IMU International Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science Conference 2024: Celebrating Two Decades of Excellence and Innovation in Pharmacy

The IMU International Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science Conference (IPPSC) 2024, held from 29 July to 2 August 2024, was a momentous event to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) programme at IMU University. This conference underscored IMU’s dedication to advancing pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences through innovation, collaboration, and research translation.

The conference featured a rich programme designed to foster cutting-edge discussions and interdisciplinary collaborations. It began with a pre-conference panel where key industry leaders from the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS), Pharmaceutical Association of Malaysia (PhAMA), Malaysian Organisation of Pharmaceutical Industries (MOPI), AstraZeneca, Zuellig Pharma, Omni Health, and regulatory experts shared insights on pivotal industry topics such as AI and automation, setting a dynamic tone for the conference.

The main conference sessions focused on four key scientific areas: Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Pharmaceutical Technology and Formulation Science, Life Sciences, and Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Across these sessions, there were 92 presentations, including 12 invited lectures, 34 oral presentations, and 46 poster presentations, showcasing the latest research from local and international scholars.

The IMU International Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science Conference 2024 attracted 150 participants, with representation from IMU and external attendees from various regions, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Algeria, and Malaysia. This diverse attendance highlighted the conference’s global reach and IMU’s reputation as a leader in pharmaceutical education and research.

A key achievement was the support from 29 industry sponsors, including Boehringer Ingelheim, Gaia Science, Health Lane Family Pharmacy, Q&Z Cosmetics, IKA, IT Tech, Aeptec, Xepa-Soul Pattinson, YSP, Sunway Multicare, Ascen Plus, Hovid, DXCure, and many more. These contributions provided crucial financial and material resources, significantly enhancing the conference’s quality and impact.

The conference affirmed IMU’s commitment to advancing health through research and collaboration. Participants gained opportunities for professional networking, development, and building research partnerships. Industry visits to Duopharma and Intercosmetics Sdn Bhd offered attendees a unique perspective on pharmaceutical industry operations, inspiring future innovations.

Participants also enjoyed a complimentary excursion, further enhancing the conference experience by showcasing Malaysia’s cultural and natural attractions.

The conference culminated in a Gala Dinner, a highlight of the event, designed as a homecoming celebration for alumni and a gathering for industry partners, former staff, conference speakers, delegates, staff, and students. This special evening fostered connections, strengthened ties within the IMU community, and highlighted the achievements and milestones of the past two decades.

Organising Chair, A/Prof Dr Lee Choy Sin shared,

“IPPSC 2024 has been an incredible journey that brought together researchers, speakers, and participants from across the globe, creating a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange. Our collaboration with industry partners allowed us to secure 29 sponsors, which was pivotal in the success of this conference. The Gala Dinner was especially heartwarming, as it reunited alumni, former colleagues, and friends, highlighting the strong community spirit that IMU fosters. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the staff and student organising committee, the School of Pharmacy, and the University for their unwavering support and teamwork.”

Reflecting on the experience, the student organising committee lead, Olivia Sim (IMU Pharmacy Students’ Association President) expressed,

“Organising IPPSC 2024 has provided me with invaluable insights into the intricacies of event planning and project management. I’ve learned the importance of meticulous planning, effective communication, and adaptability in the face of challenges. The most significant takeaway was the power of teamwork. Working with a dedicated team and receiving guidance from our lecturer, Dr Lee Choy Sin, was truly inspiring. We created a platform for students to connect with professionals and foster a sense of community within the pharmacy field. This experience motivates me to strive for positive change and stronger connections in the pharmacy profession.”

The IMU International Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science Conference 2024 not only celebrated the BPharm programme’s legacy but also set the stage for future growth. By offering a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, professional networking, and research collaboration, IMU reinforced its commitment to excellence in pharmacy education and research, leaving a lasting impact on participants and the broader community.