Dr. Freda Lim leads the Strategic Planning unit within the Science and Engineering Research Directorate at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). With a robust background in Computational Chemistry, Freda's journey has been one of continuous exploration and innovation. From 2007 to 2022, Freda dedicated herself to research at the Institute of High Performance Computing. During this time, she championed applied and translational research within the Materials Science and Chemistry department. Her expertise lay in employing computational methods to unravel the mysteries of diverse materials systems, ranging from semiconductor surfaces to catalysts and soft matter. Freda also played a pivotal role in spearheading industry collaborations with Consumer Care companies, unravelling the intricate molecular interactions of care formulations with hair and skin surfaces. Drawing upon her extensive research foundation and experience in research department planning and operations, Freda embraced a new challenge in the Strategic Planning unit in 2023. In her current role, she leads her team to support the development of strategic plans, conduct data analysis, and align objectives of research institutes to fulfil the missions of the Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC) in A*STAR. Her adeptness in stakeholder management and engagement serves as a bridge connecting the research institutes and research councils across A*STAR. Moreover, her collaborative spirit extends to fostering relationships with other agencies within the ecosystem. With a blend of scientific acumen and strategic vision, Freda continues to contribute towards new frontiers of discovery and innovation in A*STAR beyond research.