From Policy to Practice: HR & Operations in Action

Mini-Workshop
Friday, January 22, 2027 | 2:50-6:15PM

Gain practical insights into how schools can translate HR, operations, and facilities policies into consistent daily practices that support accountability, efficiency, compliance, and a positive workplace culture.

Facilitator‍ ‍

Lydia Lim

Bursar
Hiba Academy Shanghai

From financial governance to school start-up, Lydia Lim has spent more than 25 years turning financial complexity into stronger, more sustainable educational institutions.

A Chartered Accountant by training, Lydia has held bursar roles across Wellington College International Shanghai and Hiba Academy Shanghai. She is currently Bursar of Hiba Academy Shanghai, following earlier operational leadership roles supporting both schools.

Lydia has helped establish a K–12 school from inception, building the financial, operational and governance foundations required for sustainable growth. Her experience includes supporting the development of a school community serving more than 1,400 students and contributing to more than 50% growth in operating income over five years.

Her work is rooted in responsible stewardship rather than profit maximisation: aligning resources, systems and financial decisions with educational purpose, student experience and long-term institutional resilience.

Driven by the belief that excellent schools start with a deep understanding of people, Lydia brings practical experience in governance, sustainability, finance and operations across leading international and bilingual school environments in China. Expect no theory-only slides - just tested, practical strategies from someone who has helped build the systems, controls and culture that enable schools to thrive.