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Johnny Lim makes history as nation's first three-star general of Chinese descent
KUALA LUMPUR: Major-General Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng has made history by becoming the first Chinese senior officer from the armed forces to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General.
The Melaka-born officer received his third star yesterday, in a ceremony officiated by Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar and witnessed by the armed forces' service chiefs.
Reflecting on his promotion, Lim said he was proud to represent the Chinese and Baba Peranakan communities.
"I have served the country for 41 years. It is a testimony that if one works hard and sacrifices for the country, one can surely succeed.
"There is no greater honour than to serve our beloved country with my fellow countrymen and women," he told the New Straits Times when contacted.
Lim received his early education at St Francis Primary School in Melaka from 1973 to 1978, and continued at St Francis Secondary School until 1983.
He later joined the 25th Regular Commissioning Course (TJT 25), trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and was commissioned into the Royal Ranger Regiment.
"Being selected to undergo further military training at Sandhurst in 1985 and graduating in 1986 shaped my leadership skills and discipline," he said.
Lim also said that winning the Strategic Prize in Queenscliff, Australia, in 2000, commanding the Australian contingent in a Beating the Retreat parade, and leading troops as a brigade commander in Sibu, Sarawak, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic were some of the defining moments in his career.
Sharing his message to young Malaysians, Lim said a career in the armed forces offers experiences that go far beyond material rewards.
"It is a noble profession. The camaraderie and unity we build, regardless of race, are priceless. We form lifelong bonds, face danger together, and find strength in shared challenges and esprit de corps," he said.
