Strengthening ties for a healthier future
From left: Dr Mahendran Sekar (Associate Professor at School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia), Dinesh Sangarran Ramachandram (Lecturer at School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia), Leong Seng Wang (Lecturer at School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia), Professor Stephen Boyle (Vice President (Education), Monash University Malaysia), Eric Kiu Kwong Seng (Chief Operating Officer (CEO), Avantsar International Sdn Bhd), Emeritus Professor Yuen Kah Hay (Chief Scientific Officer, Avantsar International Sdn Bhd), Dr Sherlyn Lim (General Manager), Dr Fung Wai Yee (Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Manager), Dr Mohamed Noor Rosli Bin Baharom (Director of External Engagement and Advancement, Monash University Malaysia).
Monash University Malaysia’s School of Pharmacy has officially partnered with Avantsar Sdn Bhd by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 17 April 2025. This marks another milestone in Monash University Malaysia's commitment to initiatives focused on brain health, dementia awareness, and developing ethical, research-backed healthcare solutions.
The MOU was signed by Professor Stephen Boyle, Vice President (Education), Monash University Malaysia and Eric Kiu Kwong Seng, Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of Avantsar International Sdn Bhd. The signing ceremony was also attended by Emeritus Professor Yuen Kah Hay (Chief Scientific Officer), Dr Sherlyn Lim (General Manager), Dr Fung Wai Yee (Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Manager), and Nurul Azrianti Bt Abdul Aziz (Marketing Executive of Avantsar International Sdn Bhd).
Associate Professor Mahendran Sekar introduced avenues of potential collaboration, such as community-centred training programs for dementia caregivers, student-led research projects, and the exploration of natural compounds for neurodegenerative disorders. He emphasised the importance of bridging scientific discovery with meaningful societal impact.
"This MOU reflects our shared commitment to improving lives through innovation, education and collaboration. Working closely with industry is essential to ensure that our research is impactful and can truly change lives," shared Professor Stephen Boyle. He added that engaging with local industry and communities is significant. "Through this partnership, we aim to combine our strengths in education and community outreach with Avantsar's expertise and digital innovations to support critical causes such as dementia awareness and prevention."
The collaboration highlights Avant Health (Avantsar), recognised for its commitment to functional and sustainable health solutions. From evidence-based nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals to cutting-edge digital health tools, Avant Health champions ethical, science-driven approaches to enhancing brain health and addressing the stigma surrounding dementia. Its flagship campaign, Common Health, serves as a multidisciplinary platform to drive public understanding of cognitive decline through targeted research, community outreach, and innovative product development.
Spearheaded by Dr Wang Leong Seng and Dinesh Ramachandram, this MOU sets a progressive trajectory for translational research and industry engagement. By aligning the academic strength of Monash University Malaysia with the innovation capacity of Avantsar Sdn. Bhd., the partnership is positioned to transform scientific knowledge into practical, community-focused solutions. Together, both institutions aim to foster impactful health interventions that extend beyond the lab, bringing measurable benefits to populations across the region—particularly in the areas of cognitive health, ageing, and dementia care.