Cindy Lim: From engineer to mentor
Marking International Women in Engineering Day, alumna Cindy Lim, CEO of Keppel Infrastructure Division, shares how she overcame her challenges, and her belief in fostering growth in the next generation.
Text: Sadia Roohi
Cindy Lim, a mechanical and industrial system engineer trained at NTU, tackles work challenges head-on. Throughout her career spanning more than two decades at Keppel Limited, she has taken up six diverse positions with the company, each presenting its unique challenges and learning opportunities that have refined her leadership style.
At just 36, she was appointed Executive Director of the Infrastructure Services business, and her then-CEO tasked her with turning around the company’s operations in Singapore and overseas. The role proved pivotal as she navigated complex stakeholder relationships, resolved contractual disputes, and managed intricate project challenges.
In recent times, amid Keppel Limited’s transformation into a global asset manager and operator, the CEO of Keppel Infrastructure Division has steered her team to execute complex, large-scale projects — earning the trust of both employees and customers through consistent delivery in demanding environments.
“Throughout my career, the willingness to embrace new challenges and bring a radically open mindset has been crucial,” she said. “Each job assignment was a gift not to be wasted as it allowed me to grow with my teams.”
 | Cindy Lim (MAE/2000), CEO of Keppel’s Infrastructure Division, advocates for leadership grounded in growth, purpose, and nurturing the next generation. |
This mindset of continuous growth also shapes her work in sustainability. Under her leadership, Keppel’s Infrastructure Division has advanced decarbonisation through cross-border power interconnections in Southeast Asia, hydrogen-ready combined cycle gas power plants, low-carbon ammonia supply for maritime fuel and power generation, and expanded high-growth energy-as-a-service solutions in the region.
This foundation has underpinned her journey from a goal-driven engineer to a leader committed to nurturing others, which is a philosophy she describes as moving from “goal getter” to “glow giver”, illuminating and empowering others to reach their potential.
Belief in nurturing others
Cindy’s career journey offers a reminder for women in engineering. She believes leadership is measured as much by the growth one fosters in others as by personal achievements. It is about supporting the next generation with the same guidance she once received and helping others build their path forward.
 | Cindy (centre) with her staff at Keppel Seghers Tuas Waste-to-Energy Plant. |
“It takes a whole village,” she reflected. “The opportunities and support I received shaped how I see my role today in nurturing others.”
Her passion for helping the next generation took root early. As a student at NTU, she managed her time carefully, balancing studies with giving tuition lessons. What started as a way to make productive use of her flexible schedule soon became something more meaningful.
“I started tutoring because I loved chemistry and physics,” she said. “But over time, I realised it was not just about teaching the subjects. I enjoyed engaging the students, encouraging them like a big sister. Seeing them grow and succeed was what really mattered.”
At one point, Cindy tutored multiple students from different families, even helping a working mother pick up her son from student care before the tuition sessions.
“The love of seeing young people prosper stayed with me,” she said, a sentiment that continues to define her leadership philosophy today.
This perspective extends to how the Chairperson of NTU’s College of Engineering Advisory Board nurtures young talent today.
At the workplace, Cindy champions initiatives that reflect her commitment to inclusive growth — from creating internship opportunities for employees’ children to fast-tracking next-generation leaders to take on emerging business areas.
“Each talent is like a seed, seeking the right environment to grow. The organisation’s culture is the soil — it must be rich, enabling, and well-tended. Mentors act as farmers, nurturing the seed with care and guidance. But at some point, every talent must graduate from being a sapling to becoming a farmer — paying it forward by cultivating the next generation.”
Cindy’s advice for young alumni aspiring to hold leadership positions is clear: focus on meaningful work rather than titles.
“Do not focus too much on the title or position. Focus on what you do, how you do it, and who you do it for,” she said.
