Adjunct Associate Professor Lim Poh Lian

A/Prof Lim Poh Lian leads the Biorisk Management focus area at the Asia Centre for Health Security (ACHS), spearheading initiatives to strengthen biothreat preparedness across Asia. Recognising that biological threats whether arising from natural outbreaks, laboratory accidents, or deliberate releases can escalate into global catastrophic biological risks (GCBR), her work addresses the distinct challenges Asia faces, such as urban density and socio-economic vulnerabilities. Through webinars, workshops, and research, she raises awareness and builds capacity to tackle the complex interplay of emerging technologies, cyber threats, disinformation, and geopolitical shifts.

Central to her efforts is the ACHS Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity Workshop, introduced in 2024 as a flagship initiative to address critical gaps and provide updates in laboratory safety and biosecurity. The workshop fosters networking and engagement with senior-level experts, facilitating meaningful discussions on challenges and resources to enhance laboratory safety, and managing high-level isolation pathogens across diverse laboratory settings. Tailored to Asian contexts, these workshops equip governments and institutions with practical, actionable strategies to strengthen biosafety and risk communication frameworks.

As the Director for the ACHS Fellowship Program, A/Prof Lim is committed to cultivating the next generation of leaders in biothreat preparedness. By engaging with partners across diverse sectors and disciplines, she champions a collaborative regional approach to biosecurity, ensuring Asia’s resilience against both current and emerging biological threats.