

I attended the SgIS Information Fair 2012 held at the Singapore Management University (SMU) and was inspired by what Novartis had to offer through SgIS. Novartis Singapore Pharmaceutical Manufacturing was one of the pioneer companies on board the SgIS which provides awardees with not only financial support but also professional development through internships and mentorships, strategic engagement through dialogues and leaders’ forums, and social connection through SgIS Network activities. I applied for the scholarship in 2013 because I wanted to develop myself in the area of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, which aligns with my Polytechnic studies in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, I believe that the scholarship has enabled me to learn and grow within Novartis in a unique manner, starting from the heart of the manufacturing operations and expanding to other supporting functions that are critical for success throughout the supply chain. Through the scholarship, my internship experience was exceptionally memorable, as it provided invaluable technical knowledge and more importantly, professional connections.

Callie, how has your background as a scholar prepared you for your current role within your organisation?

My background as a scholar has provided me with valuable skills and perspectives that I can bring to my current role within the company. Firstly, my course has honed my analytical abilities, allowing me to effectively analyse data, identify trends, and make informed decisions when it comes to merchandise planning and forecasting.

Additionally, my experience as a scholar has instilled in me a strong work ethic, and a dedication to thorough research, both of which are essential in ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of any strategies implemented in the markets. Moreover, it has fostered a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation, which is essential in a dynamic and ever-changing environment. I am constantly seeking out new insights and applying innovative approaches to support the optimisation of business performance.

Interesting! Tell us more about the work you do today.

Christopher: As a Business Development Manager (BDM), I am responsible for the BD strategy for real estate & infrastructure (hard and soft) service delivery at the Novartis manufacturing site(s) in Singapore. To enable the sustainable development of the Novartis site(s), the BD role focuses on the acquisition of new users/tenants and transforming it into a multi-user industrial campus with optimised asset utilisation and cost structure.

As a BDM, my ultimate objective is to create a conducive campus environment by enabling fit-for-purpose workplace solutions through our partners and managed service providers.

Callie: As a Merchandise Planner at CHARLES & KEITH, my role involves collaborating closely with our franchise partners to determine seasonal merchandise plans and ensure they align with the company’s financial targets. My daily tasks include forecasting order quantities, taking tactical actions to meet key performance indicators (KPIs), and supporting both pre-season and in-season activities such as launch planning, pricing, and inventory management. Additionally, I also participate in projects aimed at improving departmental productivity using various IT tools and platforms.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is the opportunity to contribute to the success and growth of the company. Being able to see the tangible results of my efforts, whether in achieving sales targets, optimising inventory levels, or launching successful merchandise campaigns, gives me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Callie, how do you envision your career evolving in the future?

I envision myself evolving within the fashion industry, with a focus on taking on increasingly challenging and impactful roles that would allow me to contribute to the growth and success of the company while furthering my personal and professional development.

Furthermore, I aspire to broaden my scope beyond my current role by gaining exposure to different aspects of the fashion industry, such as product development, brand management, marketing, and retail operations. This could involve pursuing cross-functional opportunities within my company or seeking out experiences outside of my current company to gain diverse perspectives and skill sets.

Christopher, do you have any advice for those who aspire to follow a similar career trajectory as you?

My humble advice is not to solely focus on pursuing a good job or career, as this naturally unfolds over time. Instead, remain open to learning and explore areas outside of your expertise. Stay curious about the world around you. Do not be afraid to fail initially, as the journey to success is rarely smooth. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s essential to be agile and adopt an entrepreneurial mindset that embraces constant iteration and innovation.