School of Pharmacy celebrates 15 years of excellence
What an unforgettable evening! Monash University Malaysia’s School of Pharmacy marked their 15th anniversary with a grand celebration on 27 September 2024. The event brought together an extraordinary group of over 120 guests, including alumni, advisory board members, industry partners, and dedicated staff members. The digital display highlighted the remarkable milestones achieved by the School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia over the past 15 years, offering guests an interactive journey through the School's rich history and accomplishments.
All the guests eagerly seized the opportunity to capture timeless moments.
The event saw lively speeches, heartfelt reflections and a look ahead at the exciting future for the school. Professor Dato' Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President & Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University Malaysia expressed her pride in the accomplishments of the school. She reflected on the school’s remarkable journey sharing heartfelt words. "It is quite a milestone to celebrate,” she remarked. “We here at Monash, of course, are very proud that the School of Pharmacy is the leading faculty not just here but in the world. After 15 years, we strive to be part of that centre of excellence in pharmacy and pharmacology in the world."
Professor Dato' Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman shares the remarkable milestones achieved by the School of Pharmacy.
The event then continued with reflections on the school’s early beginnings and its evolution into a leading institution. Professor Arthur Christopoulos, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Monash University, highlighted the school’s impressive growth starting with just 41 students in 2009 and expanding into a major player in pharmaceutical education and research. He outlined future ambitions, including the launch of new degree programs and ongoing efforts to strengthen research collaborations between the campuses in Malaysia and Australia. The school also aims to enhance opportunities for staff and student exchanges, with the goal of setting the school’s position as a global leader in pharmaceutical sciences.
Professor Arthur Christopoulos acknowledges the hard work of the founding members and faculty, emphasising the school's commitment to scientific knowledge and its role in healthcare.
Professor Shaun Wen Huey Lee, Head of the School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, shared his thoughts on the exciting future ahead for the school. He emphasised on the importance of collaboration and innovation in pushing the boundaries of pharmaceutical research and education. “As we think about the future, I think one of the biggest things that we have is a very supportive faculty who will support us in terms of education and research,” he stated.
“We’re going to be the best in the region and even beyond. I encourage our industry partners to come and work with us. We have the skills and expertise to tackle almost every therapeutic disease area, and we welcome collaboration.” he underscored the school’s commitment to forging strong partnerships that would enhance its impact and reach in the field of pharmacy.
Professor Shaun Wen Huey Lee encourages industry partners to take advantage of the school's expertise and resources to drive innovation and advance healthcare.
The event also welcomed alumni who returned to celebrate the school's impressive journey. Among them was Rowena Gan Xin Yi, a 2017 graduate and member of the fifth batch. When asked about her experience studying at the school and the key takeaways from her time here, Rowena said “For me, the takeaway is really the soft skills that you learn. Communication and presentation skills, working together as a team, even knowing where to look for information, these are crucial in my line of work. That helped me a lot, definitely.”
Recognised award recipients for their commitment for the school’s success.
The night also featured a special session to appreciate the founding pharmacy team for their invaluable contributions to the school. This heartfelt recognition reflects the school's commitment to honouring those who laid the groundwork for its success. As the evening progressed, the celebration evolved into a dynamic hub for networking, filled with laughter, meaningful conversations, and a shared sense of camaraderie that encapsulated the spirit of the event. It was evident that the spirit of collaboration and excellence continues to thrive, paving the way for a bright future.