Melissa Lim Mae Lyn’s birth on the Summer Solstice feels prophetic. 20 June is, after all, the longest day in our calendars where summer basks in its full glory, making it the official happiest day of the year. What could be a better date than this to announce the beginning of a charmed life? Melissa, whose philanthropic endeavours began with a youthful Legal Aid position at UNHCR, reminds us that 20 June is also World Refugee Day. “What are the odds, right? It’s God’s way of saying, ‘hint-hint we’re all here for a purpose!’”
Living a purposeful life is clearly one of Melissa’s main goals. Throughout the course of our conversations, the word ‘use’ often crops up, underscoring the notion that being of service is essential for her. Sifting through her lived life this is endlessly expressed, be it through a creative approach to problem solving for her clients as a lawyer and entrepreneur, dedication to charitable acts, or even devotion to providing her toddler son, Mason, with the best start in life. Most charmingly, it is woven into the fibre of her being as she adopts a sunny disposition and speaks with a contagious warmth that inclines those in her immediate radius towards positivity.
Melissa shares her favourite quote from American poet and playwright T.S. Eliot as an inspiration for her life’s modus operandi: “To do the useful thing, to say the courageous thing, to contemplate the beautiful thing: that is enough for one man’s life.” In a world where we are inundated with motivational messaging constantly flashing across our screens, only to flit out the information saturated mind, Melissa has taken the time to philosophise on the essence of Eliot’s words—to her at least. I ask if there are any more quotes that have driven her as keenly?
She replies with a twinkling smile, “You should always go the extra mile. It’s not crowded there.”
ORIGIN STORIES
This story is from the November 2024 edition of Prestige Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2024 edition of Prestige Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FEELING NEAT
The Balvenie 30 combines traditional techniques with rich, layered flavours, offering a refined quaff for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
CROWNED AS KING
King Living brings home the gold with a double victory at the 2024 Australian Good Design Awards.
ART DECO DREAMS
Khoon Hooi and PRESTIGE hosted an exclusive afternoon tea unveiling the eponymous designer's Art Deco-inspired collection, where guests embraced couture in anticipation of the PRESTIGE KL Ball.
MYTH OF THE MAN
In dedication to his late mother, Myth: Evolution’ takes us through the personal and professional journey of Dato’ Sri Bernard Chandran through the vision of the dragon.
GREEN IS THE WARMEST COLOUR
From green initiatives to mythical beast-imbued writing instruments, our eclectic list of toys is sure to usher in the end-of-year cheer.
FOOD AWAKENING
From shopping sprees to setting off for Sabah and savouring some weekend hotel dining, it looks like food lovers are in for a busy month ahead.
AUTUMN JAUNTS
From deep waters off the coast of Singapore to the racetracks of Dubai, our travel recommendations for November ensures diversity in choice, and excitement in the experience.
REDEFININING URBAN LIVING
Sustainability, safety, and style come together in the innovative Swedish marque's latest all-electric compact SUV, designed for the modern city dweller.
PORT OF CALL
During the last week of September every year, the action in the Mediterranean’s glamorous enclave of Monte Carlo shifts to the famous Port Hercules for the annual Monaco Yacht Show, allowing visitors a glimpse of some of the finest yacht launches.
THE FIRST WAVES
From backstage interviews to KL cuisine under the Johor sun, the Ombak Festival's debut made its mark.
