In conversation with Low Peck Kem: How alumnae can step up

By Sadia Roohi

After Low Peck Kem graduated from NTU Singapore in 1986 with a degree in electrical and electronic engineering, she spent a decade working as an engineer before discovering her calling in human resources – where she has been shaping workplace policies for the last 25 years.

“Engineering gave me a strong foundation in problem-solving and structure, which I still apply in HR today,” she said. “But I realised that beyond building products, I wanted to help build people and workplaces.”

Today, the veteran oversees the human resource strategies for Singapore’s 154,000-strong public sector workforce as the Chief HR Officer and Advisor (Workforce Development) at the Public Service Division.

Her career achievements include being appointed President of Singapore Human Resources Institute and the Asia-Pacific Federation of Human Resources Management as well as Vice President of the World Federation of People Management Association. She also made history as the first person in Singapore to receive the Chartered Companion status from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the highest recognition in the HR industry.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the NTU Office of Alumni Engagement invited 60 alumnae to the “Mentorship, Sponsorship, and Allyship Across Generations of Women Leaders” seminar on 7 March 2025, where Peck Kem spoke at the event.

The panel also featured alumni Zuraidah Abdullah (CEE/1985), CEO of Yayasan MENDAKI; Wong Lup Wai (NBS/1995), CEO of IPI Singapore; and Nanyang Business School undergraduate Rena Kek, UNESCO and Women@Dior mentee.

Professor Boh Wai Fong, Vice President for Lifelong Learning and Alumni Engagement at the University, moderated the session.

You have built an impressive and enviable career, particularly during your tenure with a global MNC, where you oversaw HR, legal, and corporate administration across 15 locations from your office in Geneva. Now, you’re driving national workforce transformation for Singapore’s public sector. What advice would you offer for alumnae looking to advance professionally?

Sometimes, women place limitations on themselves by trying to do it all like a superwoman — excelling at work, managing a household, and fulfilling family obligations. That may lead to burn out as time and resources are limited. 

We need to ask ourselves: What do we truly want? What are we willing to work for? And what are we prepared to sacrifice? Only then can we prioritise what truly matters and give it our all without burning out.

For me, that clarity came when I was offered a leadership role in Geneva, Switzerland. Leaving my family in Singapore was a difficult decision, and my peers questioned whether I was being selfish. But, a conversation with my daughter Ashley changed my perspective. She said, ‘Mummy, just do what your heart tells you.’ That was the moment I knew I had to take that step forward.

Navigating career changes also requires mentorship, which was pivotal in my journey when contemplating a career switch. My mentor helped refine my decision-making process by asking insightful questions rather than providing direct answers. In the end, based on trust, and feeling empowered to make decisions for myself, I made the career switch which propelled my career trajectory.

My advice to our alumnae is to invest in yourself. We must constantly upgrade our skills, learn, and relearn to achieve our career and life goals. Don’t wait for someone to tell you you're ready. If you want something, go for it.

In an increasingly dynamic work environment, what’s your advice for young alumni, mid-career professionals, and senior alumni?

Regardless of age or career stage, we all bring unique strengths to the table — whether through our skills, experiences, insights, or energy. Careers unfold in multiple stages rather than along a single track.

Today’s work environment is dynamic, so we must embrace change and adapt, rather than cling to outdated ways of working. The ability to stay relevant by learning new skills and technologies is essential for continued success.

For younger professionals, adaptability is crucial, especially with the rise of remote work, AI, and digital transformation. Work is becoming more democratised, digitised, and AI-driven.

Female leaders often bring valuable perspectives, particularly in balancing professional and personal responsibilities. At the same time, male leaders today are increasingly accustomed to working alongside strong female professionals. An inclusive and supportive workplace benefits everyone.

Low Peck Kem (far right) speaking at the International Women’s Day Lunch & Learn panel discussion moderated by Prof Boh Wai Fong (far left). Other panellists included, from left, Wong Lup Wai, Rena Kek, and Zuraidah Abdullah.

Can you share some of the ways you are giving back?

I was inspired by my experience of receiving mentorship, which motivates me to give back by mentoring and coaching four to eight mentees each year, dedicating four to five sessions for each.

I focus on empowering them rather than making decisions for them. The satisfaction of seeing a mentee grow into their best self is something money cannot buy.

Additionally, I contribute to the HR community by serving on boards and holding leadership roles in professional HR associations, such as the Singapore Human Resources Institute and the World Federation of People Management Associations.

Giving back is about sharing knowledge, creating opportunities, and helping others build their careers. When we mentor others, we’re also learning.

For alumna keen to mentor others in the NTU community, please sign up online.