Page 64 - NYAA GAHA 30th Anniversary "Service Beyond Gold"

Jeremy Lim Hon Lee

Founder, Omoten LLP

Writer and Motivational Speaker
NYAA Gold Award Holder (2009 Cohort)

Jeremy Lim Hon Lee is an inspiring figure whose life to education. In 2013, he won first prize at the
story embodies courage, resilience, and service. Born Japanese Speech Contest organised by the Japanese
with brittle bone disease (Osteogenesis Imperfecta), Association of Singapore.
Jeremy has endured a lifetime of pain and fractures
yet transformed adversity into purpose. Wheelchair- His resilience was recognised globally when he
bound but never constrained in spirit, he has become was selected as a torchbearer for the Tokyo 2020
a mentor, teacher, and voice of hope for countless Paralympics. Though unable to participate due to
individuals. pandemic restrictions, the honour symbolised his
enduring spirit.
Jeremy’s journey of service began at age 11 when
he was appointed Young Ambassador of the NKF Jeremy’s most profound battle came in 2024, when a
Children’s Medical Fund, representing children deteriorating heart valve threatened his life. Despite
with medical challenges and raising awareness immense surgical risks due to his condition, he
nationwide. Soon after, he became a columnist for underwent a successful open-heart operation under
TODAY newspaper, writing for over three years on Dr Theodore Kofidis and team. Emerging stronger,
issues close to his heart. His words inspired thousands Jeremy credits his survival not only to medical
and positioned him as one of Singapore’s youngest expertise but also to the resilience and perseverance
public voices. instilled in him through NYAA.

Before turning 21, Jeremy published his In 2025, Jeremy founded Omoten LLP, an e-commerce
autobiography, ‘Beyond Bone Breaking’, with a startup focused on Japanese popular culture
foreword by President S R Nathan. The book became merchandise, blending entrepreneurship with his
an international bestseller at Kinokuniya and offered love for cross-cultural connections.
readers lessons in resilience and hope. His life story
has since been featured in newspapers, magazines, For Jeremy, true leadership is measured not in
documentaries, and even school textbooks, accolades but in life, he has touched students who
amplifying his role as a national inspiration. gained confidence, families who found reassurance,
and communities strengthened by his courage.
An accomplished scholar, Jeremy pursued his passion His flame of resilience continues to burn bright,
for Japanese Studies at the National University of exemplifying the GAHA spirit of ‘Service Beyond
Singapore, excelling as a tutor where he empowered Gold.’
students with both knowledge and encouragement.
He earned three Graduate Student Teaching Awards
and a place on the Honour Roll for his dedication

62 30 Years of Service and Leadership