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For Lim Jingjie—better known to many colleagues as JJ—his journey with the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) has been anything but linear. Yet, across three different stints at NVPC, spanning about five years in total, one thing has remained constant: NVPC has played a pivotal role in shaping both his professional foundation and personal philosophy toward work.
JJ first joined NVPC in 2014 as an intern, a decision sparked by a period of deep personal reflection. “I had taken a gap year during university and wanted to do something meaningful with that time. Volunteering through SGCares led me to NVPC as a note-taker for a programme supporting volunteer managers. It was serendipitous,” he recalls. That short stint proved transformative. The sense of purpose of the work gave him planted the seeds for a career in the social impact space.
After graduating from NTU’s School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences with a Bachelor of Science, JJ returned to NVPC as a full-time staff member with the Strategic Partnerships team from 2016 to 2018. He later explored other roles in grantmaking and CSR across both the public and private sectors. But in 2023, he found himself back at NVPC once again—this time leading the Groundup Partnerships team. “It felt like coming full circle,” he says, “reconnecting with work I had started years ago and returning to a nurturing culture that brings out the best in me.”
JJ credits NVPC with shaping much of his workplace attitude. “The welcoming and inclusive culture here made a huge difference in how I approach leadership and team dynamics. I’ve carried that with me everywhere I’ve worked.” He’s especially grateful for the wide variety of experiences he’s been exposed to—ranging from event planning and stakeholder engagement to team leadership. “It’s been a space for real growth.”
One project he holds particularly close to heart is the launch of BAGUS (Building All Groundups for Success) Together—a tripartite collaboration between NVPC, Temasek Foundation and Tote Board which is designed to support and sustain groundup initiatives. BAGUS Together supports the spirit of active citizenry and celebrates groundups for the significant role they play in our community. “When I first joined in 2016, the term ‘groundups’ was still new. We had a broad goal to explore informal volunteerism. To see it grow is incredibly fulfilling,” he shares. BAGUS Together is not just a professional milestone; for JJ, it represents the maturation of an idea that has evolved alongside his own journey at NVPC. “It’s important to recognise those who go above and beyond in giving—people who don’t just volunteer, but rally others to join in their cause.”
Beyond specific achievements, JJ points to NVPC’s position at the heart of the giving ecosystem as a major contributor to his personal development. “Being here means engaging with such a wide spectrum of stakeholders—from individuals and groundups to corporates, charities, and government agencies. That level of exposure is rare.” He also highlights the mentorship he’s received as a key part of his growth. “I’ve been lucky to work with amazing supervisors who’ve not only guided me professionally but have supported me personally too.”
Now, as Head of Groundup Partnerships, JJ sees the next chapter of his journey as one of stewardship. “With more managerial responsibilities, I want to harness my team’s strengths to help the organisation grow. I’ve been on the receiving end of great leadership here, and now I want to be that kind of leader for others.” He’s also committed to further self-development: “I’m keen to keep learning new skills and exploring ways I can contribute to NVPC in different capacities.”
Reflecting on his “glow up” over the years, JJ sees this moment as more than just a retrospective. “It’s a stocktake of how far I’ve come—and a reminder of how much NVPC has shaped me through the highs and lows. This place has played a big part in making me who I am today.”