Cynthia Lin

Secretary and Personal Assistant to Director (1988 – 2011)

Ms Cynthia Lin started as a clerk at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), then worked on conference management, human resource management, and finally served as Personal Assistant to the Director, and George Yeo, Visiting Scholar at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP). IPS had moved a few times, to good locations like Heng Mui Keng Terrace and Cluny Road. Its staff strength increased, events grew in size, and it became better known.

She recalled her job interview with IPS’ inaugural Director Professor Chan Heng Chee. She credited Professor Tommy Koh for driving IPS forward and making IPS what it was today, as well as other directors, including Dr Lee Tsao Yuan, Arun Mahizhnan, Ong Keng Yong and Janadas Devan. She also highlighted Deputy Director Irene Lim’s contributions. IPS’ merger with LKYSPP under NUS meant that IPS had to align many of its policies with that of NUS, and that it had less leeway to determine staff remuneration and rewards.

IPS events were special. She described staff’s deep commitment in preparing for events, working overtime prior to events and paying close attention to an array of details. Guests were well taken care of. Halal food was served, and special requirements such as kosher meals would also be catered to. She was proud of IPS; she felt what was special about IPS was its people. The team spirit is what made her, and other former staff, willingly return to assist with Singapore Perspectives every year.


This interview was conducted on 10 Jul 2019. Click here to listen to the full interview.