Overview of the Leadership Change
Singapore’s prominent women’s rights group, the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE), has announced a leadership transition that will mark a new era for the organization. On January 1, 2026, Corinna Lim steps down as executive director after a 16-year tenure that saw the nonprofit expand its advocacy, programs, and public profile. Lim is succeeded by Lim Shoon Yin, a 50-year-old professional with a background in diversity, equity, and inclusion work. The change signals a continuity of AWARE’s mission while introducing new perspectives to address evolving challenges in women’s rights and gender equality.
Corinna Lim’s 16 Years at the Helm
Corinna Lim, who has led AWARE since 2010, oversaw significant milestones across health, safety, economic empowerment, and legal rights for women in Singapore. Under her stewardship, AWARE amplified its voice on important issues such as gender-based violence, sexual harassment, workplace equality, and access to reproductive health information. Lim’s tenure also included organizational growth, increased fundraising capacity, and stronger collaborations with civil society partners and policymakers. Supporters describe Lim as a steady, principled leader who prioritized inclusive decision-making and community engagement. Her departure invites reflection on the group’s legacy and how it will influence future strategy.
Who Is Lim Shoon Yin?
Lim Shoon Yin takes on the role of executive director after a career focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her experience spans corporate, nonprofit, and policy work where she has led initiatives aimed at improving representation and fairness in workplaces and public life. In assuming leadership of AWARE, Lim Shoon Yin brings a practical understanding of both the barriers many women face and the systemic changes needed to address them. Colleagues describe her as collaborative, data-driven, and passionate about translating advocacy into tangible results for women across Singapore. Her appointment signals a continued emphasis on inclusive leadership and evidence-based advocacy within AWARE’s programs.
What This Means for AWARE’s Priorities
With a new executive director at the helm, AWARE is likely to reaffirm its core priorities while exploring fresh approaches. Key areas of ongoing focus include:
– Preventing gender-based violence and supporting survivors
– Workplace equality, parental rights, and fair pay
– Reproductive rights, healthcare access, and informed choice
– Digital safety, online harassment, and media representation
Lim Shoon Yin’s background in diversity and inclusion suggests an emphasis on organizational culture and accountability, as well as broader partnerships with community groups and government agencies. The leadership transition could also bring renewed attention to youth engagement, multilingual outreach, and accessibility, ensuring that AWARE’s work resonates with diverse communities across Singapore.
Community and Stakeholder Reactions
Initial conversations with AWARE’s stakeholders underscore a sense of continuity coupled with anticipation for new initiatives. Many supporters express gratitude for Corinna Lim’s leadership in strengthening AWARE’s credibility and impact, while welcoming Lim Shoon Yin’s fresh perspective. Partners in civil society, academics, and the public health sector often emphasize the importance of maintaining momentum on policy advocacy and survivor-centered programs. Critics and observers will be watching for how quickly the organization translates leadership change into visible programmatic progress and new partnerships.
Looking Ahead
As AWARE moves forward, the organization faces an evolving landscape for women’s rights in Singapore. Social attitudes, urban development, and policy reforms will shape both opportunities and challenges in the coming years. AWARE’s commitment to evidence-based advocacy, community engagement, and survivor-centered services will remain central to its mission. The leadership transition is an occasion to reaffirm that the group’s work depends on broad-based support, transparency, and collaborative action across sectors.
About AWARE
The Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) is Singapore’s leading women’s rights group, dedicated to achieving gender equality through advocacy, research, education, and community programs. Since its founding, AWARE has been at the forefront of public debates on violence prevention, reproductive health, workplace equity, and women’s empowerment.
