Remembering Dr Lim Boo Liat (1926–2020)

Written by Kelvin K. P. Lim

I became acquainted with Dr Lim Boo Liat in the early 1980s through his books and articles in magazines such as Malayan Nature Journal and Nature Malaysiana. I got to know him in person somewhere in the late 1980s or early 1990s during a trip up to Kuala Lumpur. Since then, I have visited the affable man in Cheras near Kuala Lumpur many times, with various different colleagues and friends. A couple of times we would stay over in his house and he would tell us stories late into the night. These were stories about his life and work. Accounts of his struggles to survive during the Second World War, and life in Malaysia. These also include his experiences during his long and illustrious career at the Institute of Medical Research (IMR) where he contributed, or helped to contribute, important scientific finds in the field of parasitology. Studying parasites meant that he would have accumulated intimate knowledge about their hosts, and he was also renowned for his expertise in mammals and herpetofauna. Dr Lim credited much of his academic success to the mentorship of Dr John Harrison. Something which he had never forgotten, and was always brought up during conversations.

Lifelong dedication to research

Dr Lim has recorded most of his observations and findings in numerous articles in scientific journals and publications for the laymen. ‘You must publish, publish, publish…’ he had urged, every time I saw him. Dr Lim believed in helping students and researchers, regardless of gender, ethnic group or nationality. He helped open doors, removed obstacles and facilitated networking and collaboration. Even though he was always ready to share his experiences and knowledge, I have never found him boasting about his achievements, or pretending to know things. He acknowledged that he did not know much, and he that could learn a lot more from the younger generations.

During his career at IMR, and from consultation work during his retirement, Dr Lim has amassed an incredible amount of animal specimens. Most of these are stored at IMR and Perhilitan (Malaysian Wildlife Department). They are valuable reference material with historical value. He would have liked these specimens to be accessible reference to everyone in the scientific community. Back when Singapore was part of Malaya, some specimens collected by Dr Lim were deposited at the Raffles Museum, and these were inherited by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. His specimens were expertly prepared and beautifully preserved. Just look at these rats (picture above).

A long-time ally

Dr Lim may not have any direct collaboration with the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, but we have always held him in high regard as a friend and respected expert in Malayan fauna. It was a joy to have him grace events marking milestones in the history of the museum. We were delighted that he made special effort to attend the official opening of our new building in April 2015, and could ‘reconnect’ with some of the specimens he had contributed (picture above).

He also met up with some of his former colleagues, such as the late Mr Eric Alfred (right), ichthyologist and former Director of the Raffles Museum (presently the National Museum of Singapore and the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum).

Dr Lim Boo Liat has lived a long, fruitful and fascinating life. For his academic achievements, publications and good international reputation, the man is considered a legend and a great inspiration among naturalists in Southeast Asia. To me, his hospitality, generosity and humility are even more remarkable and noteworthy.

Kelvin K. P. Lim

Curator of vertebrates

Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum