Singapore’s Leading and Most Sought-After Photography Trainer – ALAN LIM

Meet Alan Lim

Over the years, Alan has taught numerous students both locally and internationally, and mentored photographers—some of whom have gone on to win awards.

As an international award-winning photographer himself, Alan’s approach to teaching is fun, refreshing, and inspiring. He is known among his students as an engaging instructor with a deep passion for the craft.

His ability to simplify complex technical concepts, combined with his generosity in sharing decades of professional experience, makes his teaching both invaluable and highly effective.

Teaching Philosophy

A belief that nothing is impossible has shaped Alan Lim into a photographer who consistently visualizes ideas in fresh and exciting ways.

Brimming with creative energy—especially in visual communication and photography—he sees a blank page as a canvas of endless possibility.

Experience & Background

Early Career in Photojournalism

Alan began his photography career after graduating from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, USA, in 1995. He initially joined a commercial photography studio, but quickly realised the pace wasn’t for him. Drawn to the immediacy and visual impact of storytelling, he joined The Straits Times in 1997, Singapore’s leading English-language broadsheet.

During his time at the paper, he produced cover stories, celebrity portraits, and documentaries that earned him numerous local and international awards—including the Lucie Awards, Nikon Photojournalism Award, and WAN-IFRA.

Over the next 12 years, Alan rose to become the paper’s most sought-after feature photographer and was promoted to Senior Executive Photographer.

A Creative Shift

In 2009, Alan left The Straits Times to focus on his creative vision. He founded Alan Lim Studio, turning his long-held philosophy—“a blank page as a canvas for all possibilities”—into action.

That same year, he was awarded a career milestone: commissioned by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to conceptualize and photograph a series of portraits. A few years earlier, he had also photographed the late Lee Kuan Yew for his memoir.

Educator & Studio Founder

In early 2010, Alan founded the School of Photography Singapore to share his experience and knowledge with photography lovers from all walks of life.

As a photography mentor and educator, his goal is simple: to broaden photography culture and pass down his knowledge to anyone who embraces the craft.

By the end of 2012, total enrollment in his courses had reached an estimated 2,500 students from all over the world.

National Collaborations & Creative Recognition

In 2014, Alan was appointed by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) as the IP Creative Partner in Photography, to help broaden public awareness of copyright protection in photography.

In 2015, he was selected to produce three significant publications to celebrate Singapore’s 50th year of independence:

- Not Born in Singapore- NUS Law
- Design District Singapore- Alan’s Street Photography showcase
- From Clementi to Carnegie- Siow Lee Chin’s memoir

Explore Alan’s personal and conceptual photography work at : www.alanlimstudio.com

Professional Milestones:

2009 – Alan Lim Studio
2010 – School of Photography Singapore

Published Books:

2015 – Design District Singapore, Red Dot Design
2015 – Not Born in Singapore, National University of Law
2015 – From Clementi to Carnegie, Siow Lee Chin
2012 – Reliving ITE’s Transformation, ITE
2005 – To Singapore with Love
2004 – Shaping Singapore, Urban Redevelopment Authority
2003 – Positive/Negatives, The Straits Times
2002 – Got Singapore, Richard Lim

Awards & Recognition:

2018 – Lucie Awards, International Photographer Awards
2015 – Monochrome Awards
2013 – Amazing Cambodia Photo Competition
2007 – IFRA, Feature Photographer of the Year
2005 – Lucie Awards, International Photographer of the Year
2000 – Nikon Photojournalism Contest

Exhibitions:

2016 – Tell-tale Lines @The Substation and German Center
2015 – Design District Singapore @Red Dot Museum
2015 – Myanmar’s Dreams @ION Art Gallery
2014 – Singapore Street Photography @IPOS
2011 – Walk with Me @School of Photography Singapore
2002 – 759 @MICA

Mentorship & Judging:

PUB- My Take on Water
SNCF- Co-op Hot Shots
SLA- Celebrating Places and Memories
SNCF- Co-op Hot Shots
Asian Environmental Journalism Awards
The New Paper- The Big Picture Photo Contest
Snaptreats Photo Contest
The New Paper- The Big Picture Photo Contest
Big Shot
Citigold Photo Contest
Freshness for Life Photo Contest
Point & Shoot Photo Contest
AVA Pet for Life Photo Competition
AJCC, My Home, My Town Photo Competition
Crow Bar Award
Canon Photo Marathon Competition

Media & TV Projects:

SupermodelMe – Guest Photographer
Big Shot – Photographer Mentor

Community & Charities Work:

Art & Hope
Make The Change
Yayasan Kasih Peduli Anak Foundation
Green Gecko Foundation
American Women’s Association
Baobei Global Concern
Red Cross Japan Tsunami Relief
The Straits Times School Pocket Money

Brand Ambassador Roles:

Brilliant Prints Singapore
Nikon Singapore
Intellectual Property Office of Singapore

Some Talks & Guest Speaking Highlights:

National University of Singapore
The Straits Times
United States Embassy
Health Sciences Authority
Bank of Singapore
People Association of Singapore
Singapore Arm Forces
Singapore Police Force
United World College
American Club
ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office
Special Olympics Asia Pacific
Nanyang Technological University
Raffles Hospital
Singapore International Foundation
National Academy of Fine Arts
MediaCorp
Leica Singapore
SLA Celebrating Places and Memories Photo Talk
Visual Asia Expo
Manfrotto
Intellectual Property Office of Singapore
Nikon Singapore
Leica & World Gourmet Summit
Citibank Gold Class
Chatsworth Mediart Academy
Wildlife Reserves Singapore
British American Tobacco
Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports
Microsoft Singapore
Yahoo! Singapore
National Library Boards, Singapore
Shell Petroleum International
Far East Organizations
Saint Joseph Institute
Australian International School
Ministry of Education
Samsung Singapore