Evelyn Lam Transitions from Journalism to Psychology Career

Veteran news presenter Evelyn Lam has announced her departure from Mediacorp after 17 years in journalism to pursue a career in psychology. On October 27, 2023, Lam shared her decision via Instagram, expressing her excitement for the new chapter ahead.

During her extensive career, Lam has anchored prime-time bulletins and reported on significant national events, including the General Elections and the Xi-Ma Summit. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and New Media from the National University of Singapore in 2008, she quickly became a familiar face in Chinese news and current affairs programming.

Reflecting on her last day at work, Lam described it as surreal. “I was just living in that moment, like, I’ve been doing this for 17 years, and it was going to be the last time. It felt surreal, but I thought, this is the end of a chapter. I’m taking a lot of memories with me,” she told 8days.sg on October 29, 2023, just before departing for a vacation in Bangkok.

Memorable Moments and Career Highlights

Her colleagues organized an emotional farewell filled with cakes, flowers, and heartfelt gifts to honor her contributions. Lam fondly recalled some of the standout moments in her career, including a memorable interview with Lee Hsien Loong, who was then Prime Minister. She admitted, “He used to be the scariest person to interview,” but over time, she developed a rapport with him.

One particularly cherished memory was a lighthearted segment she co-hosted with Kym Ng at the Istana. “That day, SM Lee was so on form. We chatted freely without any rehearsals or second takes. It was such good vibes, and a really great interview,” she said.

Among her most significant career experiences, Lam cites her involvement in the recent General Elections, where she hosted both polling night and nomination day broadcasts. Juggling this demanding role with her studies in psychotherapy proved to be a challenge. “I was scrambling with my classes, my assignments, and with work. That period was a challenge for me, but it was also very memorable,” she reflected.

A New Path in Psychology

Lam’s transition to a new career should not come as a surprise, considering her lifelong pursuit of learning. Throughout her journalism career, she completed various courses, including data analysis and even fashion design at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, driven by her interests.

Now, she is embarking on a path towards therapy work, emphasizing her long-standing interest in psychology. “I came across a course on hypnotherapy and decided to learn more – just out of curiosity, like a reporter would,” she explained. This curiosity evolved into a commitment to help others, leading her to obtain a diploma in psychotherapy. Hypnotherapy will be one of the modalities she incorporates into her practice.

Balancing her certification studies while covering election coverage and nightly news shifts was no easy task. “It took a lot of blood and tears,” Lam admitted. On days when she worked late, she would spend her mornings attending clinical hours and completing assignments.

As she prepares for this new chapter, Lam is taking her time to recharge. She plans to officially begin building her portfolio in January 2024 and will also pursue her master’s degree in psychology. “You need a master’s to be a psychologist, so I’ll be taking that next year. There’s so much continuous learning in this field and I don’t think I’ll be stopping [anytime soon],” she stated.

Evelyn Lam’s journey illustrates her adaptability and commitment to growth. After 17 years in journalism, she felt a strong desire for change. “Maybe it’s a midlife crisis but there was this sudden urge to just go ahead and give it a try,” she remarked with a smile, signaling her excitement for the future.