Outstanding Member Awardee 2025
Grace Seow’s SAAP Journey • Future-Ready •
Inspiring Excellence • Elevating the Profession
Grace Seow
Outstanding Member 2025
SAAP: Grace, looking back to when you first joined SAAP, what drew you to the association and what made you stay committed all these years?
A Journey of Purpose, Service, and Professional Excellence
Looking back to the moment I first received my Fellowship with SAAP, it remains a true milestone in my journey. To this day, I still remember the phone call from Josephine Kwan (current Advisor), who reached out on behalf of SAAP to share the news that my membership had been accepted. It was a moment filled with honour, gratitude, and a deep sense of affirmation; one I will always carry with me.
SAAP had influenced my professional identity in several powerful ways:
SAAP is a place where belonging turns into pride, and where collective strength transforms into progress.
Teo Ser Cher
Advisor
You joined SAAP in 1987, when the association was still known as SAPES. What first motivated you to become a member and what drew you to stay committed over the years?
I joined SAAP back in 1987, when it was still known as SAPES. Starting out as a “Girl Friday”, I was eager to learn, grow and connect with others who understood the challenges and importance of our profession. The association offered exactly that – a supportive community where I could network, share experiences, gain new skills and feel part of something bigger than myself.
What advice would you give to new members joining SAAP for the first time?
My advice to new members joining SAAP is to embrace every opportunity to connect, learn and grow. SAAP is more than just an association – it is a community where friendships are built, knowledge is shared, and members support one another both professionally and personally. Get involved early, whether by attending events, volunteering, or reaching out to fellow members. These experiences will deepen your understanding of the profession and help you form bonds that last a lifetime. Most importantly, keep an open mind and learn from others – every member brings unique perspectives and value
First of all, what inspired you to join SAAP, and what drew you to the community?
SAAP stood out as a place where administrative professionals are genuinely valued — not just for what we do, but for the impact we make. The community felt warm, encouraging, and refreshingly real.
You stepped into the Professional Development Chair role shortly after joining SAAP. What motivated you to take on such a key leadership position so quickly?
I was gently persuaded – and once I saw how closely the role aligned with my interests, it was an easy yes.
What inspired you to join SAAP in the early days of your career as an Admin Professional?
I was attracted to the opportunity to learn from members with diverse backgrounds and experiences within the administration community.
Upon relocating to Singapore from Hong Kong in the early 1990s, I viewed SAAP as an association that represented my profession and offered avenues for personal growth while enabling me to contribute to the community. (SAAP was previously known as SAPES from 1971 to April 2006.) I decided to join SAPES as a Fellow Member in February 2006, after establishing myself and ensuring my children were well-settled.
How do you continue to support and guide the new council team in your advisory role?
As an Advisor, I consistently assist and guide the new council members, acting as a reliable resource whenever they seek advice. My goal is to help them gain the clarity, background, and self-assurance necessary for making well-informed decisions independently.
“Kindness is a boomerang – it always comes back.”
Sim Siew Gek
SAAP President
You’ve been a member for many years and served multiple terms as President. What has kept you committed to SAAP all this time?
It’s the people. Every council term brings a new mix of members with different strengths and personalities. We may not always agree, but we work through our differences with respect and teamwork. The learning along the way has been rewarding, and the friendships formed have lasted through the years..
As President, what is your current vision, mission, or direction for SAAP moving forward into its 55th year and beyond?
My vision is to make SAAP ready for the future — more digital, more connected, and more inclusive. I hope we can attract younger members, bring in new learning opportunities, and continue to be a trusted platform for all admin professionals in Singapore.
Ms Nur Diyana, PR Chairman of SAAP, received The Woman of Today 2024 (Wanita Hari Ini 2024) Award organized by Women’s Empowerment Singapore (WES) on 24 Feb 2024.
Women of today are for individuals who have made significant achievements in both career and as a whole. SHE believes, she supports and inspires many, with her Kindness and Perseverance she builds her own Systems Where she proves that Women get stronger when they support one another.
Past Management Council Member Ranjana Rajwani was among the top 10 Finalists of the EA Award 2017.
