TOYP Singapore 2017

Dr Lim Xin Hong

Honouree · Medical Innovation

Year

2017

Biography

Dr Lim Xinhong (often written as Lim Xin Hong) is a Singaporean stem cell and skin biology scientist whose work focuses on harnessing skin stem cells for regenerative medicine and next‑generation skin therapeutics. He is a Principal Investigator at ASTAR’s skin research programmes (formerly Institute of Medical Biology, now ASTAR Skin Research Labs) and an Adjunct Assistant Professor with the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and Duke‑NUS Medical School. His lab studies how skin stem cells control common conditions such as acne, oily skin and hair loss, and how to grow more realistic “mini‑organ” skin in the lab, complete with hair follicles and sebaceous glands.

Achievements

JCI Singapore TOYP Honouree – Medical Innovation (2017), recognised for pioneering work in skin stem cell biology and translating it into potential therapeutics and evidence‑based skincare.
Singapore National Academy of Science Young Scientist Award (2016) for outstanding contributions to stem cell and skin biology.
Secured more than S$31 million in competitive research funding from government and industry for his skin stem cell and regenerative medicine projects.
Published highly cited papers in top journals including Nature and Science, with nearly 2,800 citations and expertise spanning stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, skin biology and Wnt signalling.
Led work to grow skin in vitro with “mini‑organs” such as hair follicles and sebaceous glands, aiming to create grafts that can sweat, grow hair and more closely mimic normal human skin — a potential world first if fully realised.
Serves as faculty/expert for programmes like the International Science Youth Forum @ Singapore, engaging and inspiring young scientists from around the world.
Career highlighted by A*STAR as spanning cutting‑edge stem cell research, venture capital and national‑scale urban development projects, reflecting an unusually interdisciplinary path.

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