5 Minutes With… Lydia Lee
As our HR Administrator, Lydia is responsible for client projects and work pass processing; a typical day would include following up with clients on their ongoing talent needs and collaborating with clients and the MOM to process or follow up on work pass applications.
Before joining Accela, Lydia worked in an e-commerce start-up, an IT SME, and a biomedical MNC, mostly in HR generalist roles. Aside from her professional life, Lydia has volunteered with the Red Cross for 6 years across disaster response, working with students with special needs, and working as an emergency responder.
Did you know all your life you wanted to work in Human Resources?
It was a surprise! I had always wanted to pursue a career in Science, and I actually did my degree in Biological Sciences. The HR field called out to me after I joined the e-commerce start-up as temporary staff, and it got me hooked.
What’s been your greatest achievement at work so far?
Securing the employment pass and dependents passes for a lady with three young children. It wasn’t a particularly difficult situation, but there was so much riding on the EP approval that I felt a huge sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when the passes were approved.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
Definitely when work passes get approved. The joy of being the bearer of good news, conveying the positive outcome with the applicants and clients – it’s an unparalleled feeling!
What do you like about working at Accela?
The diverse background of people I get to interact with. In my past roles, they were greatly Singapore-oriented, be it Singaporean colleagues, contracts, or clients, which inevitably restricted my worldview. Working at Accela has given me the opportunity to learn more about the diverse types of companies in the Singapore market. We work with clients from all over the world allowed which allows me to learn more about various industries and cultures I wouldn’t have been exposed to in my previous roles.
What would you say truly differentiates Accela from the many competitive choices?
Our heart. We seek the best for our clients, we advocate for our candidates, and we definitely do everything with compassion.
From your experience, what do you see in the future for the Recruitment industry?
With the rise of AI and chatbots, there is talk of recruiters being replaced in the early stages of the recruitment process. While large organisations may prefer AI and chatbots to sieve through large volumes of candidates, I believe the human touch is always important, and I believe that candidates will always prefer speaking to a person who can respond with compassion and empathy.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
VR games – Beat Saber has stolen all my free time!
