Reflection from the class of 2025: James journey to a Pharmacy Graduate

21 April 2025

James Kong Shi Hao and his mother, Lee Li Ling.

Growing up in a single-parent home taught James to be more than just an independent child. It taught him to work hard, stay grounded, and never take an opportunity for granted.

For James, these lessons weren’t just part of his upbringing, but they became the foundation for everything he has so far pursued at Monash University Malaysia.

He may be a high achiever, from graduating with first-class honours in Pharmacy to securing a full-time job before graduation. But for James, it was never just about building a resume.

“Monash gave me the chance to push my limits in various ways,” he reflects. “It wasn’t just about learning in class, but discovering who I am and what I stand for.”

He explained that the journey through discovery happened mostly beyond lecture halls. James took the lead on a mental health initiative with Temasek Foundation Singapore and represented the School of Pharmacy in various projects. Working across disciplines and cultures, he sharpened his communication skills and emotional intelligence.

His internships at AstraZeneca and Sungai Long Specialist Hospital offered James a glimpse into both the scientific and strategic sides of pharmacy. “My path wasn’t a straight one but every experience, whether in business or medical affairs, gave me clarity and purpose,” he said.

According to James, participating in competitions became another platform to grow as a person. From earning a spot in the Monash Global Discovery Program in New York to excelling in the 180 Degrees x Accenture Future Consultant Competition and PharmCQ*, James challenged himself in unfamiliar settings.

“Those experiences helped me connect the dots as I realised that pharmacy, business, and leadership unite in powerful ways,” he shared.

Now, as a Provisionally Registered Pharmacist at Sunway Medical Centre, James steps into the next phase of his journey with confidence. But he’s never forgotten where it all started or who helped get him here.

“It was definitely a challenge for my mum to fund my education,” he says. “Her determination to get me a top-notch education has been nothing short of inspiring. Despite the financial hardship, she never once made me feel like I had to give up on my dreams.”

There were times when balancing tuition fees, living costs, and the pressure of academics felt overwhelming. But his mom kept going for the both of them.

“Her resilience became my anchor,” he says. “This achievement is not mine alone but it belongs to her too, the woman who gave everything so I could have a better future.”

James leaves Monash University Malaysia not only with a degree, but with something even more than that: strength, gratitude, and a purpose.