Renowned ophthalmologist and scholar, philanthropist and fund-raiser extraordinaire – Professor Arthur Lim stands out as an alumni leader who has given generously of his time, passion and talent in the service of his alma mater and society.

Professor Lim graduated with the degree of MBBS from the University of Malaya in 1956. He proceeded to specialize in ophthalmology and was the first Singaporean to obtain the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of London in 1962.

Since graduation, Professor Lim has been very active in leadership roles in the Alumni Association, the University's oldest alumni group. He is the current President, having served in this capacity twice in the 1990s.

As a leading ophthalmologist with a strong international reputation, Professor Lim has a long-standing passion and interest in the education of medical students as well as future generations of eye doctors in Singapore and beyond. He has played a pivotal role in medical education and practice not only through his appointments as Clinical Professor and Head of NUS' Department of Ophthalmology but also through his publications. His book, The Colour Atlas of Ophthalmology, which has gone through several editions and translations into eight languages, placed Asian ophthalmology on the world map. As the Founding Director of the Singapore National Eye Centre, Professor Lim steered it to become one of the world's leading eye centres.

Professor Lim has been unflagging in giving and raising hundreds of millions of dollars in financial support for the University. His tireless energy and commitment as the Chairman of the Universities Endowment Fund and later, the NUS Endowment Fund, put it on a solid footing, even exceeding the original targets that were set. He has also donated precious artworks from his personal collection to NUS.

In recognition of his exceptional achievements in advancing the interests and raising the standing of his alma mater, NUS is proud to present an inaugural NUS Distinguished Alumni Service Award to Professor Arthur Lim Siew Ming.