My name is Liew Sook Ling. I was from PC218 cohort and graduated with an Honours degree in Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, IMU. Currently, I am working as a Research and Development (R & D) Analyst in the YSP Industries (M) Sdn Bhd.
Coming from a science stream background in secondary school, I certainly found myself having more interest in Mathematics and Chemistry but was not sure in which direction I should proceed after graduating from high school. I am glad that my teacher introduced to me this programme known as BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry which was only offered at IMU.
After doing some research on the programme, I was attracted by the modules and concepts delivered in this programme. I was excited and eager to learn more from this programme in order to develop a career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Throughout my four years of studies in IMU’s Foundation in Science and pharmaceutical chemistry degree programmes, I can say that I am well equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge through various learning activities such as lectures, tutorials, problem-based learning (PBL) and practical sessions. These sessions have prepared me well to work in the healthcare industry after graduating from the programme.
Reflecting back to my time spent in the undergraduate studies, one of the most memorable moments that I truly appreciate and am grateful for is the opportunity to complete my internship at Alpro Pharmacy Head Office & Distribution Centre in Seremban. In Alpro, the job scope was very much different from what I have learnt in university which had mainly focus on laboratory works.
In Alpro, I was given the opportunity to manage a fundraising project. Throughout the project, I learnt a lot of new skills such as promoting a product as a salesperson, financial management, content creation, video shooting and video editing. I also improved on my project management, communication and leadership skills. Not only that, the four months experience in Alpro has also made an impact on me to be a better future healthcare professional. The CEO and employees at Alpro had taught me a number of priceless knowledges on the philosophy of life, which I am keeping deep inside my heart and reminding myself every day so that I would never forget it.
After completing my degree, I am grateful that I managed to secure a job in YSP Industries (M) Sdn Bhd as a R&D Analyst, especially during the pandemic where finding a job is more challenging. As an analyst, my job scope is to perform chemical testing, mainly Assay, Related Substances, Dissolution and Disintegration tests on new products and raw materials using pharmacopoieal or in-house methods. With the technical skills and knowledge I have learnt in IMU, I am able to adapt myself quickly into the working environment and tasks given by my supervisor.
During the final year of my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to complete my final year project on method validation by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) under the supervision of Dr Wong Lai Chun. I had early exploration in operating the HPLC system on my own and this has given me an additional advantage in my work at YSP because as for now, I am to perform testing mainly using the HPLC system.
It cannot be denied that the Pharmaceutical Analysis modules were especially important and useful to me as an analyst.
It not only provides me with the basic knowledge on the concepts and operation of various analytical systems such as liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy and UV-VIS spectroscopy but also an understanding of the Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) which I utilise for my daily work as an analyst.
Apart from technical skills, the different learning activities such as group assignments, presentations and PBL at IMU and the internship experience at Alpro gave me more confidence to communicate and work with people from different races and backgrounds.
Being a fresh graduate who is considerably new to the real working environment, such skills are very important in building strong connections with colleagues as there are far more to learn from them besides what is taught in the books.
Working in a lab-based pharmaceutical industry has always been a life goal for me and I am feeling grateful that I have achieved it with all the effort and support from my parents, lecturers, friends and those who have helped me throughout my university life.
As for now, I am aiming to master the analytical skills required for my work and to be a Senior Analyst who can help my juniors. In future, I would like to further my studies to a postgraduate level, particularly in analytical chemistry as I enjoy working as an analyst.
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