In an inspiring tale of dedication and passion, Singaporean Robert Sim has been honored with the prestigious Wikimedian of the Year award, a testament to his unwavering commitment to improving the world’s largest encyclopedia.

A Humble Beginning with a Powerful Impact

It all started in 2006, when a teenage Sim clicked the ‘edit’ button on Wikipedia, merely correcting typos and broken links. Fast forward nearly two decades, and this 37-year-old digital analytics consultant has impressively completed over 79,000 edits!

Recognition at an International Stage

The honors were presented by none other than Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales during the annual Wikimania event in Nairobi, Kenya, on August 6. Sim described the moment as ‘surreal’, admitting he never imagined he’d be recognized in such a way.

Reviving Singapore's Digital Heritage

Sim’s journey took a serious turn in 2019 when he noticed that many articles related to Singapore were outdated and lacking depth. His standout achievement? Revamping the "Index of Singapore-related articles"—a task he initially expected to yield 7,000 articles but unexpectedly revealed over 11,000, propelling Singapore’s Wikipedia community into action.

Building a Community of Contributors

Beyond his edits, Sim co-founded the Wikimedians of Singapore User Group, facilitating gatherings for local editors, and played a vital role in orchestrating the Wikimania conference in Singapore in 2023. As an administrator for English Wikipedia, he joins a select group of 837.

An Editor with a Heart for Advocacy

Among his contributions, one that captivated him was the page for K-pop star Goo Hara. Following her tragic passing in 2019, Sim committed two years to enrich her article, transforming it into a ‘Good Article’—a mark of quality and accuracy.

Championing Knowledge and Encouraging New Editors

Sim believes Wikipedia serves as a vital informational resource, acting as an initial touchpoint for countless users today. However, he emphasizes that many remain unaware of its volunteer-driven nature.

"You mean we can edit on Wikipedia?" is a common response he encounters. His message is clear: the more contributors involved, the richer and more accurate the information will be.

A Call to Action for Aspiring Contributors

For those looking to join the Wikipedia movement, Sim encourages starting small—fixing mistakes when spotted. Additionally, individuals can contribute by uploading freely usable images to Wikimedia Commons, enhancing articles with visuals.

Singapore’s Growing Digital Footprint

In recent statistics, Singapore has ranked as the eighth highest country for English Wikipedia page views globally. With over 101 million views in July alone, the tiny nation showcases its growing presence in the vast digital landscape.

As we celebrate Robert Sim’s incredible achievements, it’s a reminder of how one person’s passion can inspire others and drive significant change in the world of knowledge sharing.