When Ms Lim Swee Kim (Computing ’88) arrived at the newly opened National University of Singapore (NUS) Raffles Hall (RH) in 1984, she was the very first freshman to check in. As RH began a new chapter at the Kent Ridge campus, Ms Lim was beginning one of her own.
Over the years that followed, RH became more than a place to stay. It was where Ms Lim formed lasting friendships, discovered new interests and challenged herself.
“I felt truly privileged to be a Rafflesian and part of the RH community,” Ms Lim recalled. “Over the next few years, the Hall truly became my home on campus where I could give my best and grow to become a better person.”
Ms Lim (second from left) and her bandmates celebrated their second-place finish at NUS Talentime.
The Raffles Hall residents at softball practice in the late afternoon after lectures and tutorials.
With a supportive circle of fellow Rafflesians, Ms Lim thrived in hall and campus life. She led cultural performances as RH Culture Secretary, once winning second place for a band performance at NUS Talentime. She also excelled in sports, representing NUS in athletics and softball.
Decades later, Ms Lim remains deeply connected to the Raffles Hall community.
Helping the Next Generation Grow
The freshman who once found friendship and opportunities at RH is now an alumna, mentor and donor, helping younger students realise their own potential.
Ms Lim brings Rafflesians together as the Raffles Hall Association Chairperson and mentors her juniors through sustainability programmes with Rotary International.
Ms Lim (extreme right, in green) joined Rafflesians and friends at NUS Cares, a university-wide movement that encouraged the NUS community to volunteer and give back.
Her commitment extends to philanthropy. As a member of the NUS Alumni Student Advancement Committee, she actively raises funds for student bursaries and financial aid. She also regularly gives through NUS, contributing to causes such as the Raffles Hall Bursary and the Plant-It-Forward Bursary.
Over the years, Ms Lim has met several students who have benefitted from the bursaries she supports. Beyond their gratitude, what matters most to her is helping them see what they are capable of.
She recalled one undergraduate who, after a conversation with her, said: “Thank you Ms Lim. I will work on having bigger dreams and ambitions!”
Moments like this stay with Ms Lim and motivate her to keep giving back.
“Being able to support my juniors is truly a privilege,” she shared. “Many of them have the potential to do well and I love to see their eyes widening as they realise that they can be more confident and ambitious about what is possible for them.”
It is a cycle of support that she hopes will continue. As these students build their own lives and careers, Ms Lim hopes that they too will find ways to create opportunities for others.
“When our community grows with more and more people who are able to support our younger generations, then we can have a sustainable model for continued growth and success across our generations in the future,” Ms Lim reflected. “This will truly make the world a better place for more and more people.”
Planting New Roots at Raffles Hall
On 3 October 2026, Ms Lim will return home to Raffles Hall as a special guest for this year’s Plant-It-Forward Day.
More than four decades after Ms Lim’s connection to Raffles Hall first took root in 1984, Rafflesians will gather on those same grounds to plant new roots.
“Raffles Hall’s greatest strength has always been its people and the connections that endure long after our residents leave,” shared Professor Stella Tan, Master of Raffles Hall. “We have a strong spirit of looking out for one another and the Plant-It-Forward Challenge is a meaningful way for Rafflesians past and present to carry that spirit forward, creating a greener campus while supporting students in financial need.”
Ms Lim (extreme right) and Raffles Hall Master Prof Stella Tan (second from right), together with members of the NUS Alumni Student Advancement Committee ahead of Plant-It-Forward Day 2026 at Raffles Hall.
Since the Plant-It-Forward Challenge began four years ago, more than S$2 million has been raised for the Enhanced Financial Aid Scheme, supporting tuition-free education for thousands of NUS students. More than 2,000 trees have also been planted across the NUS campus.
Looking Ahead, Together
For Rafflesians, this year’s Plant-It-Forward Day is a chance to reconnect with the RH community and root for the next generation.
“With Plant-It-Forward Day held at our beloved Hall of Residence, Rafflesians and our families will be able to join the good cause,” Ms Lim enthused. “I hope that while we relive our university days and rediscover the Raffles Hall spirit, we can all come together to support our juniors and inspire them to go further and dream bigger.”
The trees planted at Raffles Hall this October will take years to mature. One day, future students will enjoy their shade. In much the same way, the impact of a gift made today will carry on for generations to come.
Be part of the community that empowers students to flourish. Give through NUS to the Plant-It-Forward Challenge.
