Employee Spotlight • Meet: Sharilyn

I am Lim Pei Yun Sharilyn, currently a Manufacturing Manager for Suite 1 at the Singapore Woodlands Site. I started my career here in 2011, back in those days we were still Baxter Bioscience before spinning off as Baxalta, followed by Shire and to date, Takeda.

What has your career journey with Takeda been so far? 

It has been a ROLLER COASTER RIDE! There were many ups, downs, and challenges along the way.

It was my second job, fresh out of a school Diploma in Biotechnology from Singapore Polytechnic - as a Senior Associate (Manufacturing Documentation) for two years before I switched to the ‘dark side' as a Senior Associate Engineer in Suite 2 in 2013. Back then that was the name for a Biotechnologist.

It was an exciting period as the plant was in the commissioning phase and I was proud to be part of the team. I then progressed through the ranks to Team Lead and Supervisor and was promoted to Suite 1 Manager in 2021.

I decided to make the switch to Biotechnologist as it was relevant to my studies. For people who know me well, I cannot sit still for too long and I am constantly looking to challenge myself to get out of my comfort zone.

Switching from Documentation to Manufacturing, meant I handled many more tools! Then transitioning from a Biotechnologist to Management, I had to learn to identify the uniqueness of each Biotechnologist I was managing to harness their strengths and knowledge to make a good team.

The challenge? Moving from Suite 2 to Suite 1, I must memorize 61 names and faces.

What about your role do you find the most rewarding?

Back in those Biotechnologist days, it was an exciting time for me as I got to handle more tools and see how my daily work produced essential drugs for helping patients.

Transiting from a Biotechnologist into Management, I had to learn to identify the uniqueness of each Biotechnologist I was managing to harness their strengths and knowledge and help them become a good team.

I find it most rewarding to see how these Biotechnologists have grown in their career over the years.

What is your biggest achievement so far?

Many would have thought that Manufacturing Leadership is a male-dominated environment, I have shown that it's not about gender, but capabilities.

Who has helped you in your career and how?

I have had very good leaders that have helped me in my career. They continuously checked in with me on my development goals and what I wanted to achieve in my career.

They are also the ones that gave me opportunities to work cross-functionally and go beyond my comfort zone.

When others ask, how do you describe what it’s like to work for Takeda?

Supportive!

We have a common goal as a site, and though we have different perspectives due to our work nature, we will always come together to make a decision that works best to achieve our goals.

How do you balance your personal interests and obligations outside of work? Do you have some tips to share with others on improving work-life balance?

My main interests are kayaking and traveling! Weekends are set aside to go on kayaking expeditions and leave will be pre-planned to travel around the world.

Switch your work communications off during your leave. I used to be very insecure if I was not aware of what was happening at work but I realized I became burnt out.

By switching off work notifications and enjoying time away from work, I can come back with a clearer mind.