Dr Ernest Lim is Dean of the Faculty of Performing Arts at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), University of the Arts Singapore (UAS).
An educator and cultural leader, he is committed to advancing accessible, high-quality arts education. He views the performing arts as both refined in excellence and participatory in spirit, connecting people across cultures and generations.
At NAFA, he oversees the Schools of Music, Dance, and Theatre, fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue and creative synergy among artists and educators. His leadership has guided flagship programmes including the BMus (Hons) joint degree with the Royal College of Music (London), the BEd (Hons) in Instrumental and Vocal Teaching, the Master of Performance, and the BA (Hons) Contemporary Chinese Theatres — positioning NAFA as a hub for innovation and intercultural exchange.
He has played a key role in the RCM-NAFA Programme Management Committee, leading the expansion of the partnership with the Royal College of Music (London) from undergraduate to postgraduate levels. He also co-founded the Nanyang International Music Competition, creating a platform that nurtures young musicians across Asia, and chairs the ASEAN-China Arts Colleges Alliance (ACACA), which promotes collaboration among arts institutions across the region.
His institution-building efforts extend across Asia and beyond, fostering collaborations with the Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing), Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, ISI Yogyakarta (Indonesia), and cultural organisations such as the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Zuni Icosahedron, Voices of Singapore, and Arts House Group.
His research focuses on intercultural studies, pedagogy, and curriculum design. Published in the International Journal of Music Education and Education Sciences, he has presented at ISME, APSMER, SEADOM, NACTA, the Belt and Road Music Education Alliance (CCOM Beijing), and the Boao Forum for Asia, sharing insights on arts education and cultural leadership in a changing world.