Monash University alumna named Young Melburnian of the Year 2025

Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne, Nicholas Reece and Dr Belle Lim

Monash University alumna and emerging leader, Dr Belle Lim, has been named Young Melburnian of the Year for 2025.

Dr Lim, a former international student from Malaysia, completed a Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Honours) through the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (FPPS) in 2018, and then went on to complete a PhD focused on breast cancer familial genetics, also through FPPS, in early 2022.

Since then, Dr Lim’s career has continued on an impressive trajectory cemented in a commitment to ensuring that diverse young people can lead, belong and shape the future of their communities and institutions.

One of the vehicles through which she is achieving this is Future Forte, an initiative founded by Dr Lim for international students to connect and feel empowered throughout their journey in Australia. The aim is to help position international students as future leaders in Australia - together the network helps to elevate profiles within local industries and create opportunities without limitations.

Dr Lim said she feels honoured to be named Young Melburnian of the Year.

“I share this acknowledgement with the many international students who contribute so much to this city. My journey has shown that when young people feel they belong, they can lead with confidence and help shape the future of their communities. Melbourne gave me that sense of possibility, and I’m committed to ensuring others experience the same.”

Dr Lim now serves as the Head of Cultural Diversity Engagement and Growth at the AFL, highlighting that a degree in a specific field like pharmaceutical sciences can lead to multi-layered career paths.

In 2024, Dr Lim also joined the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in the ‘Emerging Leader’ category.

During her time at Monash, Dr Lim was very involved in student representation. She started as a committee member of the Monash Parkville Postgraduate Association and the Women's Officer at the Council for International Students, and was eventually elected President, which meant she could be a voice for all international students studying in Australia.

“My years at Monash gave me the opportunity to shape who I am as a leader. There were so many pathways to represent students, champion equity and build meaningful networks.”

Further information on Melbourne Awards 2025 winners can be found here, through the City of Melbourne.