Lilian Yew Siew Mee first began her career in nursing at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) after graduating from the School of Nursing in Singapore.
Wanting to further advance her knowledge and career, Lilian was given a study sponsorship by SGH. She chose to use this time to undertake the Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing)* degree though the University of Sydney’s partnership with the Singapore Institute of Management.
She also completed the Master of Health Science Management**.
“The programme's modules were perfectly aligned with my career goals and experience, making it an ideal choice for my professional development,” says Lilian.
“The faculty's dedication to providing a high-quality learning experience ensured that I received the best possible education.
"The programme's structure allowed me to balance my studies with my professional responsibilities, which was crucial during my pregnancy with my first child.”
Becoming a nurse leader
After completing her studies, Lilian began working as Deputy Director of Raffles Hospital, and then three years later, she became Director.
Lilian is now the Chief Nurse and Accredited Program Provider Director. As part of her role, she leads and mentors the next generation of nursing leaders. She credits her time at SIM in helping her to thrive in this role.
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“The degree programme at SIM equipped me with extensive knowledge on providing safe, quality care and shaped me into a service-oriented leader," says Lilian.
"It enhanced my ability to manage patients, staff, and visitors effectively.
“The knowledge and skills I gained from my studies have been invaluable in my journey, allowing me to make significant contributions to the healthcare sector.."
Lilian who has gone on to lead her team to achieve several prestigious hospital accreditations including the American Nurses Credentialing Center(ANCC) Nursing Continuing Professional Development (NCPD) Premier Award in 2022 and 2024 which has made Raffles Hospital a benchmark for nursing excellence in Asia.
Lilian sees her role extending beyond medical care to include emotional support, patient advocacy, and education.
“Nursing is a profession that demands a high level of dedication, empathy, and resilience," says Lilian.
"As nurses, we are responsible for the physical and emotional wellbeing of our patients making nursing a multifaceted and indispensable profession."
Recognising excellence
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Lilian put her knowledge into practice by activating teams to set up 14 Vaccination Centres across Singapore for the National Vaccination Program, which garnered praise through the receipt of two national Covid-19 awards.
Lilian has also been recognised as a finalist for the 2023 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, and she received the Chief Nurse of the Year Award (Gold Winner) at the Hospital Management Asia Awards 2023.
Lilian also serves as Vice President of the Singapore Nurses Association (SNA), promoting its mission and vision.
Added to this, she is currently pursuing a Doctor of Healthcare Management, further demonstrating her commitment to professional growth.
In June, Lilian will join 30 other nurse leaders as part of the ICN Global Nursing Leadership Institute (GNLI) program.
The program is a year-long commitment and as part of the program, she will attend an eight-day residential module in Geneva, Switzerland to discuss important nursing topics, visit the World Health Organization headquarters, and engage with nursing leaders in October 2025.
“I am honoured to represent Singapore on this global platform,” says Lilian.
“I am eager to join this elite group of scholars and contribute to the nursing community at large.”
Lilian sees her role in nursig as being able to make a difference in people’s lives.
“Nurses are often the first point of contact for patients, and their ability to provide empathetic and effective care is paramount to the success of healthcare systems.”
