With gratitude, he creates opportunities for a brighter future for women

Text: Sadia Roohi

Growing up as the youngest of seven siblings, Darren Lim has always been grateful for the family support that put him through university.

"My eldest sister saved up and paid for my tuition fees so that I could have a university education. I am the only son and one of only two graduates in the family,” Darren said. "My parents have always emphasised the importance of a good education so that we could one day contribute meaningfully to society.”

His university days were not without challenges. Darren balanced his study schedule with multiple part-time jobs to ease his daily expenses, including giving tuition classes to large groups of students.

"Back then, I knew I would never be a first-class honours student,” he said. “It was a tough balancing act, but the experience taught me the value of perseverance and being resourceful.”

Since graduating from NTU School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 2001, he has built a successful career in experiential marketing and now serves as Executive Vice President of Neon Global, a leading Singapore-based company specialising in immersive entertainment experiences. His past projects include interactive exhibitions featuring Harry Potter: Visions of Magic, Jurassic World: The Experience, and Avatar: The Experience, all of which have been showcased in Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay and Resorts World Sentosa.

Darren Lim (centre) with James and Oliver Phelps who played the Weasley twins in the Harry Potter film series, at the opening for the Harry Potter: Visions of Magic interactive art experience at the ODYSSEUM in Cologne, Germany in 2023.

Knowing the challenges faced by students from less well-off families, he recently made a gift of S$40,000 to his alma mater and established the Darren Lim Bursary in support of NTU Enhanced Financial Aid Scheme, with the award designated for female undergraduates from Nanyang Business School.

“I grew up respecting my six older sisters for their dedication in managing both their careers and families. Since women also bear the responsibility of raising the next generation, the impact of supporting them is multiplied. That is why I decided to focus on supporting female students,” said Darren.

Darren with his sisters and parents (2nd and 3rd from right). Darren described his eldest sister, Leng (2nd from left), as a steady source of strength in their close-knit family.

Planting the seeds of giving

After working in China for almost two decades, Darren returned to Singapore two and a half years ago with his wife and younger daughters.

Shortly after his return, Darren attended a Private Equity and Venture Capital course at Nanyang Business School, taught by Mr Ashok Samuel, who spent more than 20 years at GIC.

The idea of supporting women’s education took root during this course. He also learned that while profiting is central in capital markets, one must “consistently hold ourselves accountable to our social responsibilities”.

The course, along with Ashok’s encouragement to pay it forward, stayed with him.

"It planted an idea,” he said. “I then had the opportunity to meet a fundraiser from the University Advancement Office, who helped crystalise those thoughts and motivated me to contribute to NTU, the place that got me where I am today.”

Darren (right) with lecturer Ashok Samuel (2nd from right) and fellow course mates during the course at Nanyang Business School.

Beyond creating opportunities, Darren also hopes to set an example for his daughters, teaching them the importance of being kind to others. His eldest is currently 16 and studying in New York, while his other two daughters, aged 13 and 6, are studying in Singapore.

"More than anything, I want them to be kind,” he said. "Kindness is something we can never have enough of. You cannot force anyone to give, but you can lead by example. I’m starting with a small act of kindness, and I hope that by doing this, more people will also be encouraged to take meaningful action.”

The first recipient of the Darren Lim Bursary will be announced this academic year. Darren hopes the bursary will ease students’ financial worries, allowing them to focus on their studies and university life without the weight of additional burdens.

"Getting a university degree is only the beginning,” he reflected. "What you make of it is entirely up to you. And even if you do not get first-class honours, it does not define your future success."

These are lessons he hopes young students, including his bursary recipients, will take to heart. 

Darren (centre) with his wife and three daughters.