Meet The Great Women Of Our Time 2016 Arts & Media Nominee Lim Shujuan

After a $532m decade-long restoration, the National Gallery Singapore finally opened its doors to the public last November. And behind the massive transformation of Singapore’s former Supreme Court and City Hall, stands a committed team of industry experts, including Shujuan, a dedicated building history curator who was on-site every two weeks during restoration works, to document and oversee the process. Shujuan was also the project editor of The Making of National Gallery Singapore, a 168-page hardcover that documents the history and transition of the two national monuments.

"Growing up, my mum was my role model…

My dad, who was the sole breadwinner, had a stroke when I was still in university. Times were hard, and my dad wasn’t the easiest person to take care of, but my mother stoically took it all in her stride."

"I often walked the Gallery grounds alone…

I had to document the transformation process as I uncovered the stories behind (such as the existence of a secret passageway between the holding cells and the courtroom that was traversed only by guards and prisoners). Most people know little of the history behind these buildings because they were not accessible to the general public."

"This is the ‘People’s Gallery’…

I hope that visitors from near and far will come to learn more about Singapore’s history through these buildings. The National Gallery Singapore is a must-visit for all art enthusiasts and history buffs."

If Lim Shujuan inspires you, vote for her in The Most Inspiring Award here. You will stand a chance to win prizes worth up to $1,230!

The Great Women Of Our Time 2016 is presented by Skin Inc and co-sponsored by Swarovski.