While Lim is currently making waves in the health tech industry, this was not always the case. In fact, Lim’s journey to entrepreneurship is a unique one. The entrepreneur shared that although he initially graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at NUS, his first job was in private equity at Standard Charted Bank.

“Adapting across two different fields showed me the importance of agility and keeping an open mind to learning new skills and knowledge. My engineering background grounded me in logical thinking, which helped in decision making, evaluating data and making informed choices,” shares Lim.

After more than 10 years of experience in the investment industry, Lim decided to dip his toes into entrepreneurship, with Doctor Anywhere.

“Health is very close to our hearts, but we don’t often think about it until we are ill. A good number of common illnesses can be prevented if one leads a healthy lifestyle and makes proactive steps to maintain their health. There is still a lack of information and inaction on the individual’s part, which I saw as an opportunity to change,” Lim explains.

Read more: The Singapore startup reaching the 52% of the world without healthcare

Today, Lim has been in the health tech industry for over eight years. Over the years, he has seen a “fundamental shift in consumers”, with patients becoming more willing to “take greater steps beyond lifestyle changes to secure their long-term health”.

He adds: “Digital technologies are already deeply ingrained within our daily routines and transcending limitations of time and space. The next stage for us in healthcare would be enabling more personalised, borderless, and inclusive care. It would mean tapping on data and technology to deliver more tailored and effective care solutions, and increasing access to these beyond traditional healthcare infrastructure and borders.”

As Lim continues to bridge the gap between patients and doctors, we catch up with him as he shares more about overcoming doubts, achieving work-life balance and his greatest achievement.

What is a typical morning like for you?
Wai Mun (WM): I start my day around 7.30 am, squeezing in some time for a quick workout and coffee before checking my emails and starting the work day.

What do you usually have for breakfast?
WM: usually have a cup of black coffee or latte without sugar.

What does a standard work day look like for you?
WM: After my breakfast I head into the office, with a day usually packed with meetings with the different teams on the business and to brainstorm new opportunities, as well as meet up with our business partners.

I usually find some time for a quick break to refresh my mind, even if it is just to the pantry to make a latte. I would try my best to head home for dinner and time with the family if I do not have business-related evening engagements.

What time do you usually have lunch? What do you usually have for lunch?
WM: Around the usual lunch hours, and it depends on who I’m meeting for lunch. If I need something quick my go-to is Wok Hey near my office—nothing beats a good serving of fried rice.

Free time: overrated or underrated? Why?
WM: With our fast-paced society, free time has become somewhat of a luxury. But as we’ve discovered from the pandemic, learning to prioritise our time and using it wisely can benefit us greatly. The question remains, are we good stewards of the free time we gain, or let it go to waste?

How do you achieve a work-life balance? How do you set boundaries?
WM: I believe the work-life debate is an eternal one due to changing needs, hence the need for a ‘balance’, which may sometimes tilt to one side when the need arises.

In today’s digital era, it is possible to more efficiently manage both—it’s a matter of prioritising and integrating my work into my daily routine. I make an effort to disconnect to spend time with myself and my family, and work as needed when they are asleep. Having a disciplined schedule and weaving in time for exercise is also good practice.

In case you missed it: Doctor anywhere partners with lifebuoy to enhance preventive healthcare in Singapore

How do you chase your dreams?
WM: We all have dreams, but these remain in the clouds unless we get down to doing something about them. In pursuing these, we need to task ourselves - what is realistic, attainable, and yet still ambitious? From there it’s about planning short and long-term goals that one can work towards.

Risks: should you take them? Why or why not?
WM: As a startup founder—definitely. I’m in the “Don’t try, don’t know” camp, and sometimes you just have to take the leap of faith. This means being able to stomach risks, yet still trust your gut and keep trying.

How do you stay grounded?
WM: Take a deep breath. In stressful, intense moments it can become easy to lose one’s focus. Regulating your breathing can help clear your mind and focus on the moment and what’s up ahead.

How do you deal with your shortcomings?
WM: I’ve learned to be open to feedback, which can sometimes be harsh but still necessary for personal growth.

What is an idea/thought that you heard recently, that you thought was interesting?
WM: You are who you are in society based on how people perceive you, and it could be easier to change the perception than to change yourself.

How do you unplug?
WM: I love long-distance running, which is liberating and lets me disconnect from whatever I’m occupied with. While enjoying the sights along the way, also running sometimes inspires me and imparts little lessons.

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