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At NVPC, we know how important rest is for our well-being. This is why we introduced the Take-a-Pause (TAP) leave, an initiative that grants employees two weeks of paid leave for every three years of full-time service. The intention is to encourage employees to step away from work, recharge, and return with fresh perspectives.
Stella Lim, Manager, Corporate and Industry Partnerships – took advantage of her TAP Leave to pursue her long-held dream of learning the craft of gelato making. As part of the Corporate and Industry Partnerships team, Stella engages and partners with companies to advance Corporate Purpose, enabling them to achieve their social impact goals through volunteering, fundraising, and advocacy while strengthening the Company of Good ecosystem.
Drawn to the country where the craft originated, she set off on an unforgettable journey to Italy.
It was Stella’s first time travelling alone far from home, but stepping into an unfamiliar place was exactly what she sought to do. “My intention is to strengthen my mind, heart, and spirit, as well as build resilience and independence in a foreign place,” she shared. In Italy, Stella challenged herself to master the craft of gelato making. She dived into the food science behind it, and as it turned out, gelato making involved a surprising amount of mathematics and equations!
Nevertheless, her hard work paid off when she successfully progressed from the Basic to the Master course, culminating in her graduation. “I truly cherish the opportunity to learn a craft I have always wanted to master while living out my dream of studying and living overseas independently,” she said.
For Stella, building friendships with people all over the world made the experience even more meaningful. There, she met classmates from all walks of life and was deeply inspired by their passion to make amazing things happen. “If I had to pick the most memorable moment, it would be sitting by the roadside, enjoying gelato with my classmates in front of our favourite shop in Bologna,” she added.
Aside from the kitchen, Stella explored Italy’s ancient cities. She soaked in breathtaking views and immersed herself in the country’s rich art, culture, and heritage. Her husband joined her for the final stretch, bringing the adventure to a memorable close – though it did make her realise how much she missed Singaporean food!
Stella’s adventure in Italy filled her with fresh ideas and left her mind sharper than before. “Singapore has a strong hustle culture, so it is a true privilege to be given extended time away and break away from the conventional routine,” she said.
When she returned to work, she felt much more refreshed mentally, while also being incredibly happy with her newfound gelato making skills! “Like the Cowardly Lion from The Wizard of Oz, I found my courage to face new challenges, to be confident and vocal, and to be open to the opportunities presented to us,” she shared. She also expressed deep appreciation for her team, who covered her duties over her long break. “Our colleagues have always been warm, kind and generous, and I’m so glad to be part of NVPC.”
At NVPC, we believe in giving our employees the space and time to recharge. Through NVPC’s TAP Leave, we encourage employees to take time off in ways that matter most to them, creating an environment where they feel valued, refreshed, and ready to contribute meaningfully.