INTERVIEW 29
SciMy Interview (Part I): Dr. Lim Boo Liat interviewed by Dr. Lee Hooi Ling Dr. Lim Boo Liat is renowned in the zoology arena in Malaysia. He is currently an Honorary Advisor on Zoology for the Department of Wildlife and National Park (DWNP). He Sains Malaysia in 1977. Since 1953 to date, he has authored 302 scientific papers on small animals, reptile and amphibian ecology, rodent control and bio-medical studies (zoonotic diseases) associated with terrestrial vertebrates and
frog species from Johor, Malaysia [1].
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In 2013, he was one of the Merdeka Award recipients for his contribution to the of Malaysia biodiversity through scientific studies. This is a two-part interview where Dr. Lim an established zoologist in Malaysia. In the Lim’s humble beginning as a Lab Assistant at World World II (WWII) in 1947 to eventually being offered a Master of Science (MSc.) degree without having a formal Bachelor (BSc.) degree. Photo: Merdeka Award
Q1. Can you share with us what it was like growing up in Malaysia before the World War II (WWII)? Before WWII, the south of Klang where I grew up was a large kampung. Rubber and coconut were the main products. Cultivated farmlands, such as rice, vegetables, pineapples and fruit orchards were scattered all over, in urban and suburban areas. Basically Klang was an agricultural state with its forest still pristine. After my Form 2, I decided to terminate my studies as my parents were struggling to support my two sisters, a brother and myself in schooling. As such, I stayed away from class for two weeks to help out in a small plot of farm. At the end of the second week on a Saturday morning, three teachers (Mathematics - Mr. S. Sabapathy, English- Mr. N. Francis, Art - Mr. Wong Ah Fatt) came to my house and told my parents that they expected me to be at school the following morning at 8 am.
iSSUe 8 / JUne 2014
