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SCHOLARS'

EXPERIENCE

Combining the best of both fields

While attending a junior college Law Programme in 2018, Ms Johanna Lim met prominent Law Society members like Mr Josephus Tan, whose speech on pro-bono work deeply inspired her.

Since then, she developed a keen interest in law. She now volunteers to spread legal knowledge among youth as part of Project Legal Awareness, a youth mentorship programme.

The 19-year-old has helped to mentor Secondary 2 students, who were tasked to conduct a law workshop on gang-related offences for their juniors.

“The experience enabled me to better appreciate the importance of societal laws.

“Watching my mentees gain confidence and facilitate discussions was extremely rewarding too,” she says.

Ms Lim is now pursuing a Bachelor of Laws at the National University of Singapore.

Her interest in using technology to enhance lives also led her to apply for a Smart Nation Scholarship with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).

The scholarship supports a diverse range of disciplines required in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) field, including law.

Solid support
Currently in her first year of study, Ms Lim appreciates the tremendous exposure she has received through the scholarship so far.

She highlights her participation in InnovFest Unbound, where she attended numerous talks and networked with representatives from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“I’ve learnt more about the process of innovation and the many perks it brings us,” she says.

“My perspective on technology broadened as a result.”

With the scholarship, Ms Lim can expect two internship opportunities at IMDA to gain working experience in different departments before she joins the organisation after her graduation.

“This will give me a better idea of how I can contribute, and of the particular sector I would like to join in the future,” she says.

Post-graduation, Ms Lim will join IMDA’s two-year Associate in Infocomm Media (AIM) Graduate Programme that involves a structured training scheme and various leadership development opportunities for employees.

For a better future
Ms Lim believes that the seemingly distinct fields of law and technology can be bridged via policy-making.

“IMDA seeks to deepen regulatory capabilities, so as to safeguard consumer interests and foster proenterprise initiatives,” she explains.

“I believe that the law can complement these goals through the implementation of supportive policies. By taking into account legal concerns, the effectiveness of Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative will be boosted as well.”

She also wishes to protect the interests of the elderly and SMEs, as both groups have struggled to keep up with the fast pace of technological innovation in recent years.

This is also why she decided not to not pursue a career in litigation, so that she can focus on doing good on a bigger scale with IMDA.

“Most lawyers handle individual clients, but I want to shape policies that alleviate the collective problems of specific groups,” she explains.

“Joining IMDA will help me realise my dream of impacting a larger audience through my efforts.”