Yong Ming Lim: Navigating pathways to access

Yong Ming Lim has carved out a meaningful niche at the intersection of science, regulation and public health. As a Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate at Vaxxas, a Brisbane-based biotechnology company, Yong Ming is playing a pivotal role in bringing needle-free vaccine delivery technologies to market.

Vaxxas is known for its world-leading high-density microarray patch technology—based on research from The University of Queensland—that delivers vaccines to the skin without the need for traditional needles. From start-up beginnings in 2011, the company now boasts over 160 staff and opened its first manufacturing facility in 2023.

It’s an exciting time, and Yong Ming is at the forefront of the company’s efforts to secure regulatory approvals for its product from agencies such as the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.

“My role is about helping our products reach people,” he explains. “That means ensuring compliance with international regulations and preparing the submissions that ultimately allow market access.”

A career in compliance and change

For Yong Ming, the regulatory environment is dynamic and constantly evolving—and that’s exactly what makes it fulfilling. A highlight of his career has been developing and implementing regulatory strategies during the major overhaul of the EU’s medical device regulations that began in 2017.

“The update to European regulations expanded requirements significantly and has reshaped how plans for market entry are designed and developed throughout the industry. At the time it was challenging, but also an opportunity to be a part of shaping a forward-looking approach.”

With a background in medical devices, Yong Ming thrives in the balance between scientific rigour and business pragmatism.

“I help demonstrate safety and effectiveness using scientific data, but I’m also thinking about how we can get these products to market efficiently and responsibly to make a difference to the end user.”

Where science meets access

The work Yong Ming does sits at the confluence of scientific innovation and commercial application.

“Ultimately, my contribution is about ensuring people can access safe, clinically beneficial medical treatments.”

He sees himself as part of the wider global biotech ecosystem—one where regulatory professionals are essential translators between innovation and impact.

What’s exciting, what’s next?

In terms of biotech’s biggest breakthroughs, Yong Ming singles out genetic therapies and CRISPR as game-changers. But he’s also excited by what’s happening closer to home. “The use of mRNA in vaccination has been transformative, and we’re seeing its impact right now at Vaxxas with promising early results from the use of Vaxxas’ HD-MAP technology to deliver mRNA vaccines.”

He believes biotech innovation is always critical.

“Advancements in science improve lives and expand our collective knowledge. There’s never a moment when innovation isn’t needed.”

UQ memories and words of advice

Yong Ming’s academic foundations were laid at The University of Queensland, where he completed a Bachelor of Biotechnology with Honours in 2009 and a Doctor of Biotechnology in 2013. He remembers the product development plans embedded in the biotech program. “Those were fun,” he says. “And they gave valuable insight into business thinking and the many perspectives you need to consider in this field.”

To students considering a future in biotech, his advice is simple but powerful: “Keep an open mind. There are so many pathways you can take. I didn’t expect to end up in regulatory affairs, but looking back, the pieces all fit together. Stay flexible. That’s how you make the most of the opportunities that come your way.”